12.08.09 - 12:00AM
- by
Urlesque Staff

Site of the Year -- 2009 Urlies

topic:
2009 Urlies

And the winner and nominees for Site of the Year are...

URDB

Where Everyone Can Set a World Record

URDB or the Universal Record Database is a community-based site where anyone, and we mean anyone, can set a record to be featured for the world to see -- and possibly break! Conceived and launched by Dan Rollman and Corey Henderson in 2008, the site has been quickly racking up world records, not only from users across the globe, but also from some serious celebs -- including Cameron Diaz and Jimmy Fallon. Records include everything from "Fastest Time to Write the English Alphabet" to Urlesque favorite "Most Internet Meme Costumes Worn at a Party." (BEAT THAT, INTERNET!) URDB's mantra says that "Every person on Earth has potential to be the world's best 'something,'" and if that thing involves a certain amount of marshmallows balancing on your forehead, by all means, go for it!

Current

TV on the Internet

Founded by Vice President Al Gore as foremost a revolutionary TV station, Current.tv has become a force in original reporting which can be found not only on your television, but all over the Web. The site boasts incredible communities -- channels focusing on everything from music to comedy -- where viewers can not only participate in discussion, post their own original videos, but also get their projects broadcast on TV. A few of Urlesque's personal favorite shows include the laugh-out-loud-funny "Infomania" (and a segment after our own heart, "Viral Video Film School"), the documentary-based "Vanguard" and, of course, the one where you can get actual money to rant (or rave) about any film: "The Rotten Tomatoes Show."

Kickstarter

Passion Projects Funded by the Web

"A new way to fund creative ideas and ambitious endeavors, Kickstarter is a unique idea to solve an old problem. So let's say you have a brilliant idea for a project that's going to change the world. The only thing stopping you: a lack of cold, hard cash. You need the funding to get your inspiration off the ground. That's where Kickstarter comes in. Post your project on Kickstarter with a fundraising goal, giving your "investors" little prizes and recognitions. Then, if you reach your goal by a certain date, you're funded! If you don't, you can reassess and try again. Kickstarter is a revolutionary way to crowdsource projects and get amazing projects funded.

Know Your Meme

The Internet Is Serious Business

We might be biased, but there's no one on the Web (aside from Urlesque, of course) with more knowledge, creativity or just gosh-darn passion about memes than the team at Know Your Meme. Sprung from the loins of Rocketboom, Know Your Meme consists of Internet Scientists Kenyatta, Ellie and Jamie Dubs -- all equipped with white lab coats, PhDs in Internet and the ability to give the entire history of a meme in a matter of entertaining and informative minutes. Check out KYM for all your Interweb needs -- their Meme Database has over 1,300 entries and grows daily with the contributions of a seriously Web-savvy community.

All 2009 Urlies Winners