Top Ten FriendFeed Friends Challenge

December 1, 2008 · 91 comments

TwiTip’s Top Ten ‘Must Follow’ Niche Twitter Lists were such a hit that I’m proposing a Top Ten FriendFeed Friends Challenge and would love it if YOU would participate. I’ve added a post on How Using FriendFeed Benefits You as further encouragement.

To kick it off the challenge here are my choice of exceptional Top Ten favorite FriendFeed users:

Louis Gray – Who else to kick off the list but our friendly neighborhood FriendFeed expert himself. Check out the latest post in his blog by guest writer Jesse Stay: Pull Your Blog Into FriendFeed and Increase Exposure.
Robert Scoble – I really started using FriendFeed because I wanted to join Robert Scoble’s discussion and talk to him directly. Read Scoble on Tech on the FastCompany blog. Visit his FriendFeed discussions any time or the ScobleRoom on Thursdays.
Mike Fruchter – Check out his series of FriendFeed Users to Follow on his Michael Fruchter Blog. You can start your FriendFeed profile by checking out his first thirty recommendations. (Direct links at the end of this post.)
Tamar Weinberg – From StumbleUpon to Twitter to Friendfeed to all her blogs, who doesn’t love Tamar? Catch up with her wherever you hang out. You won’t regret it. Be sure to check out her Avatar at StumbleUpon for your grin of the day!
ProBlogger – Did you know there is a Problogger Room at FriendFeed? If you’re serious about blogging this is one room you’ll want to frequent.
LifeHacker – Popular LifeHacker blog offers Tips and Downloads for Getting Things Done – [NOTE: Tamar and others have pointed out that they are NOT active at FF. I selected them on the quality of their blog but they only have a feed at FF.]
Zee – a prolific blogger on cutting edge technology.
Tim Hoeck – everyone can use a good programmer friend. Check out Tim’s blog and you might even finally figure out How to Use Yahoo Pipes – or maybe not (unless you’re a true geek).
Hutch – You’ll find some truly interesting tech posts and a dose of humor in his Hutch Tech Blog.
Gregory Lent – Read his insights on PostLinearity Beyond Linear Thinking

Why use FriendFeed? The number one reason for me is that you can have a discussion with people who are usually inaccessible because they’re so well known and so busy. You can sometimes chat with them live and other times weigh in on a conversation whenever you’re available and see the answers later.

It is also a fast, easy way to see all the posts someone has made in each of their blogs. If they have several (or many!) you can view them sequentially by just clicking on the orange feed buttons that look like this:

(Not everyone knows about feeds yet and we like to help everyone get up to speed.)

Special thanks to Derek Semmler for being the first major blogger to answer our challenge. Don’t miss the major Social Networking experts on Derek Semmler’s Top Ten Favorite FriendFeed Friends List (some of which I should have remembered to include on my own!).

NEW: Thanks to Joe Dawson for jumping right into second with his favorite FriendFeed Friends in the comments. Check out Eric Berlin’s Online Media Cultist Blog whose Follow These Ten People on FriendFeed and Your Social Media Powers Will Be the Stronger For It came in a close third.

There is an additional benefit to the challenge that we hadn’t considered. Each of the bloggers who’ve entered so far have added comments on their favorite FriendFeed users AND their take on why and how they use FriendFeed.

One of the best is Software Developer April Russo’s Cranial Soup‘s entry My Top Ten FriendFeed Friends. If you’re new to FriendFeed read her post

We’re off to a good start, but we can do MUCH better. We would love to hear from YOU too!

UPDATE: ELITE FRIENDFEED FRIENDS LISTS:

TOP FRIENDFEED FOLLOWERS LISTS:

RESOURCES ON HOW TO USE FRIENDFEED:

NEW: How to Get the Most out of Social Networking (Posted at Mashable, written by Wendy Boswell.)
15 Secrets of FriendFeed Power Users (Posted at LouisGray, written by Daniel J. Pritchard of Sharing at Work)
FriendFeed is Google Bait + 25 Ways to Use It

Tagged as: FriendFeed

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Russell who writes about CD Interest Rates September 4, 2009 at 7:32 pm

Friendfeed’s advantage is that the market is more specific. May be a detriment for maximum revenue but as much fun as twitter is, it is a time hog because it is so broad.

momonga Twitter: petsugarglider August 25, 2009 at 3:50 am Twitter: @petsugarglider

guess i’ll have to try friendfeed, i had never even heard of it. thanks for the nice list to get me started
.-= momonga´s last blog ..The Perfect Pocket Pet, Sugar Gliders =-.

The Therapist August 17, 2009 at 1:17 am

Hmm I looked at LifeHacker, wasn’t too impressed. However I do like Tamar Weinberg, and that was certainly a great choice, though I would put her at #1

Michael Fidler Twitter: michaelfidler August 2, 2009 at 4:10 pm Twitter: @michaelfidler

Thought I would say hi; just stopping by because I need to share your URL with a couple people. Hope all is well! Bye
.-= Michael Fidler´s last blog ..Hidden by Edén Ochoa Iniesta =-.

ngan hang July 27, 2009 at 12:39 am

thanks so much for sharing useful list,
.-= ngan hang´s last blog ..Joomla! License Guidelines =-.

Isis duo July 25, 2009 at 3:14 am

I have been using twitter daily, never used friendfeed, with you guys saying so much good things about friendfeed, its tempting me to taste friendfeed as well, let’s see how I like it!

iptools who writes about how to make money on the internet Twitter: iptools July 20, 2009 at 10:43 am Twitter: @iptools

I’m new to friendfeed but i just started updating my sites like 2 days ago so I am interested in learning more about it, Thanks for the post!
.-= iptools@how to make money on the internet´s last blog ..Small Business From Home – Small Business From Home, Start A Cake Business =-.

Internet Strategist who writes about GrowMap Twitter: GrowMap July 22, 2009 at 1:49 pm Twitter: @GrowMap: Hello ip,

Good luck with your sites. The most success comes from writing and researching what you know and love. Better to be a large fish in a small pond than a small fish in a large one.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..How to Create and Install Favicons =-.

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Alice Radio July 5, 2009 at 10:48 pm

after your words more I just realized sharing is so important for improving.

Internet Strategist who writes about GrowMap Twitter: GrowMap July 22, 2009 at 1:46 pm Twitter: @GrowMap: Hi Alice,

There is so much to learn the only way to do it is to keep at it a little at a time.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..Add a Twitter Field to Your Comments =-.

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quang online June 30, 2009 at 10:45 pm

I just look at your list, some link are useful for me.
Thank you.
.-= quang online´s last blog ..Online Marketing =-.

Internet Strategist who writes about GrowMap Twitter: GrowMap July 22, 2009 at 1:44 pm Twitter: @GrowMap: Welcome Quang,

There is much more here about online marketing so I hope you’ll subscribe and take the time to look around.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..How to Add Your Business to Merchant Circle =-.

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Michael Fidler Twitter: michaelfidler June 29, 2009 at 9:03 pm Twitter: @michaelfidler

This is the first time I’ve seen this post, but thanks Keith (a.k.a. Tsudo) idea today, I hope it gets a second wind!
.-= Michael Fidler´s last blog ..@tsudo Thxs! Your post got me thinking about when I first joined friendfeed. I thought I deleted my original acct,but I just found it again! =-.

Internet Strategist who writes about GrowMap Twitter: GrowMap June 30, 2009 at 11:22 am Twitter: @GrowMap

Hi Michael and welcome,

Does that mean you have two FriendFeed accounts now? Which one should we use?
This one: http://friendfeed.com/mikeroblogger ?
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..Intelligent Bloggers to Consider Reading =-.

Michael Fidler Twitter: michaelfidler June 30, 2009 at 5:48 pm Twitter: @michaelfidler

http://friendfeed.com/mikeroblogger is and will continue to be my main account. But, my original account, which is now renamed, is at . If I’m going to use it again, I will obviously figure out a more suitable name. But first, I need to figure out what I’m going to use it for. I never planned on having two accounts, but now that I do, I think it should have a purpose. I actually found a good use for it last night; I used it to do a research/experiment on friendfeed. I spent the better part of the evening testing out what it was like to be a new user again. If you’re interested, I’ll follow up in more detail what I learned. But basically; it was really boring! If you know of any good uses for a second account, I’m all ears. The one thing I have decided is to continue to use it only for comments, which is the way it was used when I started it. I’ve been making an effort in my regular account to comment more also. BTW: I hope you don’t mine if I add a list of my own here.

Internet Strategist who writes about GrowMap Twitter: GrowMap June 30, 2009 at 9:15 pm Twitter: @GrowMap

Thanks for the clarification. You could use one of them for different feeds. Some FF users have tons of feeds in their accounts and others only have their own blogs in them. Research might be a good idea. Use it to see how the FF experience varies depending on who you follow?

Have you read my post about Social Networking sites missing the boat on improving the user experience through making content on their interests and users who post it easier to find? That would also provide the very best way to monetize the site and provide a much needed way for small businesses to reach potential customers. See How to Optimize Social Networking Sites
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..Be Pro-Active and Take Calculated Risks =-.

Michael Fidler Twitter: michaelfidler July 4, 2009 at 5:27 am Twitter: @michaelfidler: No but I’ll read it. I just came by to grab the URL for this post, because I found a new person who is begging for help, but nobody’s come to her aid. I’m not surprised though. She’s only following 15 people. Somebody needs to make a quality screencast for new users. Oh, I’m leaning towards research right now. Have a great 4th of July!
Internet Strategist who writes about GrowMap Twitter: GrowMap July 22, 2009 at 1:43 pm Twitter: @GrowMap: Hi Michael,

There IS a video on how to use FriendFeed isn’t there? I better locate it and add it to this post. I would gladly assist anyone in need; however, there is no easy way for them to know who can help or how to reach them.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..How to Add Your Free Business Listing to infoUSA =-.

Agnes Jones June 28, 2009 at 7:52 am

Couldn’t agree more with your list, all those guys contribute so much to the community and you can learn some gems of wisdom from them if you’re lucky.

Internet Strategist who writes about GrowMap Twitter: GrowMap June 29, 2009 at 9:23 pm Twitter: @GrowMap: Welcome Agnes,

If I were creating the list today it would no doubt be much longer but I would still have those people in my favorites. I probably should update it with my special Must Read FriendFeed folks. I finally created a separate list to make sure I didn’t miss they share but especially to ensure I always see their blog posts.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..Freelancer Challenges – Logo Graphic Designers =-.

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belajar bisnis online Twitter: ashergben June 27, 2009 at 12:45 am Twitter: @ashergben

i love pro blogger.. he is very famous
.-= belajar bisnis online´s last blog ..Tendangan maut wisata seo sadau =-.

Internet Strategist who writes about GrowMap Twitter: GrowMap June 29, 2009 at 9:20 pm Twitter: @GrowMap: Yes, Darren is probably just as famous for the name ProBlogger as he is for his name – or even moreso. Given the Privacy Issues online I often use him as an example of why using your real name and photo are NOT really necessary.

It makes just as much sense to brand your blog name and Avatar with the added advantage of preserving your privacy and avoiding serious problems such as the death threats that Kathy Sierra and Michael Harrington faced.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..Intelligent Bloggers to Consider Reading =-.

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Lisa who writes about LED Torches June 26, 2009 at 9:57 am

Of all the social applications I have used FriendFeed is by far the best.

It will be interesting to see how it develops in the future in this fast paced sector.

Internet Strategist who writes about GrowMap Twitter: GrowMap June 29, 2009 at 9:13 pm Twitter: @GrowMap: Hi Lisa,

FriendFeed has always been a great place to have lively and complex discussions and now with the DM feature it is even better. I keep hoping they’ll respond to my post about Monetizing Social Networking sites to make all the quality content we share there more easily accessed.
.-= Internet Strategist @GrowMap´s last blog ..How to Add Your Free Business Listing to infoUSA =-.

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LCD Enclosures Twitter: LCDenclosures May 31, 2009 at 12:49 am Twitter: @LCDenclosures

I will certainly ber using Friendfeed, along with Twitter, so see how I fair, with some of you guys results I should some good response.

I look forward to adapting my campaigns to find friedns in my niche.

Graham Gallagher

Internet Strategist who writes about GrowMap Twitter: GrowMap June 18, 2009 at 5:13 pm Twitter: @GrowMap: Hello Graham and welcome,

I use Twitter, FriendFeed and cliKball now and if I could get Tweecious to work I would share the links I add at Twitter at Del.icio.us. StumbleUpon was my favorite before eBay bought them so I may be heading back over there now that I replaced HughesNet and had a new PC built. Maybe they’ll work with SU where the old system would not.

Did you notice the posts on finding niche users at Twitter? Geo-Target Twitter is one of them. They are filed in the Twitter category here. There are more Twitter apps now so perhaps it is time I re-visited that issue and shared the results of new research.

Internet Strategist’s last blog post..How to Add Your Free Business Listing to infoUSA

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simon May 28, 2009 at 10:45 pm

thanx for your list dude!

Internet Strategist who writes about GrowMap Twitter: GrowMap June 18, 2009 at 5:08 pm Twitter: @GrowMap: You’re welcome.

Internet Strategist’s last blog post..Intelligent Bloggers to Consider Reading

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therapist Twitter: tinababyk May 22, 2009 at 12:59 am Twitter: @tinababyk

I love friend feed, they are innovative, early adopters, they simply rock.

Internet Strategist who writes about GrowMap Twitter: GrowMap June 18, 2009 at 5:07 pm Twitter: @GrowMap: Hi Therapist,

I’m still sharing my best finds at FriendFeed as I have some major readers there. I wish Paul would acknowledge my communications / recommendations – so far not a peep from him. I would hope that Social Networking sites would be more “social” when their cheerleaders try to interact with them.

The founders of StumbleUpon (SU) bought it back from eBay so perhaps SU will be the Social Networking site that figures it out first and not FriendFeed.

Internet Strategist’s last blog post..Select Keywords First to Make Your Content Easy to Find

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joomla template Twitter: wowjoomla May 11, 2009 at 3:13 pm Twitter: @wowjoomla

I have been following many members on your list for a while. However most if not all are from the tech or social media niche. Friendfeed although still an early adopter tool needs the air to breath out of this space in order to gain mainstream appeal. Twitter gained this since it embraced the masses and not just a particulat niche. Maybe this is friendfeeds curse or is it its gift?

InternetStrategist who writes about GrowMap.com Twitter: GrowMap May 11, 2009 at 5:18 pm Twitter: @GrowMap: Welcome Joomla, Yes FriendFeed so far is for early adopters and I’ve blogged about why that is and what I wish they would do. Click on the post I’ve used as the link to this comment (not the Comment Luv link – the other one) to see what I suggested which they have never acknowledged no matter how many places and times I’ve offered it.

Twitter has broad appeal because it is not that difficult to figure out even for the non-technical. Even the least Internet savvy can type in a comment and click submit.

What every Social Media site really needs to do is make it very obvious and easy how to find what you’re interested in. As the post I suggested indicates StumbleUpon almost did it right before they were bought by eBay so now that they have been reacquired they might do it first.

Imagine you’re new to FriendFeed. How do you find those who share what you are interested in? You have to be somewhat savvy just to think to search. THAT is why it is still the playground of early adopters.

Add a link or two to lead folks into what a conversion expert would call a funnel and that would make a whole new game of it.

InternetStrategist’s last blog post..How to Create a Successful Blog Based Business Part 1

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Kate who writes about legal conveyancing Twitter: BTL_Mortgages May 8, 2009 at 9:09 pm Twitter: @BTL_Mortgages

I am very new to twitter, just trying to get my head around and don’t know much. Don’t laugh, but I seriously didn’t know how big it is.Thank you very much for these links, especially in my case for links in section :ON HOW TO USE FRIENDFEED. It will keep me busy for quite some time.

InternetStrategist who writes about GrowMap.com Twitter: GrowMap May 8, 2009 at 10:04 pm Twitter: @GrowMap: Hi Kate. Sorry your comment got caught by Akismet. I am very glad you inquired why. I do rescue real comments just about every day. Did you find the FriendFeed Twitter Quick Start post too? I will link it to the top link in this comment. (Not the CommentLuv featured post – the other one.)

You may also find some interesting information in the Social Networking category and Twitter and FriendFeed sub-categories. You can find those in the right sidebar (right column).

InternetStrategist’s last blog post..How to Create a Successful Blog Based Business Part 1

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InternetStrategist who writes about GrowMap Twitter: GrowMap April 9, 2009 at 10:29 pm Twitter: @GrowMap

@Bill Masson Good to know you’re here and at FriendFeed and Twitter. If those links did not answer all your questions do let me know and I’ll offer what I know or research to find what you need.

@Bill from CrosswordPuzzles Isn’t Tamar’s Avatar great? I really miss it where she doesn’t use it. I’m a fan of using Avatars instead of photos for many reasons.

@Gas forum You are absolutely correct that it is better to have dates on comments. Instead of updating this Theme we have been planning to change to Thesis as soon as my friend who handles the technical aspects can free up enough time to work on it.

He is a Project Manager and very busy with a major launch. To complicate things the current Theme is not widget-ized so there may be some major challenges involved.

We have added plugins including the Twitter comment field which will automatically add your Twitter account to all comments you have ever left and are planning to add threaded comments too.

InternetStrategist’s last blog post..What IS a Social Media Expert?

Gas forum April 6, 2009 at 1:06 pm

Growmap would be nice to have dates on peoples comments? Nice blog.

InternetStrategist who writes about GrowMap Twitter: GrowMap April 28, 2009 at 2:55 pm Twitter: @GrowMap: When we upgraded to Thesis and turned on threaded comments we also picked up the dates and times you wished we had.

InternetStrategist’s last blog post..WordPress 2.7 Threaded Comments Works In Thesis

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