When we talk about positioning, we often think about competitive matrices and comparison tables. But wait—there’s a way to have even more fun!

A few weeks ago, Information Architects Japan released the 2008 version of their Web Trend Map (still in beta, of course). They’ve taken almost 300 of the most influential and successful websites and pinned them down to the greater Tokyo-area train map. Yeah, a train map! There are not less than 21 lines: from the Technology Line to the Social Networks Line to the Politics Line.

Scout Labs is not yet on the map, but we’ve been thinking about our position on it. Obviously, we have to be on the Technology line, but we’re building something extremely complex. Our use of cutting-edge and advanced technologies such as Natural Language Processing, for instance should put us near the Innovation line. We think the best position for Scout Labs will be around Technorati, Snapshot and MyBlogLog. Nice neighborhood!

You can have a closer look to the Web Trend Map 2008 by downloading it in PDF on their website, and you can even order a printed copy.