The Ones to Watch in 2012!

My take on top Bloggers!

Imagine an educational system where the same few books are circulated for reading and studying.
Imagine these popular titles being recycled month after month, year after year.
Imagine how limiting this would be in terms of students’ literary landscapes.
How restrictive it would be in terms of embracing and examining different writing styles, voices, untold stories and techniques.
Now, apply this concept to the world of reading Blogs...

To me, a similar principle prevails when it comes to giving exposure to quality Blog sites. Particularly within the writing niche. Maybe it’s just me, but oftentimes, when it comes to the “Top 10 Lists” that are assembled and shared year after year, it seems the same sites are recognized over and over again, leaving little room for other awesome, emerging “talent“.
Of course, this is not to disparage the Bloggers that have been regularly recognized; excellence deserves to be rewarded.

But, in my mind, a Blog doesn’t have to boast thousands of readers, or have a slew of comments, or keep the status quo to qualify as being noteworthy. Nor should it be about a popularity contest.

Quite to the contrary. Quality Blogging, (in my estimation), is defined by the value of the content, the consistency of the Blogger, writing skills displayed, originality, and the ability to connect and “converse” with diverse audiences.

With this being the criteria, here is my listing of the ones to watch in 2012!
These individuals that I consider "must-reads" are on the fast-track to success!
And I’m betting that if you haven’t heard of them before, you’ll be seeing them featured at a site near you soon. Make the rounds and you’ll discover why they’re among my favorites.

DRUM ROLL, PLEASE…AND THE WINNERS ARE:

BRYAN THOMPSON--ELEVATION LIFE.COM Bryan is a master story-teller! He knows the art of conversation. And it shows. He is one of the few Bloggers, that no matter how long his posts are, I will devour Every. Single. Word...for fear of missing something important or life impacting. He’s open, engaging, charismatic and shares lessons on a myriad of creative and personal topics.

GUOYBAS!--With Roland Gilbert. Get up off your butt and succeed is the message expressed by this acronym. Whether addressing relationship principles, sharing motivational thoughts, or providing success strategies, Roland Gilbert is “all that and a bag of chips“. I like that he’s straight forward, no-nonsense and non-apologetic. And you will too.

YES DIVAS CAN COOK!---Ah, yes, a Blog devoted to one of my favorite pleasures--food! Did I mention that when time permits, I dig trying new recipes? In fact, one of my hobbies is collecting recipe books; I have books on everything from crock pot cuisine, to desserts made from chocolate, to soul food spreads, to cooking with wine. Anyhow, here’s a site that seeks to dispel some of the stereotypes of modern-day women not being able to “throw-down “ in the kitchen like our old-school parents and grandparents. Trust, this chick knows her stuff! She’s even hob-knobbed with Nate Berkus. Monique’s mottto is “Old fashioned cooking for the modern super woman!” Stop by and check her out. Her videos are entertaining and easy to follow. Even if you can't boil water, there's hope for you yet!
If you try any of her recipes, be sure to let me know how it comes out.:-)

YOUNGPREPRO ---With Onibalusi, is a site with an array of topics for increasing your traffic and your bottom line. And here’s the clincher…this killer Blogger who boasts a monthly income of thousands of dollars is a teenager!
He has wisdom beyond his years. Not to mention, he has done great guest posts at just about every prominent site in the Blogosphere.

PRINCESS JONES of Diary of a Mad Freelancer---She's true "royalty" when it comes to being funny, fearless and full of opinions! You may not agree with her position on everything, but you can bet your bottom dollar that you won't be bored either. And you'll learn a thing or two about writing, creativity, and making the most of the entrepreneurial lifestyle.

Your turn. Thoughts? Any additions to this list?

Image: Stock Photo