AWARD-WINNING BLOGGER and web-savvy developer Robin Blandford arrived in my flow of daily news again, this time the subject of a Blogspot review by John Collins. "Being located in Singapore didn't prevent Robin Blandford picking up the Best Technology Blog category at the recent Irish Blog Awards," writes Collins in today's Irish Times. Robin was named as "one to watch" by uber-blogger Damien Mulley at the end of 2007 and the flow of innovation from his direction certainly justifies that spotlight of attention.
"Although he wasn't able to make the ceremony in person, his mother had been nominated for her peronal blog, The Biopsy Report, and stepped in to collect the gong.
"Blandford has proven to be a popular choice with his fellow bloggers. Possibly because he's been based in London and Singapore for much of is blogging career--he is on a technical graduate employment scheme with Reuters--Blandford stands at a remove from the local blogging scene.
"As a result, he can bring a fresh viewpoint to issues that often are the subject of a cosy consensus at home.
"Lately, he's been talking about how micro-blogging platforms such as Twitter and Jaiku, which allow you to give your friends constant quick updates of what you are doing and thing, will lead to information overload (although, in true geek style, Blandford seems to relish the prospect).
"He has also suggested that the current social network sites such as Facebook and My Space were way too similar and that someone needs to come up with something fresh.
"Add to that coverage of technology events in Asia such as the Facebook Developers' Garage in Singapore earlier this month and Blandford's posts are well worth monitoring.
"Blandford also makes an effort with the appearance of his blog rather than relying on one of the minimal templates that have become de rigeur. He illustrates posts with pictures from his travels in southeast Asia and also recently overhauled the design of his blog with quirky headings and graphics.
"As if his day job and ByteSurgery wasn't enough to keep him occupied, Blandford also edits TeamGearedUp.com, a group blog covering outdoor adventure topics."
John Collins -- "Take a Byte of tech blogging" in the Irish Times Business Technology section, 14 March 2008. Collins listens to Jaiku more than he updates his microstatus.
Bonus Link: ByteSurgery tagged on Flickr.
