Here at Social Media Library, our team of researchers spend all day and night locked up in a dungeon, often without food, water or access to the latest hair care products, scouring the web for the best blogs to add to our database. Coolest On The Web is our regular collection of the best things we find online, whether it be start-ups, blogs, social networks, initiatives, anything worth bookmarking or even something that wastes five minutes at lunchtime.
1. Flattr
Flatter is a new initiative that intends to help bloggers and content creators monetise their work. I have often thought that the highest barrier to donations is not the money itself, but the hassle to set up a Paypal account, the lack of control of the money we would be donating and the continuous dissonance cognitive in regards to the amount and frequency of donations.
With Flattr you still have to decide how many points to give, but there is a flat rate you set, presumably a limited amount of clicks to “show love” and the reassurance of the same method across all your donations.
Musicians, developers, bloggers and writers are going to love it. Adoption from the other side of the equation is not that clear and will depend on the implementation of the company. So far, so good. Make sure you watch the video and sign up for the beta.
2. Sploder
Whilst the idea behind it is far from new (Little Big Planet being the first example that springs to mind), non-technical applications to build videogames is always a good call.
In Sploder you can create Flash-based videogames, both platforms and shooters (although I much prefer the former ), display walls, scatter power ups and weapons, sprinkle some enemies and hazards and build some platforms. Once done you can play your videogame, get the embedding code and email it or post it t your social media sites. Truly awesome.
My name in Sploder is Xavieriza and I still haven’t got any friends 
Sploder
Ever had any awkward moments buying lingerie for your girlfriend? Starting to compare your partner with the sales assistant while realising that puts you between a rock and hard place? Have you gone three times to the same store to exchange sizes? Well, I have.
This site is ideal for us guys, and not (only) because you get to see some cute models, but because Knickerpicker will help you buy your girlfriend a present at the ease of a few clicks. Also kudos to the site for including all sorts of model shapes.
4. Thinglink
Thinglink is…a social network for things. How about that? The aim of the site is to incorporate non-human elements for our social network. I understand most people do relate to things, so in all fairness we include these as facilitators of our social relations and as part of our personal branding online. Either that or I have misunderstood the whole concept.
Thinglink
About The Author
Xavi Izaguirre
Xavier Izaguirre joined Social Media Library in November 2009 working as part of the Research Team. Prior to joining Social Media Library, Xavier completed a Masters Degree in Marketing and Communications at Westminster University, London. An active user of Social Media platforms, Xavier is very passionate about new trends in communication and Social Media Marketing contributing towards a number of online campaigns within the Educational Sector.
Follow Xavier on Twitter at @Xavi_izaguirre