I read a variety of blogs that could be labeled as “social media,” but they typically fall into two categories: 1) Web sites and tools for managing social media; and 2) practitioners talking about strategies and tactics for applying social media.

In the first category, my favorite site is Download Squad, an aggregator of technology and social media blogs. I subscribe to its social software and blogging feeds. In the last two days I’ve read posts on new Twitter client Toro and RSS reader FeedDemon. While I may never use either application, it doesn’t hurt to know they exist.

A second blog that’s very useful is I’m on Linked In — Now What?, which looks at tips for using the social networking site effectively.

In the second category, here are four blogs I really like:

• Online Marketing Blog
• The Brand Box
• The Social Media Marketing Blog
• Micro Persuasion

What social media blogs are on your list?