I've spent a lot of time in the last week researching SEO, mostly because I wanted to monetize my blog a little. I'm proud to currently have a Google Page Rank of 3, without out doing anything special (I've got to be doing something right, right?) But I want at least a 5. Unfortunately something also used to calculate a web site's popularity is Alexa, and my Alexa score needs work. The problem with Alexa is that it relies on the use of the Alexa toolbar, which is only available for Windows IE users. I have managed to drop it by 200k in a week, but it needs lots more work. So anyway, if you want to see how your blog or web site ranks, you can play with iwebtools to find out all sorts of information.

Another fun web thingie I came across is StumbleUpon. You create an account, download the toolbar and start stumbling! Based on the information you provide (what categories of blogs and sites you like) it will randomly take you around the web. You can favorite sites you like by clicking the thumbs up. I can easily get lost doing this for hours.

Lastly, some link love..

Commercial sites from my sidebar history:

• Zappos. I don't know a woman on the web, who can't get lost on this site for hours.
• Transformers, The Movie. Richard has been an obsessed fan since he was a kid. Its been passed down to Alex, Dylan and Connor. So much so, its likely that Optimus Prime was among their first words.

Blogs/sites new and old to me:

• Our friend, Laura, who finally figured out to burn a feed!
• MamaBlogga. How-tos and hints for mama bloggers. And a fun to read writing contest.
• The Drunken Housewife. I've been reading this one a long time. The adventures of Lola and Iris make me crack up every time!
• Ravelry. I don't know a single knitter around who hasn't heard of, already gotten an invite or is still waiting for theirs. An ingenious idea and another great place to get "lost in".

More later. Time to referee small children.