The Katnip Awards

Welcome to the second installment of The Katnip Awards. Our answer to the chaos that has become #FollowFridays on Twitter.

Here are the people who delight and dazzle us – both tried and true tweeps and fabulous new finds. Last week we gave out 12 awards. This time, we’re going for 9. This will only make you covet them more, of course.

UPDATE. Inspired blog post by Danny Brown has led to late addition of 10th award. See below!

Ladies and Gentlemen, may we present:

Best Tweet That Wasn’t a Tweet
And that’s only because she’s been blogging 140 char. before there was a Twitter. Check this out and know why so many wouldn't dream of missing @amyflanagan

Best Lead in Branding Adventures Award
When he was a kid – excuse me, l’enfant, he was most likely called a prodigy. He toyed with ad campaigns while others toyed with toys. Held patents while others held their breath. Now he stirs up passionate discussions about branding and social media. (Look at his July 1 blog for proof.) Has a loyal following, for good reason. Dashing and smart, happy to include others in the limelight. @thebrandbuilder

Eureka Award
This guy is my favorite find of the week. Here is one reason why. And here's the other one. @adtothebone

Alpha Centauri Award
Definitely one of the brightest and fastest rising stars here, her enthusiasm for social media is unparalleled. So is her genuine willingness to share what she knows and help others – including businesses and newbies – find their way in the twitterverse. @lisahickey

"Thriller" Award
You can't miss the fact that these two give each other thrills and then some. But before you roll your eyes, know this: They not only adore each other, they create community with their warm and upbeat style. Truly sweet but not saccharin. Great energy. And they know how to bring the fun. @TamaraSchilling and @JosephRanseth

National Treasure Award
She finds and nurtures all the good stuff, from great links about art and creativity to easily digestible info about the quality of our food. A former National Rowing Champion, acclaimed designer and co-founder of a very cool agency who forgot to get a big ego: @parkhere

"Wanna Be Startin’ Something" Award
Whether she’s growing her gourmet cupcake business or ramping up the rivalry between @julito77 and @jeffmello on Blip Idol ’09 (this Mon. 7/6) don’t let her sweet smile fool you. This fun-trepreneur knows how to get things going. @foiledcupcakes

5-Carat Award
What can I say? This guy is a real gem. He has clarity, color and cuts through the clutter with his fun and interesting tweets. A copywriter who understands the meaning of the word “engaging”. @jphodgins

"I'll Be There" Award
It’s easy to meet a lot of people on twitter. This is one you want to know in real life. Totally genuine. Always warm. Not an ounce of pretension or ego. The ambassador of NOLA, and one who would show up for a friend in a heartbeat. Just call her name: @addieking

Smartass of the Week Award
We didn't even know he existed. We feel so deprived. We want the lost time back. But now you can count us in on his fan club. Funny! Gotta read his Social Media Drinking Game. @DannyBrown

That's it for this week, folks. If you don’t see your name here, don’t go claw the furniture or spray the front door. Your turn may be coming. Remember, you have to be seen to win. So say hi and engage.

Happy Fourth of July, all!