wow thanks Marshall!! - Allen Stern

It can be hard to break into a more-visible role for both established and new sites. Try as we might, an old brand can pull a lot of credibility from network to network. But there is something said for using a service and growing a friend base organically. I wouldn't have used the word "anointed" as you did, but I'm pleased with the level of interaction and new contacts I've made on FriendFeed, and expect with focus, anybody can do the same, there or any other service. Aside from the pre-loading, as you note, the only other catch is that many people believe the way to get ahead is to "friend all" and win through mass, and quality over quantity still means something. Besides... who cares if you have 250 or 2500 or 25000 followers, unless you can engage with them well? - Louis Gray from FriendFeed MT Plugin

louis - traffic - Allen Stern

heh, what Allen said. Out in the world, a mention of Facebook friends # and it's always met with an OMG. :) - Eric Rice

Digg-FriendFeed-Seesmic scandal:( - Igor Poltavskiy

Aye, the "point" is that we all have enough digital ADD that it becomes easier and easier to engage massive audience and for most of us -- engage them well. Great post Marshall, though I will says that in the last year there have been a few new characters that have come into the public eye. The roster does change, but it's just a little too slow. - Steve Spalding

I am sorry, the Social Media Oligarchy is boring and stinks of Fascism! Unless Social Media networks will become more democratic they will be relegated to FAIL! It takes everyone to make a community not just Robert Scoble! - Igor The Troll יִצְחָק from FriendFeed MT Plugin

Newbies in any industry need to catch a break before they get their talents recognised and can move up the ladder. I think FriendFeed chose the default popular people wisely, they are nice guys and are happy to engage with the rest of us. Can you imagine that happening in other industries like fashion or TV? - Andy Murdoch