Welcome to the site update July roundup! It’s been a solid six months since we last posted a full update, and there’s a whirlwind of activity happening behind the scenes of our platform. Below you’ll find everything from our mobile‑app roadmap and fresh editorial hires to payment tweaks, community outreach, and a sneak peek at our forthcoming publications. Plus, there’s a chance for a savvy reader to jump aboard a paid editorial role.

1 Mobile Strategy Unveiled

Let’s dive straight into the mobile conversation, because it’s on everyone’s lips right now. At present, about 45% of our audience accesses the site via a smartphone or tablet. That surge in mobile traffic has translated into a flood of requests for dedicated apps. I’m thrilled to announce that Phase I of our mobile plan is officially underway: an iOS app for iPhone. We’re targeting a launch window of three to four months. Once the iPhone version ships, Phase II will focus on Android devices, and Phase III will bring an iPad‑specific experience. Our design crew is already sketching out fresh concepts. We’ll also be adding offline‑reading capability so you can enjoy lists without an internet connection.

2 Multi‑Page Experiment Reversed

Some of you may have noticed a trial run with multi‑page articles a short while back. The idea was to generate a modest revenue stream to fund our mobile‑app ambitions. However, the feedback was overwhelmingly vocal, and many of you voiced a preference for single‑page posts. In response, we’ve reverted to the classic single‑page format. Rest assured, the app financing will come from other channels, and we’ll keep delivering the seamless, scroll‑free reading experience you love.

3 New Editorial Team Members

We’re delighted to welcome three fresh faces to our editorial roster, joining our seasoned editor Matt Hayes. Please give a warm virtual handshake to Micah Duke, Kier Harris, and Josh Sargent. They’re already hard at work raising the bar on content quality and consistency. Soon we’ll add short bios for each of them on the About page so you can get to know the people behind the lists.

4 Chief Editor Position Opening

We’re actively scouting for a part‑time chief editor. The role involves sifting through submitted lists, confirming sources, checking for plagiarism, handling queries from the editorial team, and coordinating daily with me on the site’s status. The chief editor will also give each list a final proofread before it goes live. Ideal candidates will possess an English command that surpasses even the most proficient native speakers, strong communication skills, and—most importantly—an encyclopedic knowledge of the types of lists that thrive on our platform. Long‑time readers who have been with us since the beginning are especially encouraged to apply. Interested parties should forward a full résumé and CV to the provided email address.

5 Submissions Database & Weekly Payments

I’ve been pouring energy into building a robust backend database that tracks submissions and payouts. It’s now largely complete, and every new list funnels through this system. The automation handles plagiarism scans, scheduling, posting, and editor assignments. This upgrade has liberated valuable time and granted us deeper insight into submission trends. Because of the new plagiarism‑checking workflow and our editors’ keen eyes, we’re shifting from instant payouts to a weekly schedule. This change lets us flag any plagiarized or poorly sourced material before payment, ultimately raising the factual integrity of the lists we publish.

6 Facebook Community & Engagement

If you haven’t already, head over to our Facebook page and give it a ‘like’. We regularly post polls, questions, and reader‑driven challenges that help shape the content we produce. The page also serves as an alternative contact channel if you’d rather message us there instead of emailing. We’re currently exploring the idea of running contests directly on Facebook, so stay tuned for announcements.

7 Published Books & Upcoming Volume

Did you know we already have three books on the market? They’re available for purchase worldwide, and they’ve helped many new readers discover our platform. Exciting news: we’re on the brink of sealing a deal for a fourth title, tentatively titled The Ultimate Book of Top 10 Lists: Volume 2. This will be our first new book in two years, and we’ll be crediting each author by name alongside their list in the upcoming edition.

8 Redesign Feedback Loop

Since rolling out the site redesign three months ago, we’ve been eager to hear how you’re finding the new layout. Please drop your thoughts in the comments: does everything run smoothly? Is there a feature you wish we’d add? Your feedback fuels our continuous improvement, so don’t hold back.

9 List Publishing Frequency Discussion

We’re passionate about lists, and we know you are too—that’s why you’re here! Currently, we publish three lists per day, but we’ve recently experimented with occasional four‑list days. How many lists could you comfortably read each day? Five? Six? Let us know your sweet spot in the comments so we can tailor our publishing cadence to your appetite.

10 Gratitude & Looking Ahead

Finally, a massive thank‑you for your patience while we’ve been deep in backend development. I’m excited to carve out time soon to write a list of my own—keep an eye out for that! A shout‑out goes to our moderators, who have been battling a recent uptick in trolling; your dedication keeps the community welcoming. Our platform just celebrated its sixth birthday three days ago, marking six years of top‑tier list content. Thanks to every reader, contributor, and fan who’s helped us grow and share the love of ranked knowledge.

Several months have zipped by since our last site update, and with a host of exciting developments on the horizon, this site update november feels like the perfect moment to fill you all in on what’s happening.

Site Update November Highlights

10 New Commenting System

In the next month or two, we’ll roll out a brand‑new commenting platform. It’s a fully native solution crafted by our talented web design crew specifically for the site. Expect fresh perks such as favorite lists, optional sharing of your most‑liked or recently viewed lists, the ability to add friends, and even block unwanted comments. This upgrade isn’t just cosmetic—it will boost page‑load speed and let you keep up with your favorite commenters more easily.

9 Incorporating

You may have noticed my recent radio silence. The truth is I’ve been jet‑setting for the site, polishing our upcoming book, and coordinating with a fresh accounting firm and legal team to cement a solid corporate structure. That paperwork is winding down, and I’ll be signing the final documents within the next fortnight. This move won’t affect readers or contributors directly; it’s simply a safeguard to protect the site and ensure it can thrive without external interference.

8 New Book

Two years have passed since our last publication, and I’m thrilled to announce that a fourth volume is in the pipeline. Slated for a June launch next year, this hefty anthology will compile a mix of lists—from classic site favorites to fresh, unpublished contributions. As we edge closer to release, the book will become available for pre‑order right here.

7 Send In Your Lists

Most of you already know we offer a $100 USD reward for compelling lists. I’m reaching out to encourage you—whether you’re an expert on a niche topic or simply passionate about something—to submit your ideas. Hot‑ticket themes right now include mysteries, misconceptions, creepy tales, quirky facts, weird wonders, and animal oddities, but any engaging, well‑researched list will be considered. The only requirement is a PayPal account for payment if your submission is accepted. Check out the Author’s Guide to get started.

6 Visitors

We’ve hit a thrilling milestone: consistently pulling in around 1,000,000 daily visits. This surge signals that readers appreciate the high‑quality writing from our contributors and the diligent work of our seven‑strong editorial team. More traffic also means a flurry of comments, making our upcoming commenting system upgrade all the more timely.

5 Advertising

Thanks to careful negotiations with Google and other partners, we’ve kept ad density low since the major redesign. I’m asking anyone using ad‑blockers to consider whitelisting the site, as we pride ourselves on delivering minimally intrusive ads—no obnoxious pop‑ups or auto‑playing audio. If you ever spot a rogue ad, let us know so we can ban the offending advertiser.

The cost of hosting and maintaining the platform is substantial, and advertising revenue is essential for keeping the balance between site upkeep, author payments, editorial salaries, and tech investments. Your support helps keep everything running smoothly. We also welcome Bitcoin donations at 1427rqJDEYLDavgai43Uyn62EPL7Mkj6mx.

4 Gives Back

Looking ahead to next year, we aim to launch a regular charity initiative where the site will donate toward a cause of your choosing. One idea we love is donating books to schools. If you have other suggestions that would suit the community, share them in the comments—we’re open to any creative, impactful ideas. All donations will be made in the name of our readers.

3 Knowledge: Nuts

You may have noticed our companion platform, KnowledgeNuts, delivering three daily fascinating facts or tidbits in a bite‑sized format. It’s growing faster than the main site did in its early days. Be sure to visit daily for fresh articles from our premium writers. Articles on KnowledgeNuts are also paid pieces—learn more here.

2 Social Media

While we keep social‑share buttons to a minimum on the site, our Facebook community thrives. Visit the Facebook page, give it a “like,” and stay updated with daily news, new articles, and paid opportunities like editing gigs. Feel free to add me as a friend for personal updates on business meetings and site developments.

1 Mobile Apps

The single biggest request we receive is for official mobile apps. We’ve already signed a contract with our design team to develop iOS and Android apps slated for 2014. Beware of unofficial apps that misuse the brand—those aren’t ours. Our official apps will focus on Apple and Google platforms, possibly expanding to other devices later, and will pack cool new features you’ll love.

Welcome to the long‑awaited site update october! After a six‑year hiatus, a mountain of changes has piled up, and we’re finally ready to spill the beans. From a fresh competition with a $3,000 prize pool to updates on payments, ads, social channels, and much more, this is the first of many bulletins we’ll be sharing.

10 Competition

To celebrate my comeback and to give the writing crew a new spark, I’ve launched a competition. Throughout October, November and December, the author whose list garners the highest total page‑views will walk away with a $1,000 US cash prize. If you’ve never contributed before, now’s a perfect moment to give it a go. Aside from the contest, we still pay $100 US for every list we publish. Below is the exact email I sent to all past contributors announcing the challenge:

“I am excited to announce that for the remainder of this year we will be giving a monthly $1,000 US bonus payment to the writer who achieves the highest number of pageviews in that month.

All you need to do to qualify is submit a list as usual, and if it is published you will be in the draw. You will, of course, receive the standard payment per list accepted.

To increase your chances of being published we strongly recommend sending in content that is unique and fascinating. Please do a web search on to ensure that your lists contain new items only (we don’t want to publish lists with one or two replicated entries from older lists) and also make sure that you are not sending us content that is similar to lists published on other websites.

The Author’s Guide has been updated recently to simplify and clarify a few points. You can view it here.”

9 Difficult Life Events

Long‑time readers will recall that I founded the site in 2007 and ran it solo for the first six years. I also penned the majority of the early articles until 2012, after which my output slowed considerably. In those early days I struggled with heavy drinking, and in 2014 I entered rehab—a decision that turned out to be one of the best I ever made. During that period I handed the reins over to Micah Duke.

Then, in 2015, my father, Adam Frater (pictured above with my mother), was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer linked to asbestos exposure from his work as a fibrous plasterer. The disease spread to his brain and claimed his life within months. Over the next three years, the family endured further losses: two aunts (Liz and June), two cousins (Cherelyne and Kevin), and two uncles (John and Roddy). All of this made it extremely hard to keep the site moving forward.

Just as I began to settle into a new normal that allowed me to contemplate a 2017 return, my brother Stewart Frater (aka kiwiboi) was diagnosed with Non‑Hodgkin lymphoma and passed away a year later. That blow delayed my comeback again. Most recently, in March of this year, my mother Lois—who had contributed a few lists and was a frequent commenter—was diagnosed with the same asbestos‑related cancer that took my father. Doctors believe she was exposed while doing my father’s laundry years earlier. She passed away three weeks after diagnosis.

These cumulative tragedies have been a heavy burden, but in early September I finally resumed full editorial and managerial duties. Rebuilding the site to its former glory will take time, but I’m fully committed to making it happen.

8 Payments And Other Admin

Now that I am once again the sole administrator, the workload is massive. As a result, I have been inconsistent in the interval between accepting lists and issuing payments. I want to assure everyone that payments are my top priority, and I expect to be back on a regular schedule within the next two weeks. No payments have been missed—only delayed. Likewise, response times to emails and social‑media messages have suffered, but I am actively working to fix both issues.

7 Problematic Adverts

It has come to my attention that several problematic adverts have been appearing across the site. If you encounter any ads that obscure the text or make reading difficult, please snap a screenshot and email me (protected email) or send it via the Facebook page immediately. Including your operating system and browser details will help us resolve the issue more quickly. Our small ad‑operations team is standing by to investigate. In the past I was slow to react, but that has now changed.

6 Follow Us On Social Media

Just a reminder that we maintain active social‑media profiles. Daily lists are posted on Facebook and Twitter, and we also have an Instagram account for those who prefer visual updates. Of course, you can always reach us via email at the protected address.

5 Youtube

We already run a YouTube channel, though uploads have been infrequent. I plan to relaunch it early next year with a much larger, more serious effort. I’d love to hear your suggestions about what you’d like to see on an official channel. Beyond list presentations, there’s huge potential for diverse content, so please share your ideas in the comments.

4 Books

If you’re new here, you might not know we offer a selection of books for purchase on Amazon. Links to those books are available on the Books page. With Christmas just around the corner, a book makes a perfect gift for anyone who loves lists and trivia. The Books page also features a handful of recommendations and a link to our books category, which we’re working to expand.

3 Subscriptions

In a recent “Your View” poll I asked whether readers would consider a subscription model for the site’s future. Advertising revenue is shrinking across the board due to ad‑blockers and a tough online economy. However, most of you opposed replacing ads with subscriptions, so we’ll keep the current model for now. If ad revenue ever drops below the level needed to cover costs, we’ll have to explore alternatives, but that scenario hasn’t arrived yet.

2 Thank You

The past five years have been extremely challenging, yet you have continued to visit, comment, read, and keep the community alive. Without your dedication, the site would not exist. I can’t thank you enough for your loyalty during the times when I was unable to give back. I intend to repay your support many times over, just as I did when I first launched the platform back in 2007.

1 What Do You Want?

We can’t wrap up a site update without hearing your wishes for the future. If there’s anything you’d like to see more of—or less of—please let us know in the comments. Got a brand‑new idea for a feature or a completely different direction? Share it below; you never know, your suggestion might spark the next big thing here.

Welcome to our comprehensive site update state for March 2020, a time when the coronavirus is reshaping daily life worldwide. In these challenging moments, we aim to keep our community informed, prepared, and connected. Knowledge empowers us, especially as traditional institutions face unprecedented strain.

Site Update State Overview

1 Site’s Place In The World

As most of you probably know, the site is run primarily by me (Jamie Frater) from Wellington, New Zealand. This is the land that the billionaires bug out to, and our current government is very friendly indeed with those people, so let’s hope that means things will remain calm. At this stage, aside from closing our country’s borders, all schools stay open, and all shops, businesses, and restaurants continue to operate. Shelves are full (there is even plenty of toilet paper) and people are smiling and courteous as always. Our national infection total sits at thirty‑nine with no deaths. If things stay that way, I’ll still be here banging away at the keyboard while watching Seinfeld and Friends reruns. Optimism is valuable, but preparedness is equally crucial—and to that end…

2 Virus Contingency

I am in the process of drafting a set of documents that will guarantee continuity for the site should anything happen to me personally. While I’m currently in a relatively safe position, there’s no absolute certainty that circumstances will stay favorable. Our submissions database is in excellent shape and is very easy to manage, so if something does pull me away from the site for a spell, it shouldn’t cause any pause in our publishing schedule.

3 Writers And Payments

Yesterday I issued a statement to nine‑hundred site writers outlining our plans for handling submissions, editing, and payments. Because of the virus and the shifting financial needs of many people, we are now committed to issuing payments for lists within one to five days of acceptance. Advanced payments have also been issued in some urgent cases. We continue to accept submissions as usual and have seen a slight increase since our list on the gig economy, which is amazing. It’s always our preference to publish lists from our regular readers. To that end you may have noticed a few lists creeping in that focus on the workings or lives of everyday people. Now is definitely a good time for us to get to know the secrets and lives of those who work every day to make our lives comfortable. We may soon be looking at a brave new world in which those jobs are even more vital than before, so let’s all give a big thank you to the people who do the jobs that we often take for granted.

4 Your View: Daily Forum

Yesterday we published a “Your View” on how the coronavirus is affecting you. Would you all be interested in us publishing a daily extra “Your View” post to use as a general‑purpose public forum on how the virus (and other related issues such as the economy) are affecting you? It would sit alongside the two regular lists we publish each day and would allow us to keep virus‑related content in one place. Alternatively we could simply “sticky” the existing Your View to the top of the “Trending” section on the desktop front page. Let me know what you prefer, if anything. I am also mindful that some people may want a safe haven from the constant bombardment of media on the virus, in which case it may be better for us to continue as we are with occasional lists relating to current events.

I should note that the site runs a Discord server which you can get to right here: .com On Discord.

5 Virus Terminology

The Chinese communist government is engaging in a propaganda campaign to eradicate the use of the term “Chinese” in relation to the virus which appears to have originated there. Officials have publicly stated that the virus is the result of a US bioweapon. President Trump has been firm in the use of the term “Chinese Virus” to counter these propaganda efforts from the communists. Unfortunately the mainstream media and a number of people online are actively helping the Chinese government – in some cases intentionally, in others through innocent attempts to do good. Because of a large increase in the number of anonymous commenters speaking in defense of the Communist government of China, we are having to monitor things much more closely than usual to ensure that genuine conversations about the virus amongst our regular readers are not derailed.

The site is run primarily out of New Zealand and I want to be clear that we absolutely stand with the traditional allies of New Zealand: Australia, the United States of America, Canada, and the United Kingdom. I cannot stress enough how important it is that we stand united right now in the face of not just a terrible viral attack, but a potential economic collapse which is exacerbated by the trade war between the US and China and the oil war occurring between Russia and Saudi Arabia. Free speech is always welcome, but paid propaganda and shilling are not. If you find your comment in the pending queue, please be patient.

6 Commenting And Working Together

In light of the previous item I would like to ask everyone to please be extra generous in their use of charity when it comes to commenting here. We know there is huge division in society right now and the mainstream media is playing to that as hard and as fast as they can. We must rise above that. The site has long been home to an intelligent and friendly community. Let us come together now, left and right, people from all nations and say no to the hatred the media is attempting to foment amongst us. Their time is past. The best way we can do this is to presume, in all cases, that the people we speak to on here have only the very best of intentions. Let’s make the comments section a beacon of unity and kindness for all the readers who are either here already sharing our love of lists, or the new readers who will discover us over the period of quarantine that has arrived or is coming.

7 Can We Help

Obviously there is a physical limit to what the site can do to help you all out individually if that is needed, but what we can do is put out appeals or information. If you find yourself stuck in a position of risk with no one at all to help you, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. It may be that I can appeal to another reader who lives near you to give you a helping hand of some kind. I am single and live alone – so I know the risks that go along with isolation under those circumstances. I can’t promise to work miracles but if necessary I can at least try to help somehow. Of course let’s hope that this never becomes necessary, but if it does: we’re here – even if only to lend an ear.

8 Coronavirus Coverage

We have already published a number of coronavirus‑related lists and a few other disease and virus lists before that. We will continue to publish related content when new perspectives warrant it. Here is a rundown of the coverage so far.

Top 10 Crazy Conspiracy Theories Surrounding The Chinese Coronavirus
Top 10 Crazy Facts About The Coronavirus Outbreak
Top 10 Things You Need To Do To Prepare For The Coronavirus
10 Reasons The Coronavirus Should Terrify You
Top 10 Essential Facts About The Coronavirus, The Only Article You’ll Ever Need About COVID‑19

8 Conspiracy Theories About Deadly Disease Outbreaks
10 Deadly Viruses And Bacteria Created In Labs
10 Viruses That Actually Help Humankind
10 Scary Facts About The Justinian Plague
10 Of Human History’s Most Atrocious Plagues

Welcome to the biggest site update sale announcement yet! After years of growth and countless memories, the platform is embarking on a fresh adventure with a new partner. This post walks you through the people, moments, and milestones that have defined our story, and introduces the exciting team that will help shape the future.

Site Update Sale: A New Chapter Begins

10 A Farewell to Friends

I want to open with a heartfelt remembrance. Not every friendship endures forever, and in 2018 my brother Stewart passed away. He authored “20 Examples Of Why You Should Enjoy Poetry” and was a tireless commentator under the name Kiwiboi. His encouragement was the spark that got the site off the ground. He left a flood of comments that still brighten our pages, and I miss his presence daily.

We also said goodbye to Jesse Cunnington, pictured here, who contributed three lists and was a longtime commenter known as Trigun472. Jesse was only 25 when cystic fibrosis claimed his life in 2017. One of our Canadian moderators, Judy (Mom424), traveled to his home in Washington and generously purchased a car for him, granting Jesse crucial independence for his medical visits. Judy’s self‑less act will always be remembered, and on behalf of everyone, thank you, Judy.

9 You . . . The Readers

The platform has been blessed with a constant stream of devoted readers. Some linger quietly in the background, while others voice their thoughts daily in the comments. Whether you’re a silent observer or a vocal participant, your commitment has brought immeasurable joy to my life and to countless others.

Our community has forged friendships that have leapt off the screen into the real world. In 2013 I traveled to Los Angeles for a show discussion and unexpectedly ran into several regulars. The night turned delightfully chaotic, with endless cocktails, and the next morning I awoke in the Four Seasons Beverly Hills to find a group of passed‑out readers scattered across the suite floor. The photo captures me with a fan in the early hours of that unforgettable evening.

We’ve even witnessed marriages blossom among our readers—congratulations to Jwjwbean, for example. Personally, I’ve enjoyed two long‑term relationships and am now embarking on a third (and final!) adventure.

8 The Editors

Since 2007 we’ve been fortunate to work with a host of talented editors, many of whom wear multiple hats, including writing. To this day, the brilliant and friendly Darci continues to be a cornerstone of our team. We’ve also been supported by Heather, Micah Duke, and Anthony Sfarra, as well as Andrew Handley, who has worn the hats of social‑media manager, video creator, and all‑around good guy, delivering many of his favorite lists.

Additional assistance has come from Colin Jenkins, Josh Sargent, Kier Harris, and the ever‑intellectual Matt Hayes. Matt joined us when we opened our first Wellington office—pictured is his desk overlooking the beautiful harbor. His contributions were pivotal in launching the traffic surge that followed our redesign.

7 The Crazy Admins

Cyn: Who could forget “Cyn The Admin”? Cynthia, known online as Cyn, was a vivacious part of the community and an enthusiastic moderator. She eventually moved on to greener pastures, but her lively spirit left an indelible mark on our culture.

Oouchan: Long‑time members will recall Oouchan (Amy). She approached moderation with vigor and also championed her political beliefs. Even before the broader conversation about gender spectra, Oouchan passionately explained the evolving world of pronouns to us all.

Patrick Weidinger: Patrick remains a familiar presence in the comments. A quiet yet high‑quality moderator, his contributions are always thoughtful and only surface when truly valuable.

Liam: Liam’s intellect shines through his reasoned comments. As our newest moderator, he’s proven to be an asset both on‑site and behind the scenes, helping with various challenges.

Mom424: Judy, known as Mom424, has been a moderator since the platform’s infancy. She once traveled to New Zealand for an extended stay, where we shared countless drinks, debates, and laughs. Her generosity and friendship have been a true blessing, and I wish her all the best during her recent family challenges. My door is always open for you, Judy.

To every moderator—past and present—thank you for your dedication.

6 Me . . . From Here To Where?

As a child I was obsessed with scents—our family seems to share a heightened sense of smell, and we’re all arm‑chair philosophers. Combining those traits sparked an intense fascination with the psychology of fragrance. Believe it or not, entire books explore this niche field.

Several years after launching the platform, I dove into hobbyist perfume creation. I purchased chemicals, devoured literature, and spent countless hours perfecting blends. Eventually, friends and family began wearing my experimental scents.

In 2020 I decided to launch my own perfume house, Frater Perfumes, and chose to sell the platform so I could devote myself fully to this new venture. I now have twelve complete fragrances in the final maturation stage and plan to begin bottling for sale within a month.

If you’d like to follow my perfume journey, visit Frater.com and sign up for announcements. International shipping will be available.

You can still reach me via email at [email protected]. I keep a low‑profile on social media to preserve my sanity, but I remain active in the comments and may even submit a list or two for Ranker’s consideration.

Now, without further ado, let me introduce the team at Ranker.com!

5 Hi! We’re Ranker. It’s Nice To Meet You

Thanks, Jamie, for giving us the chance to introduce ourselves! We’re Ranker, a list‑making site based in Los Angeles, California, and we love to rank everything. Some of you already know us and recognize familiar names among the writers. For those who haven’t met us yet, we look forward to getting to know each other better in the coming months.

4 Like Jamie, Our Founder, Clark Benson, Has A Longstanding Love Of Lists

Clark is a true list‑man and a serious music nerd. He founded Ranker in 2009 as an alternative to the user‑review sections on e‑commerce sites. Although the focus eventually shifted toward pop culture, the platform now covers topics ranging from sitcom‑home values to the most disgusting ancient foods discovered by archaeologists. Our editorial staff constantly hunts for the next satisfying list that our readers can vote on.

3 We’re Here For All Things History, Creepy, Nerdy, Crimey, And Pop Culture‑y

In many ways, the kinds of lists we publish at Ranker resemble the annals of history. We create rankings about bizarre historical events, fan‑driven theories, real crimes—both solved and unsolved—celebrity culture, and so much more that it’s hard to outline.

The key difference you’ll notice is that we don’t host a comments section for reader interaction. Instead, you directly vote on and rank‑order the items we present. Disagree with an entry? Vote it down. Think it’s spot‑on? Vote it up! Our dream is to build exhaustive, crowdsourced rankings of—well—everything, showcasing the very best of what we have to offer.

2 Please Be Patient With Us As We Transition Things Over

If you’re a writer for the platform, we kindly ask for your patience as we migrate everything into our system. We aim to make the process as seamless as possible, so if anything feels wonky or you encounter a hiccup, please reach out!

1 We’re So Excited To Team Up With !

Clark has been a longtime fan of the platform, watching its evolution from his own perch on the internet. As he puts it: “I have been a fan for years. I respect the quality of the content, yet I am equally impressed by the passion and meaningful interaction of the audience. This blend of excellent writing and a loyal fanbase makes the partnership a perfect fit under the expanding Ranker network.”

Our editorial staff has already been having a blast familiarizing itself with your material. Because we’re vote‑driven, we don’t get the same author‑driven perspectives that your lists provide, and we’ve been enjoying the personality that comes with so much of the content you publish. Together, the Ranker and platform libraries provide complementary material that can keep a reader traveling down a rabbit hole until they reach the center of the earth, travel through it, and keep on reading to the other side—a nonsensical metaphor, but probably a reading experience many of us can relate to.

We look forward to sharing the best of what we’ve made with you, and likewise, showcasing the gems you’ve created for our audience. Here’s to many happy reading adventures ahead!

Welcome to our latest site update appeal. In this post we’ll walk you through a heartfelt apology, some policy tweaks, a call for veteran writers, and a peek at our renewed social‑media presence – all delivered with the same fun, candid tone you’ve come to expect.

Site Update Appeal Overview

8 The Apology

It feels right to open with a sincere apology, clearing the air before we dive into the updates. Over the past five years I have endured a cascade of personal losses – both parents, a brother, two cousins, two aunts, and two uncles have all passed away. Grief, understandably, brought anger that spilled over into my interactions with writers, admins, and, most regrettably, you, the readers. A handful of commenters even told me they felt singled out or attacked. Regardless of my circumstances, that behavior is unacceptable, and I am deeply sorry for any hurt caused.

7 Politics . . . Bleurgh

As election season rolls in, I’m asking everyone to exercise a little extra self‑moderation. I won’t ban politics outright, but I’d love for us to keep political chatter out of comments unless it truly pertains to a list. If politics must appear, let’s frame it kindly, respecting the person we’re addressing. The media and politicians have driven us toward division; let’s prove we’re not gullible by offering a calm oasis amid the turmoil. Even if it only affects our community, a kinder tone can make a big difference.

6 Change To Payments

Starting in May, we halted payments for brand‑new contributors. Existing writers who already receive compensation will continue to be paid for future published pieces, and any submissions sent before the policy shift will still be paid if they go live. This payment pause applies solely to fresh contributions from newcomers. After three of your submissions are accepted and published, you’ll be promoted to a paid staff member. Why the change?

A. We’re swamped with over 5,000 submissions, most from people who discovered us via YouTube or “quick‑cash” blogs and have never actually read the site. B. We aim to return to our original standards: back when we didn’t pay for contributions, I wrote most of the content, and readers occasionally sent in lists for us to publish. That grassroots approach helped grow our vibrant community. You may have noticed I’m writing more again, and I’m hoping to inspire genuine readers like you to submit fresh lists. This leads us directly to the next point.

5 Priority For Regulars

This perk is reserved for our loyal readers and commenters. If you’ve submitted a list that hasn’t yet received a response, drop me an email with the address you used to submit. Commenters should also include their username. You’ll receive immediate priority in the queue. My goal is that by the end of May we’ll be publishing primarily content from regulars like you and our beloved columnists. Remember, any submissions made before May remain covered by the original payment system. Click the link to email me and flag your pending submissions.

4 The Appeal

I’m reaching out to the veteran writers who helped shape the site in its early days. If you’re still reading (and yes, I know some of you are, right Maggot?), please consider contributing again. I’ve just spent a week updating site code for legacy lists, and the nostalgia was overwhelming. I want to revive those golden moments we shared and bring them into today’s context for our newer audience. Rest assured, we’ll publish your lists under any nickname you prefer – no need to reveal your real name if you’d rather stay anonymous.

3 The Virus

Starting next week, New Zealand will ease its lockdown level, letting restaurants and shops operate normally again. I’m treating that as a cue for the site to move forward, too. Hence, I’m putting a lid on coronavirus‑related lists – we’ve covered that extensively. If something truly novel or groundbreaking emerges, I’ll still consider it, but for now I’m refocusing on what we do best: fun, fascinating top‑10 lists that entertain and inform.

2 The News

Following the virus announcement, I’m seeking your brainstorming ideas for our weekly news roundup. Morris M. entertained us for years, and Jonathan H. Kantor took the baton, but the pandemic dominated headlines, making news less engaging. I also want to keep political coverage minimal, as mentioned earlier. So, what should our news summary look like? Do you have a brilliant concept to spice it up and broaden its appeal? Drop your suggestions in the comments – let’s shape it together!

1 My Personal Social Media

Because of the losses I mentioned in my apology, I previously deleted my social‑media profiles. I’ve now reopened both Facebook and Instagram. I’d love for any of you to add me as a friend on Facebook. While my life isn’t Hollywood‑glamorous, I enjoy sharing cooking experiments, home‑renovation updates, favorite hobbies, and even a few embarrassing, drunken moments I’m slightly ashamed of. Find my accounts in my author blurb on the lists I write, or click the links below to connect. Let’s keep the conversation going beyond the site!

Property development is hard to miss. Wherever you wander in a city or a large town, a construction site will likely be nearby, and it hides a trove of surprises. This article delivers the top 10 fascinating secrets you might never have considered, covering quirks from the United States to China, Iceland and England.

Why These Top 10 Fascinating Secrets Matter

10 The Job Box

After the last worker clocks out and the site shuts down for night or weekend, a familiar sight appears wherever a crane stands. Though the crane is idle, its boom cradles a hefty metal box high above the ground, looking almost as if a sleepy operator left it hanging. In reality, that elevated container—known on the trade as the “job box”—serves as a secure locker for tools, generators and other valuable gear that would otherwise be vulnerable to theft. By hoisting the box, crews keep equipment safe from both pilferers and the elements while the site sits empty.

9 How Did It Get Up There

Many onlookers puzzle over how a tower crane seems to sprout taller as a skyscraper climbs. The secret is that cranes are assembled much like the structures they lift. Engineers first erect a smaller “auxiliary” crane, which then lifts and bolts on additional mast sections to the required height. When the primary crane reaches its limit, hydraulic jacks raise the top segment, allowing a new lower section to be slipped in, making the crane appear to grow in stages, always staying a notch above the rising building.

8 Ups

On big sites you’ll often spot a large, detailed illustration of the future structure perched beside the unfinished skeleton. These mock‑ups act as visual guides, showing passersby exactly what the once‑blank lot will become. Beyond mere information, they serve a softer purpose: easing local residents’ nerves about change. When a familiar building disappears to make way for a new one, the rendering offers a reassuring glimpse of the upcoming skyline, helping neighbours mentally adjust before any concrete is poured.

7 The Elf Whisperer

In Iceland, a unique role exists: the “elf whisperer,” a watchdog who checks proposed building sites for any sign of hidden elves. While the notion sounds whimsical, the elves function as a stand‑in for fragile ecosystems. Much like heritage‑preservation officers, the whisperer ensures that new developments don’t scar the country’s pristine landscapes or disturb culturally important vistas. By invoking these unseen guardians, communities rally around protecting wildlife and natural beauty, often halting projects that could threaten the environment. It’s a quirky blend of folklore and modern safety concerns.

6 Hard Hats

Wearing a hard hat isn’t just a fashion statement; it’s a legal must for anyone stepping onto a construction zone. Across the globe, the colors of these helmets act as a quick‑read code indicating each wearer’s role. White caps, for instance, are typically sported by safety officers who monitor compliance with health regulations. The hue system also helps crews instantly spot first‑aid responders or supervisors during emergencies, and even signals skill levels in some regions. The UK, however, standardizes on a single white helmet paired with a high‑visibility jacket for every person on site.

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5 Umarell

In parts of Italy, especially around Bologna, you’ll notice elderly gentlemen lingering near construction gates, affectionately dubbed “Umarell” – literally “little man.” These retirees, often bored and curious, offer unsolicited advice drawn from their own work histories, watching the hustle with a mix of nostalgia and scrutiny. In 2015, the local administration allocated €11,000 to pay these onlookers, hoping their vigilant presence would curb theft by counting deliveries and vans. When the site is idle, the Umarells double as informal night watches, keeping an eye on the premises from nearby homes, turning a potential nuisance into a useful security asset.

A similar figure appears under the name “Cocky Watchman.” Also an older, retired individual, he is hired primarily for low‑cost nighttime security, stationed in a small hut that resembles a cockpit – hence the nickname. His job is simple: stay awake, watch, and report any intruders, providing an inexpensive layer of protection for the site.

4 The Can Lad

On many sites the apprentice, often called the “Can Lad,” juggles a surprisingly diverse set of chores. Besides shadowing seasoned tradespeople, the lad shuttles supplies, fetches biscuits, and handles the ever‑present “can” runs. One of the more demanding duties involves keeping the site’s water urn – a large kettle with a faucet – filled and heated on demand. Transporting a heavy, steaming container of water from the nearest tap to the urn is no small feat, yet mastering it is considered a rite of passage for any budding builder.

3 Mice

London’s tiniest public sculpture, titled ‘Two Mice Eating Cheese,’ was born from a quirky construction‑site dispute. In 1862, two workers arguing over missing lunch fell from a scaffold, only to discover that a pair of industrious mice had pilfered their cheese. The incident became a legend, and the bronze mice now serve as a tongue‑in‑cheek reminder whenever crews quarrel over unrelated matters, especially during lunch breaks.

2 Stealing Space

It might seem harmless to toss your household trash into a construction dumpster, assuming the bin will fill up regardless. In reality, contractors can be fined if non‑construction debris ends up mixed with site waste, because proper sorting is required for disposal.

Every dumpster is sized precisely for the projected volume of debris generated by the project. When outsiders add their own rubbish, the contractor may need to rent an extra container or pay for an additional haul‑away, costing anywhere from $200 to $400 per extra service. That extra expense could have been avoided by keeping personal trash out of the site’s bins.

1 We’ll Build Around It

When a development receives approval, the only thing that can truly halt progress is a stubborn homeowner refusing to sell. In China, such holdouts become known as “nail houses,” stubborn structures that jut out from massive construction zones like a nail sticking out of wood. Because earlier policies forced private ownership aside, these resistant homes now force developers to redesign around them, sometimes even weaving them into highways, as the cost of rerouting the entire plan outweighs the inconvenience of a single dwelling.

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