The term blog wasn't coined until 1999 and yet by 2004, it became Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year. Globally, the number of blogs is more than doubling quarterly. Here to offer a unique overview of the emerging phenomenon that even armchair observers will find curiosity-satisfying is Dispatches from Blogistan: A Travel Guide for the Modern Blogger.

Filled with practical, easy-to-implement advice for making blogging more enjoyable, useful, and profitable, this book covers everything from blogging and how it fits into the history of journalism to practical tips for planning and managing a blog, attracting and retaining an active readership, and even generating revenue. Written by noted technology journalist and interactive media veteran Suzanne Stefanac, the book's fresh and succinct design; quotes and commentary from noted and celebrity bloggers (authors Bruce Sterling, Steven Johnson and Cory Doctorow, Craig Newmark of craigslist.org, NPR news commentator Farai Chideya, blog pioneer Justin Hall among others), accompanying blog site; and more, make this a blog book like no other!

Technology journalist Suzanne Stefenac explores the history, popularity, and controversial elements of online journals or "blogs," particularly ones that are political in content. She discusses the precedents of open discourse that made blogging possible, and responds to the notion that political blogs threaten traditional journalism. Also, much of the book discusses strategies that make a blog trustworthy, readable, popular, and enduring, including some software basics. The author guides readers in how to find good blogs on a particular subject, and profiles some successful political blogs. A glossary is included. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Suzanne Stefanac has written about technology and its social and business implications for more than fifteen years. She is currently Director of the American Film Institute's Digital Content Lab.