Top Ten Websites of 2006

These are the top ten websites of 2006. This list comprises a wide variety of websites ranging from social networking to getting great deals on consumer goods.

1) Associated Content
Where else can you indulge a passion and get paid for it? Associated Content provides not only a creative outlet for writers but is also a wonderful place to find information on a variety of topics. The saying "write what you know" truly seems to be the motto of Associated Content Producers. With people coming from every background, everyone is an expert on something and just by browsing the library you are bound to learn something interesting and useful.

2) Craigslist
You can sell your old car, find a job, find an employee, find a singing gig, find pottery lessons, start a walking group, adopt a pet, buy a house, and much, much more through this website. Because of it's extensive reach you can also find jobs in foreign countries should you have the desire to travel. Insider Tip: Check out the Missed Connections section of your local Craigslist. The listing are usually incredibly sweet and sometimes entertaining and you never know... you might find that someone really wants to meet you.

3) Ebay
This isn't a new site but it is still one of the best. If you need to buy anything... it's here... and it's cheap. I once heard of someone who sold "nothing". His posting looked something like this: "I am selling nothing. If you bid, be prepared to receive, nothing. I will be sending you nothing. However, you are paying for nothing. So I will be receving something." It really shows that you can sell anything on Ebay. Insider Tip: Check out the Weird Stuff section located under the Everything Else category for some good time amusement.

4) Amazon
Once again, not a new site, but still an amazing site. Where else can you buy books for a penny? It's a great place to browse for just about anything. With Amazon you're more likely to receive a quality product than with Ebay. They also have a very nice seller system if you're interested in making some money by selling books or anything else. The nice thing about Amazon is that you're guaranteed a certain price as opposed to Ebay where your action may or may not be popular.

5) CouponCabin
If you really want to save some money on your Christmas shopping, head on over to this website. This website catalogs all the promotional codes for many online retailers and also offers printable coupons. I've seen promotions for up to 60% off of select retailers. Insider Tip: The percentage off promotional codes and coupons tend to be the best deals as opposed to free shipping or X amount off when you spend Y amount of dollars.

6) You Tube
You Tube officially made it big this year when Google bought them out for 1 Billion+ dollars. While home videos abound, in my opinion the best part of You Tube is being able to watch your favorite tv shows at your leisure. Insider Tip: You can embed any You Tube video into your blog, website, Facebook, or Myspace account.

7) Internet Movie Database (IMDB)
If you ever want to know anything about show business, you can find it here. There are stats on the best ranking movies, top grossing movies, and the worst movies ever. You can also find information about anyone who has ever worked on any film that has been distributed or shown anywhere. It's not limited to only Hollywood movies. Can't remember that actress' name? Search a movie you know she was in or the name of an actor she starred with.

8) Mapquest
Mapquest really is a ground breaking, innovative websites. No longer do you have to search through complicated mapbooks hoping to find the best route or plan cross continental trips without the specifics on each city you will be visiting. Insider Tip: If you are a business owner head over to the website and get your business on the map! Mapquest has the option of submitting the name and location of your business to attract more customers.

9) Meet Up
New to an area? Head to Meet Up where you can find people with your like interests. There are even groups for people who are new to a given area. If there isn't a group for a particular interest in your area you can start one. Groups usually meet once a month and there is no limit to the number you can join. This is a social networking site in the truest sense of the word. People are no longer limited to communicating over the internet, they now can arrange meeting places and events.

10) MyLot
This website pays you to post your thoughts on various topoics and issues. Like Associated Content, you are paid for providing web content. This is a great website for getting advice from a wide range of backgrounds. Known for it's widely diverse demographics you are likely to encounter people from all over the world. It's a relatively new site so it's quite easy to develop friendships with your fellow posters.