Blogrolls, needles and haystacks -- a conundrum
Everyone knows that finding good information on the internet is like finding a needle in a haystack, right? In fact, it's worse than that because when you find a needle at least you know it's a needle, as opposed to something masquerading as a needle; you don't have to go looking for objective proof that it's a needle.
So why do so many "edubloggers" think that the concept of blogrolls, which are lists of blogs that subscribers to a blog subscribe to, and similar devices (such as, in effect, shared favorites) are so wonderful?
I can see the (superficial) attraction of having many more potential sources of information, but if finding good information is like finding a needle in a haystack, what is the point of increasing the size of the haystack?
You may have read this before; here's why.
blogrolls in News & views 
Reader Comments (2)
Conversely I see it as reducing the size of the haystack. The blogs I read/subscribe to have been chosen because I find the authors interesting, and often a great source of educational ideas or views. There is a good chance that they are also subscribed to blogs that are written in a similar vein and of a similar quality. I've found some great educators to "follow" through others' blogrolls or bookmarks.
Thx for commenting, Pam. Well, you are right, of course. In an analogous way, in one of my presentations at the BETT show next week I'll be mentioning loads of sources of news for educational ICT strategists, but will be highlighting the three which you have to follow whatever else you do. In fact, the best blogrolls I've seen are the ones which list about half a dozen blogs: I can cope with that!
I've just published another article that explains my thoughts in more detail:
http://www.ictineducation.org/home-page/2010/1/7/8-reasons-not-to-have-a-blogroll.html but thanks for pointing out the potential haystack-reducing effect of blogrolls!