People from left and right, even from the inside, are pitting b5media and 9Rules as if they are direct competitors in the blog network arena. More often than not, it’s pretty entertaining actually. Ok, so Scrivs and his gang over at 9Rules almost always spit the first lovely words.

What I would have liked to see is less comparison between the two and more on other existing blog networks with a real business model, say WeblogsInc, Creative Weblogging or Gawker Media. See b5 and 9Rules are like apples and oranges. The guys over at b5 started the network with money a business model in mind while the troops at 9Rules are in it for the frat-effect.

Let’s look at it in terms of accountability — the management at b5 is accountable for all of the blogs under it, obviously because they own them; 9Rules on the other hand, is just concerned about the community or what I would call the badge fraternity (remember “me-too” mentality?). The problem with badge fraternity is that it boils down to public perception, which could work both ways — your blog could be identified with a cool group (with great content?) or you being a member of the cool group patronizing the actions and demeanor of the group’s founders. So Scrivs being crass and all that jazz does not help the identity of the community.

Second, the community (9r) you are espousing creates an aura of elitism? So while you create a bond amongst yourselves, you also pile up a tall wall between your community and the rest of the blogosphere.

Whereas, on a blog network with a solid business model (b5), all rules are laid out and decisions based on the economics of supply and demand. At the end of the day, it’s all about business decisions.

Then, we look at content and the motivations to create great content. B5 has some standards and the motivation is fairly simple (bigger payouts at the end of the month). With 9r, well content is already there and they’re just picking golden needles in a haystack and showcasing them to the rest of the audience. The motivation — you get to be included in a glorified bookmark.

I always say and I’ve learned this the hard way — all is fair in love and war. And yes, this might seem like a war for readership for others, credibility for a few and profit for the rest. Still, there are lessons to be learned here.

So, which business are you into?

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