11 (not necessarily Top-n) Lists
As you are certainly well aware, I made my first top-n list recently. In the past, I have generally looked down upon making top-n lists as content, but the experience opened my eyes. I realized how much I actually list top-n lists; they really suck you in. So here it comes: a list of 11 lists.
Some of these lists are not top-n lists, but rather just lists. I included them, because I’m cool with that. I didn’t include more than one list from a single site, because I figured that would be cheating. This list is actually ordered, but I put the best ones first. I like breaking traditions. I’ve also pointed out my favorite, so you can tune your attention to the proper opinion.
1. 100 (Really) Creative Business Cards
Why it’s great:
I found this when I started designing my business cards (I still am) and absolutely fell in love. I want to steal every single idea, so you know it’s great!
My favorite:
I really like all the transparent ones, and I think that’s what I’m going to end up doing with my cards, but the ones that joke about marriages falling apart; ya those are great too.
2. 60 Really Cool and Creative Error 404 Pages
Why it’s great:
Because the standard 404 error page is not only boring, but confusing. Regular internet users really need to be spoon-fed what is going on, and that kind-of error makes people think something is wrong with their internets. I can’t tell you how many people called Geek Squad about 404′s. These error pages make life a lot better for everyone, even if they don’t explain what is going on.
My favorite:
It didn’t make the list, but I really like our 404 page.
3. Best of Phirebrush (2007)
Why it’s great:
Because art is everywhere, art is amazing, and with the internet, now more than ever, art is able to be proliferated in a very massive way. This list is the 60 best works of art on the Phirebrush, an art website.
My favorite:
It was really hard to pick from such an awesome list, but I’d have to say New York by Perttu Muro.
4. 40 most beautiful and inspirational websites of 2008
Why it’s great:
I’ve been doing a lot of web design as of late, and I really like where web design is heading these past couple of years. Though a lot of these designs aren’t exactly usable, they’re plenty beautiful. I love looking at these big lists of awesome websites, because they’re really something to aspire to.
My favorite:
Toucouleur, apparently a French design company, for their incredible use of awesome in web design.
5. Top 45 Creative Anti-Smoking Advertisements
Why it’s great:
So, some of these aren’t actual in-place anti-smoking ads, but this list has some seriously awesome graphics. In fact, a lot of these anti-smoking ads actually make me want to light up a big cigarette.
My favorite:
Honestly, I like the first one, but it’s really hard to pick, they’re all pretty cool. I also like the ones where the smoke forms the gun/noose.
6. 15 Most Bizarre, Exotic and Amazing Houses
Why it’s great:
I always love looking at pictures of houses that make me drool. One day, when I’m super rich, my house will make a list just like this one. I mean, I can dream, right?
My favorite:
The bubble house of Tourettes-sur-Loup, France. Clearly made in the 70′s, this house kind-of looks like an acid-trip.
7. The 25 Most Ridiculous Band Names in Rock History
Why it’s great:
Because some band names really are just completely random. The fact that bands succeed with names like Limp Bizkit proves that it really is about the music, right? You knew at least one cracked.com list was going to make the list, right?
My favorite:
I agree with the editor’s pick on this one, !!! (pronounced chk chk chk, or any triple repitition of three monosyllabic sounds). Just try to Google some information on this band. Great music; bad SEO.
8. Unusual and Creative Staircase Designs
Why it’s great:
Stairs are something you don’t usually enjoy; but if I were to have one of these sets of stairs in my house, I think I would run up and down them forty or fifty times a day. I like top-n lists with lots of pictures, and this one has just enough. They could be bigger though…
My favorite:
The stairs at the Longchamp Store. I find it somewhat unfortunate that they fence off the curvy parts, as I could imagine days of fun with those…
9. Top 100 April Fool’s Hoaxes Of All Time
Why it’s great:
The things people believe on April Fool’s! This list would have probably made it further down the list if it had more pictures, since I know that’s all the kids are interested in these days. In fact, the picture I used doesn’t even have anything to do with the list! All that aside, if you have a little time, read a quick few of these hoaxes, some of them are fairly intricate.
My favorite:
I’m not going to lie to you and say I read all 100, but my favorite of the ones I did read was #10: Planetary Alignment Decreases Gravity. What I love about this one is the power that academics have over people. I can totally see having read that story and going out and jumping in the air like an idiot.
10. 10 Impressive JavaScript Animation Frameworks
Why it’s great:
This list wasn’t put together by doing research like other top-n lists, no– that would make too much sense. Instead, whoever wrote it randomly searched “JavaScript Animation Library” in Google and picked the top 10 results, then pilfered descriptions from the websites to write about them. It’s great, because they included my library!
My favorite:
Why, jsAnim of course!
11. Top Five Most Awesome Products from Cince, Great Job!
Why it’s great:
We all love Tim and Eric, especially after a couple sandwiches late at night. One incredible feature of the show is the Cinco product advertisements. This list compiles some of the highlights, with links to video, if you missed any.
My favorite:
The reason this list is last on the list of lists, is because it is missing my favorite Cinco product: Cinco boy.
After writing this entire list, I have now come to a fuller understanding of what it takes to compile top-n lists. I no longer consider them a cop-out.
I approve.