How 'cool' is Hong Kong? A global fast crowd - called Hub Culture - ranks the city in 10th position at the start of the year in its annual Zeitgeist Ranking. Unlike the other, 'uncool' kinds of ranking that Hong Kong is more used to - such as container throughput, the number of air passengers, tourist arrivals, and money raised from initial public offerings - this survey measures the 'coolness' of cities.
According to Hub Culture, the Zeitgeist Ranking is based on the idea that 'at certain times in certain places, there is a veritable centre of the universe; a place where innovation, change and vibe combine to create the place of the moment'. It admits that past rankings have drawn both acclaim and derision. After all, what is exciting today to one person, may be decidedly passe to another.
This ranking is not about crunching numbers to assess which city comes out top. It is drawn from conversations around the world with 'cool' people, who travel and visit the latest places in search of the new, the provocative and the interesting.
These are not the people who go back to the same places over and over again. They like to try new things. Indeed, they make a point of seeking out the latest trends to test the buzz. Along with other arbitrary and non-scientific influences, the list seeks to 'measure the moment'.
Indeed, the 2008 list reflects a growing tilt towards the east. That is not to say that other cities are less 'cool', just that the places in the east are 'cooler' than ever, according to Hub Culture.
Nevertheless, the top three cities - Los Angeles, Berlin and Mumbai - have retained their top placings from last year. Despite many problems, including subprime woes, the City of Angels apparently remains 'the most important driver of the current moment, if only by a whisker'.