Katnip Awards

Who needs Twitter’s #FollowFridays when you can have something much more intoxicating?

We’ve got your Katnip here.

Tweet of the Week
Here we were, looking and looking. And this pops up right under our noses. This little joke got more RT’s last night than we can count. Hats off to @umarnasir .


Life of the Party Award
“Who is this chick we keep seeing retweeted?” we wondered. She’s everywhere. Passionista about art, music, film, design, comedy – fun! Also A++ for giving shout-outs, connecting people, spreading the credit & love. If this is a #worldwiderave, she is hands-down the leader. Watch how one RT from her goes round the globe. @KimSherrell


Fort Knox Award
If you’re looking for gold, he’s got plenty of it. Interesting links. Helpful tips. (Everything that has helped me manage Twitter better, we got from him.) Plus a heart of pure Au. One of the absolute nicest guys we’ve met here. @glennhilton


Cheerful Giver Award
Totally interested in others. In being the light -- not grabbing the spotlight. Her tweets always spread good vibes. Plus we think she’s onto something with her techniques for boosting natural energy, weight loss, body sculpting and more. @ZnaTrainer


SmArt Director Award
In real life, he’s actually a hotshot Creative Director with an Art Director background. On Twitter, he’s the guy who leads you to some really wonderful finds on creativity, art, music… oh, yeah, and advertising. No ego. A generous sharer. All around sweetheart who will cringe when he sees this. @mancevic


Hug It Out Award
When we needed a hug, she was there. Not IRL, but close enough. She is everything her name implies. Upbeat. Caring. Fun. Nurturing. I love the way she rallied when another mom needed some self-esteem pick-me-up. One to know, even if all your kids have four legs (like ours do). @positivemommies


Pinch Hitter Award
Late in the game, this guy appears with all the energy and enthusiasm befitting a first inning. He picks up the bat, knocks the ball out of the park. There when you need him – with encouragement, an RT and that big bright grin. This is one you want on your team. @cargillcreative


Front Porch Award
The day we met her, we threw out a line about sitting on our front porch. She was quick to play along, sending pics of the lemonade she’d bring over. Since then we’ve had to add more rockers (partly because we’re off ours). But she’s still got dibs on the best spot, especially as one who welcomes others and helps create real community in our virtual Mayberry. @vene2ia


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.

Have a good weekend. And if you like this, please RT & leave a comment here.

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!