MyBlogLog recently launched enables bloggers to create a community around their blog by putting a social networking spin on site metrics. Like many site metrics packages MyBlogLog tracks web site traffic, however MyBlogLog also identifies and displays when other registered MyBlogLog users visit another registered MyBlogLog site. In a similar fashion to the photo site Flickr, MyBlogLog allows users to interact with other MyBlogLog users through contact and comment features. Each registered MyBlogLog account is assigned an author page which can you can add as a contact in addition to a community page focus on building a community around a blog or site. You can add me as a contact or join the Somewhat Frank community.
MyBlogLog offers free usage which delivers access to all of the main features yesterdays metrics with referring links, most popular out-clicks and most popular in-clicks. A premium offering is available for $3 per month or $25 for the year for real-time metrics.
Similar to the widget I configured above, I recently added the MyBlogLog widget to the left rail of Somewhat Frank. As you can see it is displays "Recent Readers" of Somewhat Frank that are also MyBlogLog users. The widget is pretty out of the ordinary as it displays individual metrics data which stirs up privacy concerns. One thing you have to keep in mind though is that all MyBlogLog users opt-in to have this metrics data shown. Mike Arrington recently tackled this concern and came to the conclusion that:
“So for now I am enjoying seeing what sites everyone else is visiting (and I love the fact that this person is a TechCrunch reader), but I’m not going to give away the sites that I visit just yet.”
In addition to the rail widget MyBlogLog has two other interesting features for blog owners. First, MyBlogLog displays the popularity of links on a particular blog page when a link is hovered over. Second, MyBlogLog displays a MyBlogLog profile photo inline in the comments section of a blog. Check out the comments section of this blog post as an example of inline profile photos.
MyBlogLog was founded by cofounder Eric Marcoullier and Todd Sampson two Florida natives. Scott Rafer is currently ceo and has leadership experience a a former ceo of Feedster and is the current chairman of WINKsite.
Bottom-line: MyBlogLog is a wonderful discovery mechanism. Upon signing up I found myself clicking on an endless number of other blogs and user in search of new and interesting people and blogs. Not to mention, I am seeing a number of new referrals from other users that have found my blog through the service. MyBlogLog helps transform the social media landscape into a better connected community by helping to introduce and place a face with a name in the blogosphere.
