The Top 10 Generation Y Blogs

Readers can select blogs by any method they deem fit; however, they are encouraged to consider some of the following criteria:

* CONTENT
* Frequency of updates
* Valuable and interesting links (embedded or in the blogroll)
* Aesthetic (i.e navigation, functionality, and to some extent looks)
* Ability to incite conversation, thought-provoking comments/discussion

UPDATED RANKINGS: 6/1/09
-- Previous Ranking in Parenthesis --

10. (Tie) Brazen Careerist (RV) - Penelope's blog is about career advice, and her of course.Love her or hate her Penelope's blog makes you think, and I suspect that's why she's always in the mix when I start assembling this list every other month. Rebecca says it best, "Just accept that she does a great job at her job - pushing others to think differently, learn about their own values, form opinions, and create dialogue." Carlos had a great discussion on his blog about back story usually being unnecessary, though with Penelope it's so damn interesting that's why you read her posts in the first place.10. (Tie) Justice For All (NR) - Akihila writes primarily about human rights, but also mixes in social enterprise, social media, and her musings on work and life.I love that this month's blog features lots of new writers like Akihila, but just as important, a breadth of topics that span a lot further than just 'social media,' and marketing. She's been pumping out a lot more content than a lot of the blogs on this list, and all of them are insightful and feature a wealth of depth. Make sure you check out her piece on the importance of social change.

9. The Mad Grad (7) - These ladies dish out advice based on their own experiences that they hope will be helpful in your quest for the perfect job, house or roommate!

Ashley and Jenny were #1 on our inaugural list (well, once we started the voting process), and one of only four blogs to make all three lists so far. The ladies have great chemistry with one another, just recently surpassed their one year of blogging milestone, and continue to consistently put out content that covers a wide variety of really interesting topics affecting Gen Y and the transition from college to the real world. As a side tidbit, I love that they're unafraid to share some pretty random stuff; it keeps them feeling 'fresh' for me.

8. Employee Evolution (5) - Dedicated to helping the millennial generation answer the hard-hitting questions that come with the biggest transition of their lives.

After two weeks of holding steady at #5, Ryan dips down to eight. Is it any coincidence that Penelope jumped up this week? I suspect it's an elaborate conspiracy to overtake Ryan has the go-to Brazen blogger for this particular voting community. The fact that he remains on this list in spite of his volume decreasing is a testament to the value he provides when he posts, or his ability to lure people to vote for him with placement on Brazen's main page. I appreciate that he provides real advice based on real experiences and doesn't piggy back on re-hashed content from the Gen Y echo chamber.

7. Jun Loayza (NR) - This blog documents Jun's successes and failures throughout his journey as an entrepreneur,and his attempt to balance love for his startup with love for his girlfriend.

It's about time people started taking notice of not only the sheer volume of value Jun is providing, but also the quality and relevance of his posts. With extremely practical and useful posts, and a keen eye for a solid aesthetic and vivid visuals that really breathe life into his posts, there's little doubt in my mind Jun's a grinder; one that is going to succeed at all costs. In addition to his writing, he's put a lot of time and effort into growing the "Gen Y" community (along with others on this list), something we should definitely commend him for.

6. Life After College (NR) - Jenny's mission is to provide simple, practical tips that help you focus on the BIG picture of your life...not just the details. Find tips and resources for life, work, money, happiness, productivity, personal growth and more.

Practical. Consistent. Relevant. There are countless ways to describe Jenny's blog, but they all boil down to one thing, tremendous value. Covering a very wide spectrum of issues that face Generation Y, I genuinely feel Jenny is just starting to hit her stride, and that's scary, because she's had some great posts lately (and her community is responding via a wide array of thoughtful commentary.) Make sure you check out her two part series on creating a professional development strategy. (Part I -- Part II)

5. Interesected (NR) - Jamie's personal blog where she write about everything and nothing at the same time; anything she finds interesting or worth talking about.

What can you say about Jamie? She's kind of like a beautiful mess. And I mean that in the best way possible. She does a tremendous job of stripping off all the layers and exposing her core and what makes her tick. I hesitate to lump her because she's certainly got her own unique approach, but if you're unfamiliar with her work you could probably liken her to Penelope or Holly. She's equal parts insightful, intuitive and down right hilarious. Reading her thoughts on screen sometimes feels like a brilliant painter slinging paint on a blank canvas; always a treat.

4. Politicoholic (1) - This blog is currently host to Nisha's commentary about a wide variety of issues, mostly political and social.

I don't know what to say about Nisha's blog that I haven't already said the last two editions of this list. Until the last few ballots trickled in, I thought she might very well repeat. She was neck and neck with the #1 blog on this list before a late surge by a couple of talented ladies. The more I read Nisha the more I realize that it's not just that she's one of the few Gen Y bloggers that attacks politics in such a profound way, it's not that she's kind and generous and always contributing to other people's blogs, and it's not that she is great at engaging her community. None of those things hurt, but the fact is, Nisha is just a brilliant writer. Make sure you congratulate her on her new job and wish her luck in Washington, DC.

3. Modite (6) - This blog gives career advice for a new generation of workers.

From 8, to 6, to 3, Rebecca just keeps climbing the Gen Y top blogs ladder. Like Nisha, I'm running out of nice things to say and she didn't add any new features like vlogging or agree/disagree this month, but it doesn't take most readers long to realize Rebecca has a wealth of experience, a great since of practicality and a phenomenal ability to convey her messages to her readers. If you did an average comment per post, I suspect Modite's ratio is higher than most on this list so evidently what she's writing is resonating with her readers. Besides, by now we all know that just trying isn't good enough.

2. Small Hands, Big Ideas (NR) - Musings and Inspiration on Technology, Career and Generation Y

I prefaced this list on Twitter as one that would shake things up, and it certainly has as Grace Boyle's blog makes its debut in the number two slot. My first inclination is to ask why nobody has pointed this blog out to me way before now, but this should be about Grace. Speaking of which. Stop reading. Seriously. Go to her blog now and subscribe. WAY more than 47 people need to be reading her blog. Okay. I'm done now.

Whether it's showing us inside an intimate moment with a friend, giving us great advice on how to relocate, highlighting local businesses in a way that makes me care knowing I'll probably never encounter any of them, or generously linking out to others, Grace is very deserving of this debut. But don't believe me, go read her content. Well, right after you check out the #1 blog for the Month of June!

AND THE TOP GEN Y BLOG FOR JUNE IS%u2026..

1. Life Without Pants (NR) - The blog about everything and nothing: Without restrictions, without cause. The latest on Gen-Y, technology, philosophy, and more!

I cannot lie, in the back of my mind I thought he'd make a run. Hell, I've been telling anyone who will listen this last month to keep an eye on Matt because he was up to some big things. One of the BEST I've encountered at engaging his community/readers and really generating enthralling conversation in

Ryan Paugh - Ryan's blog of late has focused on highlighting interesting points of emphasis surrounding his brazen community.

Personal Branding Blog - Your #1 resource for personal branding online. this blog includes podcasts, interviews with experts, insightful articles, research reports, games and much more.

Ben Casnocha - A blog about entrepreneurship, books, current affairs, and intellectual life.

Gen Pink - Elysa's blog about being a twenty something woman, and letting others know how our generation is different than those before us.

The Rest is Still Unwritten - Tech News and Random Ramblings from a 20-something year old bachelor.

Twenty Set - Insights into graduate school, married life, Chicago, new media, and being a passionate 20-something navigating the real world.