Technology, politics, war heroes, and scientists have all earned this title. What does it take to receive that distinction? Here is a quote from someone we all know. Me.

It has got to be big. Not even something good. But, whatever it is, it’s just plain BIG. – Chris Bauman

Don’t believe me? Here are some examples:

1. 1927 – Charles Lindberg. First TIME Magazine man of the year just because they forgot to put him on the cover when he crossed the Atlantic.
2. 1932, 1934, & 1941 – FDR and for good reason
3. 1939 – Joseph Stalin. Not exactly anyone’s favorite hero.
4. 1938 – Adolf Hitler. Ditto.
5. 1997 – Andy Grove. Former Chairman/CEO of Intel.
6. Albert Einstein – MAN OF THE CENTURY.

While this is from Time Magazine, our friends at c|net news have named the founding fathers of Google as their men of the year.

Sergey Brin and Larry Page, both 32, were picked for the distinction because of the effects their 7-year-old company has had on Internet users in the past 12 months.

Start a company. Make sure everyone online uses it. Have a big stock price. That’s it, I guess. Hmm. I’ve got my eye on 2013. Just you wait.