"[The] method which is similar to the page-rank algorithm that Google uses to rank websites. The basic idea is that a thinker is important if he or she is influences the most important sources of discussion. (...) The most influential thinkers are those that are linked back to by other influential blogs. In other words this is a pagerank-type listing in which a thinker is deemed influential if he or she influences other influential thinkers. (...)" - Amira

“The era of the great authorities seems to be over.” (...) Instead, the list is filled with specialist thinkers who focus on niche topics and whose work is generally unknown outside their field. (...) Second, write a book. They point out that every thought leader on their list, bar two, is the author of a book about their ideas. “Writing a book is key,” they conclude." - Amira

Underlying assumption is that somehow the blogosphere is a good indicator of influence. I'm not sure that's so. - Todd Hoff