Thanks for the great response guys, but obviously someone higher up in DP didn't like it, I got an infraction for having an affiliate link in this post somehow :S
Great post; but I do think that it's not nearly as easy to get to know other bloggers, particularly bloggers in that elite sect, because many have no interest in the little bloggers bothering them trying to ask for advice, for a link, a review or whatever. Another point I think is important to note is that many bloggers don't really have a strong talent or love for writing, or a superior knowledge in the area they blog about, and it comes across in their material. I can't think of any top blog where the blogger isn't very knowledgeable in his field and doesn't have a strong talent for communicating in the medium. Some people can avoid all 5 mistakes and still fail to get into that small group of blogging success stories because they just don't have what it takes talent wise and knowledge wise.
I think networking is easy of you make the effort to get out there and make quality posts on other blogs. I have made a heap of relationships with other bloggers of all degrees of success and it all came back to me consistently leaving quality comments. But I do understand you point about people failing even if they avoid all of the top 5, some people just are not made for blogging.
Brutally honest is the way to be! I agree with every point and comment in the site! Unique content such as this will ALWAYS trump those cookie cutter crap sites. Great work and best of luck to you!
"You don’t need to network, right? You can be a success on your own so why waste time getting to know your fellow bloggers and building relationships?" TRUE! some people can be really rude..
stop blogging and you will fail. too many spelling errors and you will fail. lack of knowledge and you will fail. stop breathing you will fail. not paying your ISP and internet access and you will fail