Social bookmarking -- users submitting links for others to check out and comment on -- is one way to find new sites; tagging allows readers to find all the submitted links on one topic.

But while megasites Digg and Reddit may have too much tech biz or politics for you, there are other options that may be right up your alley.

I've culled a few that may get you started. If these are your interests, these sites are small enough that you could perhaps elevate the tone or nudge them more towards your liking simply by participating.

Books: Shelfari
Art: ArtnNewsCentral
Recipes: CookDojo
Fashion: Stylehive
News: NowPublic
Photography: photographyVoter
Politics: NewsHeat (It's everywhere, but this one's devoted to it.)
Cars: AutoSpies

It's a short list. Feel free to suggest useful additions.