Some people have said that Ricky Anderson and I are twins because we think so much alike. Other people have said that it’s more like distant cousins. The truth is that we aren’t related. What we do have in common is that we both blog and love reading blogs. That love has led to a conversation. Sports teams have All-Star Games, so why can’t bloggers. The following is the First Annual All-Star Blogging Challenge. Two teams. Team Ricky vs. Team Rob. Five bloggers each. You get to vote on which team you think is the best. The truth is that it’s just a fun way to feature some of our favorite bloggers. Enjoy.
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Team Ricky – The Team Most Likely to Communicate Back With You Compared to the Competition (TTMLTCBWYCTTC)
Matt Cannon – Matt is unstoppable. He has 5 kids, a wife and two jobs, yet he blogs every weekday without fail, and replies to every comment before the commenter can even finish thinking the comment. He’s not human, but he is funny…and a pastor who uses each post to teach a bit about Jesus. If you don’t vote for Team Ricky, you hate kids. And Jesus. And you probably kick puppies.
Knox McCoy – Knox, Knox. Who’s there? One of the best bloggers out there. Today, I reveal the Internet’s biggest secret: Knox is the secret love child of Tyler Stanton and Jon Acuff. He writes with Tyler’s wit and Jon’s gift of word structure and clarity. This guy will hit it big; it’s only a matter of time. A vote for Team Ricky today is a vote for the Internet of tomorrow.
Tyler Tarver – Tyler is truly original. He’s afflicted with focused ADD. Although he loves the Earth, there’s nothing recycled about him. He’s funny in print, video and origami. And he raps. It’s like a gift.
Leanne Shirtliffe – Radio. TV. Newspapers. Asia. The Internet. Leanne’s everywhere. In her spare time, she’s a middle school teacher and mother of twins (she had two to save time and money on birthday parties). Did I mention she’s Canadian? A vote for Team Ricky is a vote for gender equality and world peace.
Scott Moore – Scott Moore is one of the most kind and funny guys I know. He nails every post with deadpan clarity and/or hilarious Microsoft Paint illustrations. He’s one of my personal writing heroes, and that list includes Dave Barry and Patrick F. McManus. The best part about Scott is he doesn’t actually think he’s funny. His goal isn’t to impress you, yet that’s what happens…every time.
Team Ricky is the Dream Team of bloggers. They’ll make you laugh. They’ll make you think. They aren’t confined to any topic or medium. They’re not world-famous; they’re just awesome..and they’ll write you back.
If you love Jesus…
If you love kids…
If you love the Internet…
If you love equality and peace…
If you love socks…
You’ll love Team Ricky.
Team Rob – There is a good chance the Internet will shut down due to the sheer magnitude of awesomeness that is Team Rob.
Jon Acuff - Jon’s blog, Stuff Christians Like, is read by, I would say, a billion people. He’s funny, challenging and insightful. Jesus Jukes, Deep V-Neck Syndrome, and Side Hugs are just a few of his famous blogs. He’s pretty much the Michael Jordan of blogging.
Scott Williams – Scott Williams is the inventor of the virtual fist bump on Twitter. His blog will challenge you to Dream Big and to Think Bigger. If you are a pastor, leader, or just a human being you will enjoy his blog.
Bryan Allain – If Jon Accuff and Tyler Stanton produced a kid it would be Bryan Allain. He lives in Amish country so I’m not sure how he has power to use a computer. He’s gut busting funny.
Tyler Stanton – People falling, men getting hit in the crotch, and Tyler Stanton. What do they have in common? They are all things that are guaranteed to make a human being laugh. His blog was one of the first that I started reading. He inspired me to (attempt) to be funny on my blog.
Steven Furtick – Passionate. Audaciousness. Jump all over your toes. That’s how I would describe Steven Furtick’s blog. He has a unique take on this world. His writing makes me want to be a better Christ Follower.
Team Rob is the Ocean 11 of bloggers. Have you seen Oceans 11? How did they get that many big movie stars into one movie? Whether you are looking for humor, passion, leadership, or just some random fun this team brings the heat. Vote team Rob and God will bless your children’s children. Vote team Ricky and Rob will put a curse on you where all your babies will be born bald and naked.
Vote for which team is the overall best. Oh and what Blogging All-Star got snubbed?
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Wes did an awesome job on the artwork!
I don't like the idea of 'who got snubbed'. You, the basketball fan, limited us to 5 apiece.
Other bloggers I love, but did not mean to snub, include Joseph Robinson, Some Guy, Sharideth Smith, David Robbins, Rick Knowles, Burrill Strong, Jared Clifton, Kevin Keigley, etc.
When you told me there was a joke we duplicated, I thought, "There's no way he used the secret love child one."
Boy, was I wrong! But I guess that does mean we think alike.
Game on, Shepherd!
Those voting for Team Ricky receive a virutal fist bump and one of my children–you pick!
I'm so excited to be here, it's like that time I went to that party and everyone was hanging out and kissing and I threw up. So awesome.
I feel very undeserving to be in such esteemed company. I'm not really sure what esteemed company means but it sounds pleasant so I went with it.
Also, this makes 4 comments…all Team Ricky.
I'm shocked — shocked! — the Team Ricky "If you love…" section didn't include pancakes. (Shocked!)
Anyway, I like you both. I really do. But I'm Team Ricky because he made me embarrass myself by writing a guest post.* Is that a form of Stockholm Syndrome? Ah, who cares. I'm late for my appointment to get my TEAM RICKY 4EVER tattoo, anyway.
*In retrospect, I feel confident in saying it's still the greatest guest post in the entire history of guest posts written by people named Burrill. Ever. Ever ever.
Thank you for your vote. I'm think about getting the same tattoo to go along with the one across my stomach that says "Krispy Kreme 4 Life."
Embarrass yourself?!? That was the best guest post in the entire history of guest posts written by people named Burrill. Ever. Ever ever.
This is awesome! Hilarious descriptions and art at the top! :)
Ehhh… I bet you love your kids, so I'll take the fist bump.
It's hard when you stack a team with Knox McCoy and Tyler Tarver. It'slike mental illness overload, but always get the votes!!!the only way to describe them with some semblance of accuracy would be to compare them to a slurpee brain freeze. I mean that in the best possible way – you like it but have to wait until your head stops hurting for another serving.
Your assumption may be faulty
I like the art, too. It makes me look muscular. And like I have 2 distinct eyebrows.
I love Mr. Allain and Mr. Acuff and Mr. Williams and Mr. Stanton. But…I can't vote for that full slate. Threw a vote in for team Ricky.
I think I'm going for Team Ricky – only because I follow and know more of the ones on that team
Great idea for the All-Star Competition. I follow more of team Rob, so I'll vote for them. But I'm going to check out the blogs on Team Ricky… so your marketing worked on me…
Attaboy Jason. Underdogs unite!
Cindy, you are a fantastic woman with great taste.
threw in a vote for team ricky. why? because at least a couple of those guys have done guest posts for me.
you hear that acuff and stanton? burn!
Can I vote for one team, but pray that the other team wins???
Great idea & fantastic artwork! Team Jacob though….voted for Rob's team here.
That depends on what team you vote for. If it's mine then yes. If it's Ricky's then no but I'll still take the prayers.
As long as you vote for Team Ricky, this is allowable. We thank you in advance, and may your children be many and/or few, as would meet your desires.
Score. Maybe it's because of my last name but your blog name is amazing!
Is it rude to boo? Booo. I kid, I kid. Hey it's not too late to find another computer and put down a vote for Team Rob.
Love that analogy. I just wish you had one for team Rob.
Thanks! The amazing Wes at wesdraws.com did it. He's a ninja artist.
Does that mean you will vote for Team Rob?
Game on indeed.
Go Team Ricky! And Ode to Wes on that art. Wow. And Rob for hosting. Did I leave anyone out?
I've got a post going up on Ironic Mom linking to this in a few hours…
O.K., I don't know any of the people on either side. That said, I will hold back my vote for whomever offers me the biggest bribe. I am not being subtle here. If you want my vote, you had better pony up the dough.
Sorry Rob – I don't know anyone on your team
Am a Canuck, blogging Mama. Of COURSE I voted from Team Ricky – Leanne's the best there is, anywhere. Seriously, eh?
Obviously. HAHAHAHAHHAHAHA GET IT? WHY AM I YELLING? OH SORry I was watching SIgns and it got scary.
Thanks Rob… it's how I try and live my life: As a warrior and a shepherd. It might sound like a contradiction, but it can be done!
Thanks for stopping by. Leanne's blog is great!
Okay, how about you vote for my team cause I have a copy of your book? I will trash it if I don't get your vote. Uhhh…who am I kidding. I wouldn't do that. But I will give you a real high five (instead of a virtual one) on Sunday if you vote for team Rob.
Wes did an amazing job! He's gifted! I would say thanks for sending people this way but they are all voting against me. If only I could get Acuff to send his army of fans my way.
How about I do a guest post for you and you find another computer and vote again. I know it's not as good as an Acuff or Stanton post but that's all I got.
I think King David in the Bible fits that bill. Great stuff.
Cindy, even though you don't know him you would enjoy Jon Acuff's blog. You should check out Stuff Christians Like. And if you do come back and vote again. I kid, I kid. Thanks for the comments.
I like a lot of these guys. But one guy on team Rob doesn't allow comments. That's like a DH winning the MVP award.
I love an underdog. Team Ricky FTW!
Team Rob just got served!
Go Team Ricky!! Matt Cannon's "Prophetic Thursday" series put Tyler Stanton to shame.
I think he made Acuff's V-neck too low. It's way to tempting for the ladies. For Shame! #JesusJuke #TeamRob #HashtagsInInappropriatePlaces
So I have to go for team Rob because I am a big Jona Cuff fan. Wait, I mean Jon Acuff. Plus, Furtick will pray down fire on whoever doesn't vote for his team. I hear he has a direct phone line to God like the Red phone in the oval office.
Team Rob is a powerhouse! They're like an SEC team going up against a Big Ten team. And we all know the SEC whoops up on Bog Ten teams.
Thanks, Russ. I wish you many years of free pizza.
My leaving a comment here is like being a mut at a dog show. Sure, I like to consider myself part of the breed but in reality I'm not a player. I'm torn who to vote for. Is anyone offering compensation for a vote?
Sarge, I wish you wedding-less photo shoots forever.
I would wish for great parking spaces forever, but you seem to have that covered.
I was curious about that. It seems Acuff has two distinct eyebrows as well…
You, sir, are a champion.
I wish you free car rental upgrades for the rest of your life.
And underdogs love you, too.
Yes. If by compensation you mean blessings in heaven and a load of respect…Yes I am.
We love them too, Jason…and we truly appreciate your efforts to help us crush them.
I wish you a small little elf who will fix all your electronics so they never give you any hassles ever again.
Thanks, man. #fistbump (Williams may have created it, but I use them with reckless abandon).
Ragamuffinway, that's what I'm talking bout! Thanks for the vote.
You can have one of my kids.
What, you think Sharideth's that easy?
Plus, I did TWO guest posts for her, so you have some catching up to do!
Back off, Shepherd – Agent Smith is ours!
They have come. They are here.
We will assimilate them.
Just finished cutting Furtick's phone line.
Thanks, Cindy!
In addition to traffic-less travels for the next month, I wish you unending green lights.
Is team Rob in the lead because you have Scott Williams on your team? Is it really fair to have the guy that played Stifler in American Pie on a team?
The pairing of Tyler Stanton and Brain Allain (not a typo) is like the blind leading the blind folded – you can't help but laugh at them trying to smash a Dharma Initiative logo pinata.
We will assimilate you, one way or the other.
Thanks for checking our team out!
Doesn't sound like much of a bribe, Rob. Plus, you threatened him while doing so.
Daniel, name your price.
Matt, that comment made me laugh audibly.
Bellymonster (if that IS your real name), I wish you two adorable red-headed kids.
Dang, you've already got that covered.
I wish you a stupendous box of chocolates then.
Funny, I was just singing "We are the Champions" to the reflection in my bathroom mirror and then read this…Is that irony?
Rental cars skeeve me out a little. What else have you got?
Michael, you are a man among men.
I wish you jam-packed church services, and not just on Easter.
Thanks, Tony.
I wish you a happily married life. Cherish her!
We understand.
We don't look down on those that vote the way the do because they fear for their lives.
Thanks!
I hope your wife makes it home soon, safe and sound!
We appreciate the sacrifices your family is making.
Vote local, Jimmy.
Tyler Tarver's from Arkansas, too.
And I'm wishing all Team Ricky supporters no taxes for life!
Awesome man. I'd love for Christmas to be packed too…Okay, I'd love for them all to be…
having my virtue defended….that's no something you see everyday.
I arrived via an Acuff tweet (although I follow a few of the others in the competition as well), so your plan's a-workin.'
Thanks Ricky, but that's my guest poster @BlaneYoung
Does that mean you're voiting for Team Ricky?
Thanks Kim for stopping by!
You and your boys need to start stumping for votes!
Good to have you join the fun–if you voted Team Ricky.
Thanks Ricky! I appreciate it and I definitely will!
You can look down on me all you want, but team Rob still got my vote.
First class flight upgrades?
I will defend you to the death!
Or at least to lunch. I get hungry sometimes.
I will take the egg off my face and make you scrambled eggs.
Are we cool?
No, we don't look down on people. Well, maybe Matt does 'cause he's huge. But I'm short, so I don't. All meant in jest, kind sir!
Naturally. Side of hashbrowns and we're good.
I actually know Matt Cannon. That's why I voted for the other team. A line from Road House comes to mind when I think of him: "I thought you'd be bigger!"
I'm one of the best things that ever happened to you.
Hmmm, who to vote for. Or is that whom?
I love Acuff – he talked to me and shared about his really cool business cards at Catalyst '09.
I love Furtick – he shared with me great truth at Innovate '08, such a passion for pastors and church leaders!
I love Williams – he stopped me at Catalyst to tell me he never misses my comments on his blog.
I love Allain – he actually tweets back at me sometimes.
Wait. So does Cannon.
This is not getting easier!
C'mon–if I can't carry the east Tennessee vote they will probably kick me off of the team.
Nope.
It's true. We did. I'm just waiting for Furtick to respond. I doubt he will but when he does MichaelDPerkins will change sides. Mark my words. I kid, I kid.
I voted Team Ricky–cause I'm and underdog, too. So far under, that in fact, almost nobody knows I'm there. Guess that makes me a blogging ninja then, right?
Oh, that, and I own the copyright on "Krispy Kreme 4 Life."
We'll talk licensing, or you can chronicle your attempt to take down the Gigante Challenge at Sweet P's in Knoxville. Your choice. 
Chocolates? It's official. Belly HEARTS Ricky.
Trying to get Team Ricky some votes by "hating" on Matt today:
6 Reasons I Hate @seekingpastor.
I guess if that's all you have…any rogaine discounts? It's for a "friend"
How about a 1972 Ford Pinto that comes already engulfed in flames?
I've never enjoyed being hated more.
Happy to oblige!
& praying for you.
Underdogs, Unite!
Thanks for your help, Chad.
I wish you free gasoline for a year.
I wish you less car rental skeeving, first class flight upgrades, and a lifetime supply of Rogaine.
Tell your "friend" we appreciate his help, and see if he has any other friends…
My assistant is driving it your way as we speak, Daniel.
Thanks; it's mutual.
I tried not to eat too many of the good ones…
Free gas? Awesome!
Hey, wait… You didn't specify what kind of gas.
Sounds like a bait and switch to me–meaning that, by "free gas," you're not
offering a refined petroleum product, but rather a year of frijoles refritos
(retried beans). What kind of outfit are you running?
Seriously, it was my pleasure to support the underdog.
Sorry Rob… he had the better team.
I'd say @moe_nyc:twitter . He's a machine as well. And a witty one.
You are awesome dude, but everyone knows real bloggers don't take vacations. Therefore I'm disqualified. :/ but go team Ricky!
I've heard about this Moe guy. I will need to check out his blog. I've heard good stuff.
What do you base that on? You don't read any of their blogs.
Moe, I wish you many extended vacations. And if you should happen to have some friends who'd like to vote, I'd even wish you an early retirement!
Devastated I didn't make the cut!
I think it should be compulsory to include one non-North American blogger
I scanned and read snippets before my vote. I never vote without being at least partially informed. Tyler Taver and Scott Moore were my 2 favorites from about a minute on each and they were both on his team.
Clearly, I have to meet more guys from Team Ricky. If they are as good as the folks from Team Rob — and I know those folks — well, let's just say I'm psyched to meet some new bloggers!
Ten points awarded to whichever of you all comments to my latest Friday Quick Question at "Lessons From Teachers and Twits."
That would be me, so can I trade the points for votes?
I wish you record-breaking book sales!
The blogger All-Star characters are sweet! Props to the artist whoever you are! Nuradical71@wordpress.com
The artist is Wes. His blog is great. You can check it out at wesdraws.com.
Sorry John. Next year we will have to try to mix it up. If it's any consultation you are my favorite Australian blogger.
I've thrown in my vote for Team Ricky…as I've discovered a mutual admiration for Patrick F. McManus! Who knew?!?!
If I'm bipolar will my vote count twice? Please make sure it's the Rogaine Foam so it doesn't drip down the back of my neck and leave a tail of hair like one of the new Kids on the Block…
I havent worked in a week cause ive been so busy reading all these awesome blogs that I never knew about before. My boss loathes you. I love you! Been laughing all week! Thanks!
Hey thanks Rob! Yes go international … and I don't mean Canada!!
Early retirement. I wish!
Go with low expectations. Then you may (emphasis on may) be entertained. Again… very low expectations.
Glad you found something you like, Taylor!
Especially if it was someone on Team Ricky…