This isn't a blog-post about explosives, although that might be interesting; rather it is a plug for the blogs of two people whose work I admire. It's no secret I am interested in network analysis and both these blogs have almost exclusive network analysis themes. The TNT bit stands for "The Network Thinker ", which is the blog of Dr Valdis Krebs - I wish I could be as creative with names. Connectedness is the blog of Dr Bruce Hoppe.

 I particularly like Connectedness because of its exclusive network analysis theme. I just wish Bruce would blog a bit more. He's had a few interesting posts of late. Take a look at this post on centrality . Bruce correctly identifies centrality is important in every network; and lets be honest it's the property we are most fascinated with! I would caveat Bruce's observation by saying be careful with what type of centrality you are talking about. For example, in-degree centrality is about popularity and out-degree centrality is about activity - two very different things I suggest!

If you're interested in knowledge management, social network analysis, and communities of practice then have a close look at his post on the "Evaluation of Leadership Networks ". His co-authored PDF-format paper embedded in the post is well worth a read, if only because it is devoid of unnecessary jargon! It's still a draft so Bruce has restricted quoting without permission, but suffice it to say he identifies four types of leadership networks, and then relates network concepts in layman's terms to those networks.

Dr Valdis Krebs has just moved many of his posts on Network Weaving to the TNT site. Take a look at his post titled "Independence Day ", and look at the network diagram presumably constructed in his own Inflow software. I just love the analysis that says "we revel who we are by the choices we make". That's one of the strengths of network analysis - it emerges the facts. Valdis makes the observation - "You will be figuratively naked in front of people you do not even know. Such scrutiny will not just affect privacy, but independence of choice and action". I agree! Network analysis in the wrong hands can be quite sinister and downright unethical. I also worry when people use the technique and methods without understanding the underlying assumptions, algorithms and limitations.

Valdis's post "New Political Patterns " is also interesting for what it reveals. He has mapped the purchase patterns of political books from Amazon since 2003. According to Valdis, and I have no reason to question him, analysis of the sales is closely correlated to the analysis of the political pollsters and pundits. What I find most interesting is the update point that the clustering effect in the network diagram reflects those who are for and against the war in Iraq. I stress in all my seminars and workshops that you must have a deep understanding of your data, and this highlights that point - it's something that could easily be overlooked or missed, and is an interpretation of the data Valdis initially missed. I like the fact he highlights this, and more so like the fact it reveals network analysis is a diagnostic methodology that raises as many questions as it answers.

I recommend the blogs and papers of both Valdis and Bruce. They are honest in their approach and reduce the jargon. Of most value for me, however, is their willingness to reveal deficiencies in the method and data. These limitations matter and are important if valid conclusions are to be drawn, and network analysis is to progress as a business discipline.

Regards, Graham