UPDATE:
This list is no longer being updated, but Rick Bruner now runs a site dedicted to this very topic called BusinessBlogConsulting.com.
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
As promised in the I-Blog Discussion List, here is the big list of business-oriented weblogs. I hereby pledge to keep the list up-to-date, so feel free to send me more such examples.
Note to would-be contributors: The point here is to include blogs that support businesses. I am not so much interested in B2B blogs written by business-nerds that track a particular niche, or blogs written in someone's basement and have nothing to do with supporting a real business. Likewise, I'm not interested in blogs that are in themselves businesses (i.e., media companies). Submissions should be blogs that serve a business-support role along the lines of marketing, thought leadership, customer support/community development, human resource, etc.
These are in no particular order, but for those of you who might like to check back here regularly, I date these, so you can see what was updated most recently (in reverse chronology, in good bloggy spirit):
Updated as of 9/23/03:
TechDirt
Mike Masnick writes: Another possible "business blog" for your list is the blog from my company: Techdirt, which has been online since 1997 and acts as promotion for our enterprise blogging business. We provide private, branded corporate intelligence enterprise blogs to our clients. Basically, we're a corporate intelligence firm - keeping up to date on everything our clients need to know about, and then telling them about it (summary, link, analysis, context) in a blog format. We've been doing it since 2000 which might make us the very first example of a business blog…
MailBlocks
Mailblocks is a popular anti-spam email service whose CEO recently started a blog. So far, the topics of posts are mainly limited to product announcements. I'd be interested to see them branching out and commenting more on the challenges facing email management in general, but this is an interesting start.
Craig Newmark
Creator of the super-popular free classifieds service Criag's List now blogs.
Ovation Advertising
This ad agency uses a blog-like format to update clients and prospects on ad industry news.
Beta-7
From ESPN and Sega, supposedly the blog of a beta tester for ESPN NFL video game. Includes lots of video clips, including those supposedly of commercial out-takes and rejects. Has active following by gamers who leave lots of comments. A genuine blog (though it doesn't link off site, as far as I can tell), down to the "Powered by Moveable Type" disclaimer.
Wesley Clark Weblog
Of course the new Democratic presidential candidate has his own blog already (written by campaign staffers, not the candidate himself). Virtually all the candidates have blogs after early front-runner Howard Dean demonstrated a blog's power in tapping constituents for donations and action.
Democrats.org
In fact, the Democratic National Party has its own blog, with the surprisingly impolitic title "Kicking Ass" (which just makes it sound like they're trying too hard to be hip, if you ask me).
Actress Allison Mack of WB's Smallville
German-born actress Allison Mack of the WB Network's new Superman show, Smallville, maintains an out-of-character blog on the WB's site. The blog includes tips on how to blog, various personal details about herself and a growing photo gallery, which ties in to the page's sponsorship from Kodak.
Trademark Blog
Commentary on trademark case studies, news developments and legal issues from lawyer Martin Schwimmer.
CNET News.com
While MarketingWonk had to change its name from Up2Speed due to a trademark dispute, CNET has adopted that moniker for its new set of blogs, featured on the site's recently redesigned homepage. So far, the blogs link mostly to CNET story, which is kind of missing the point about blogs, but maybe they'll come around to a more enlightened approach as they get the hang of it.
MarketingProfs BlogBytes
Research and other commentary about Internet marketing from i-marketing publishing site.
Escalan's Escablog
Blog supporting marketing strategy company run by Derek Scruggs, long-time evangelist of email marketing best practices.
Inscene Embassy
German fashion label Inscene has drafted young people in several cities around the world — including Tokyo, New York, London and Berlin — to maintain weblogs as cultural embassadors for the brand.
Updated as of 8/22/03:
Bold Career Blog
Career coach Ian Christie recently started a blog to promote his consulting service and online career assessment tool.
Gartner Blogs
Like its competitor Jupiter Research, IT consulting firm Gartner maintains a series of blogs written by its analysts, some freely available, some for clients only.
BostonWorks Job Blog
Of course, tons of media sites have blogs at this point, which I'm trying not to include many of on this list, as they're not much different than a new kind of opinion column in most cases. I make an exception in linking to the Job Blog, as it's so well focused on a business-related topic. Would be a great idea for an employment agency to duplicate (or better, to have thought of first).
Rolling Stone RSS Artist Syndication
Not really a blog, but Rolling Stone has adopted RSS to let you subscribe to news about your favorite musicians. Cool enough to make the list.
Trade Show Marketing Report
From Rich Westerfield, a veteran of trade show marketing. "A look at what's working, what's not, who's on top of their game, who should hang it up. News, reviews, opinions, epiphanies and occasional sillines in the world of Trade Show Marketing."
John Porcaro: mktg@msft
From "Group Manager on Microsoft's Home and Entertainment Division's PR and Communications team." A breezy combination of his thoughts on marketing and technology, as well as family and personal life. It's not explicitly a Microsoft blog, but given his disclosure of his business title, it can't help but to reflect on Microsoft to a degree. A nice blending of the professional and the personal.
Seth Godin
Everyone's favorite visionary marketing author, speaker and consultant, Seth Godin blogs, of course. The blog has gotten a lot better from when it started and was little more than self-promotion. I notice the blog, a TypePad blog, does not link back to his main consulting site. Oops.
Kalsey Consulting Group
Blog from web site development firm.
PR Studies Blog
While not exactly a business blog, as it's produced by the UK's Leeds Business School, close enough.
August Capital's Venture Blog
Sporadic blog (posts seem to average once a week or so recently) from investors in August Capital.
Fast Company Blog
Still struggling to stay hip, trendy business magazine Fast Company recently launched a blog. We know and like key contributor Heath Row, however, even if he is named after an airport.
Hammock Publishing's Rex Blog
From Hammock Publishing's CEO Rex Hammock, whose company specializes in publishing client magazines. The blog focuses on the magazine industry, custom publishing and business communications.
MediaMap Blog
MediaMap, which services PR companies with information about trends in the
media industry, recently started a blog.
JohnKerry.com
Senator and 2004 presidential candidate John Kerry's web site maintains a blog written by campaign staff, a la Howard Dean (see below somewhere).
MaryCarey.com
Porn star and California gubernatorial candidate Mary Carey's site features a Blogger.com blog. WARNING: nude images.
Travels With Tom
Rather boring, ernest blog by Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle.
ReachCustomersOnline.com
Supporting the consulting business of Tim Slavin.
Alberta Entrepreneurs Association
Another great example of a small organization using a weblog to keep the site dynamic and useful.
CKER Radio Community Calendar
Edmonton radio station's community calendar. This is a perfect example of a business blog — many radio stations could copy this model.
Universal College of Reflexology
I can't remember how I came across this now, and as a weblog it's a bit unorthodox, but the site is clearly built out of some weblog-type engine.
E-business Tutor
"Web site promotion resources and training for small business and home-based business." Hard to tell if this is still updated regularly, as the posts don't contain dates.
Updated as of 7/28/03:
Blogger.com and Status.Blogger.com
Friend of Rick, Jason Shellen, business development wonk at Blogger/Google points out that Blogger has what is clearly a biz blog on its homepage, albeit one that is rather infrequently updated, all things considered.
The Unofficial Dave Barry Blog
I guess this counts. It's anyway refreshingly amusing as far as these business blogs go.
LooseTooth.com Shop
Shop blog supporting artist Brandy Agerbeck. A bit of a stretch, but we'll let it slide in.
Netcraft
Weblog supporing security services firm that has long distinguished itself on the Net by providing statistics about web traffic.
HealthShow
Weblog supporting nationally syndicated public radio program. Why all public radio shows don't have blogs is a mystery to me.
Jones Soda
Disappointing attempt to be trendy by cool alternative soda. Problem is their bloggers apparently aren't disciplined, letting weeks go between posts.
CRA CommLog
It's not entirely clear what this company does, but it is quick to point out they "are not a PR, media relations, or media production firm–we are a team of consultants educated in Communication Science and devoted to advice that works, responsive service, and lasting client relationships." Hmm. Sounds sort of like a PR firm, but I'll let you be the judge. They also point out 4/5ths of the employees have doctorates. Sounds like PR folks with chips on their shoulders…
Smart Mobs
Weblog supporting book "Smart Mobs: The Next Social Revolution" by Howard Rheingold
Collax's Take
Blog to support Collaxa, a web services publishing platform.
CommonCraft
Blog supporting consulting work of Lee LeFever, who helps companies manage online communities and other "social software resources."
Kuhlman Auction Service
Consulting firm focused on helping organize in-person auctions.
Citizens League of MN
Blog by the president of Citizens League, which a public policy advocacy and lobbying group in Minnesota.
Olympus Athletic Club
Weblog supporting chain of local fitness clubs.
Public Journalism Network
Weblog for journalism association.
Club 95
Bar & restaurant blog
Scott Neal
Blog by Eden Prairie, MN city manager.
International Assoc. for Learning Alternatives
K-12 educational association
EdVisions
K-12 Educational Cooperative
Putting Family First
"A group of citizens building a community where family life is an honored and celebrated priority."
Wigley & Associates
Consultancy specialized in web development and online marketing and community services.
Save Me Money Online
Israel-based flower wholesalers.
Tax Guru
Tax consultant.
Astronaut Ed Lu's NASA Space Blog
Blog from space. No kidding. Expedition 7 NASA ISS Science Officer Ed Lu is presently blogging from the International Space Station.
Blog for America
Official campaign blog for Democratic presidential hopeful (2004 election) Howard Dean, which is setting records for online political fundraising.
Updated as of 7/18/03:
Macromedia's Product Community Blogs
Microsoft's .NET Community Blogs
More than a dozen blogs supporting Microsoft's .NET web networking technology.
Groove Networks Blogs
Blogs of staff of this software company, including well-regarded blog of CEO
Ray Ozzie.
CapeScience's Cape Blog
Blog supporting CapeClear Software.
Bloomba Blog
Blog by publishers of spam-filtering software SAproxy.
Oddblog
Blog by publishers of spam-filtering software Oddpost.
Barbie Blog
Mattel's blogs for Barbie and her friend
Raging Cow
Dr. Pepper/7Up's blog for its new flavored milk drinks, subject of controversy
among bloggers for some ham-handed PR efforts.
BizNetTravel Travel
Log
Business travel-related weblog supporting this travel agency.
Roundtable Communications
Blog
Blog and business focused on teleconferencing and other "virtual communications"
Contented Cow Restaurant
Blog for "a non-smoking Northfield pub and wine bar with a British accent."
Chapati Restaurant
Blog supporting "A Taste of India in Northfield Minnesota."
The
Great Team's Real Estate Blog
Hideously ugly, well-intentioned blog focused on real estate from Yorba Linda,
California.
San Francisco Real Estate
Blog
Infrequently updated San Francisco real estate blog from William Quick, who
also publishes political commentary on DailyPundit.com
(not to be confused with InstaPundit.com)
Urban Living Seattle
Weblog
Another real estate blog (on the blink, as of this posting)
The France Weblog
Supporting sales and rental real estate in France.
Northfield Construction
Web site and weblog for this construction firm, managed by Ray Cox, who is also
a Minnesota State Representative, who also has a political blog at RayCox.net.
Redland Baptist Church
Rockville, MD house of worship that publishes its entire site using Moveable
Type.
Jupiter Research Analyst Weblogs
More than a dozen weblogs by Jupiter's analysts on various e-media trends they
cover.
Microsoft Monitor
Also from Jupiter Research, a blog focusing on all things Microsoft.
Computer Digital Expo Blog
Blog promoting cdExpo conference, also associated with Jupiter Research's parent
company Meckler Media.
O'Reilly Developer Weblogs
Blogs for writers and consultants associated with O'Reilly & Associates
book publishers.
G2BGroup Blog
From G2B Group, a PR agency; blog
focused on "technology, communications, knowledge."
Online
PR Tidbits
PR-focused blog, perhaps the ugliest blog on the Net.
BlogAds blog
Blog about advertising on weblogs and related e-media themes.
Zeldman.com
Popular weblog about design and information architecture by Jeffrey Zeldman,
founder of Happy Cog, web development
agency.
BrainstormsandRaves.com
Blog about web design and development, associated with SKDesign
and Web Site Tips
Signal vs. Noise
Blog from web design and usability experts at 37Signals.
Adaptive
Path
A user-experience consulting group, this example is more an archive of essays
than a genuine blog, but close enough for consideration.
Column Two
"News and opinion on all things knowledge management and content management" from Step Two Designs, an Australian contentent management consulting firm.
Red Door Intelligence
Blog about advertising, Internet news, technology, wireless and other topics
related to Red Door's web development work.
Snark Hunting
Blog about naming and branding issues, produced by branding consultants at Igor
International.
Coudal Partners
Blog (homepage) for advertising and brand development agency.
Gas Station 347
Blog for "professional communication producers" agency.
Cheskin Expert Weblogs
Weblogs of employees of this strategic market research firm.
XBlog and BBlog
Blogs focused on "visual thinking" (whatever the hell that means)
and marketing from these "visual thinking" consultants (best I can
make out it's new jargon for management consulting of some flavor).
Focused Performance
Blog focused on organizational effectiveness for consultancy with the same orientation.
America's
Army Afghanistan Weblog
Blog by Army officer formerly stationed in Afghanistan, in support of first-person-shooter
computer game co-owned by the U.S. Army.
Ultima Online News
Customer community service weblog for Ultima, a "massive multiplayer online
game" (MMOG) from Electronic Arts, the biggest game company in the world.
Camelot Herald
Customer community service weblog for Mythic's Dark Ages of Camelot, another
popular MMOG.
Blogs
Supporting Microsoft's Asheron's Call
Microsoft links to a host of blogs maintained by players of its popular MMOG
Asheron's Call.
Clip-n-Seal News
Blog supporting household tool for resealing bags
Gary Hart News
Blog written by former politician (Senator and presidential candidate), book
author, consultant and public speaker Gary Hart.
OutThere.tv
Four blogs for characters of Out There TV, a product of Sesame Workshop and
the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Lycos 50 Blog
"Comments on Internet Culture and Search Trends with Aaron Schatz."
Was a column, now adopted a blog format, to promote the Lycos
50 Buzz Index.
