Enterprise Books

This book is marketed toward stay-at-home parents, but it useful for just about anyone over the age of 18. The best way to protect yourself from a recession is to have a bank of skills you can fall back on, and 101 Businesses You Can Start With Less Than $1,000 should give every reader at least five ideas for making extra money.

The best thing about 101 Businesses is its comprehensive look at how to succeed in each job. I never knew how to become a voice-over actor, but now I do. I know what equipment I need, who my potential clients are, and how to get started. Every business listed in Shepherd's book has a list of websites and how-to books to help you get off the ground. I was also surprised to learn how many of these businesses require less than $100 to get started.

I also appreciated the clear-eyed approach Shepherd takes in telling readers that these businesses require a lot of research and effort before they become profitable. This is the opposite of a "get rich quick" book. It's more of a "get to work, get happy and maybe get rich" book.

101 Businesses You Can Start With Less Than One Thousand Dollars: For Stay-at-Home Moms & Dads by Heather Shepard is a great resource for anyone that is thinking about starting an at home business. The benefits of an at home business are growing larger every day and this book shows how one can make a success out of working at home.

The way Ms. Shepard organizes the book makes it very easy to follow and utilize. She takes the reader systematically through the processes of selecting a business, setting up a home office, making a business plan, finance options and advertising. I found the chapter on self-evaluation to be a valuable tool. In this chapter, Ms. Shepard has the reader ask themselves the hard questions to determine if they are truly ready to start their own business and to find out what direction would be the best to take. This aspect of the book shows that it is not a scheme to become a millionaire overnight. Instead, this publication is a serious guidebook shows the reader their strengths and weaknesses. In turn, the book provides the reader with resources to strengthen their skills if they need to.

I feel that this book is not just a guide to starting a business, but also one that is a reference in order to keep a home based business on track. Finally there is a book that gives the aspiring entrepreneur helpful and practical advice in plain straightforward language.

While the title indicates it was written for stay-at-home moms and dads, almost everyone can benefit from this book. Heather Shepherd designed a book for individuals who wish to supplement their income, while caring for small children and working from a home office. Shepherd spends considerable time focused on the self-evaluation aspect of starting a business. Here, she presents self-evaluation guides, checklists and advice if your skills are weak.

Shepherd supplies charts and questions to ensure individuals choose the correct home-based business. The actual business suggestions are divided into two categories based on start-up costs: $0-$100 and $500-$1,000. Within each business idea, Shepherd provides a brief overview of the business, projected money needed to start the business, business equipment needed, education/skills required, where to find clientele and a starting point. She also offers a "learn more" section for each business. In this section, she gives the reader websites, books organizations and groups that may be helpful when starting this business.

Readers are presented with a complete look at a sample business plan and a step-by-step guide to writing their own. Shepherd provides readers with several case studies of successful individuals who have started and maintained their own home-based businesses. The information supplied in this book can serve anyone wishing to start their own business as a useful reference guide.

I liked this book quite a bit because it gave a lot of great information and was true to its title; there really were 101 business listed within the book that are suitable for people who want their own business while raising small children. I think this is a great book for someone who knows that they want to start a business, but just don't know what to do or how to get started. I particularly liked all the links to professional organizations for all the various careers, and the interviews with business owners were really interesting.

This book has lots of practical, current ideas that could be started for much less than one thousand dollars. The 101 ideas are really well laid out and have links and recommended books so you can find out more. Each idea has specific ideas for how to get started and links to books and organizations for more information. It does not just give you can idea, but it shows you how to get started straight away. The case studies of successful home business owners showed how others have succeeded. The home business owners talk about how they did it and what problems they faced.

What I found most helpful were the sections on business selection and planning. There are simple checklists and questions to find out what type of business you are most suited to and likely to be successful at. It would be really helpful for someone feeling unsure about what type of home business would be best for them.

The business planning section shows that a home business can be much more than just earning a few extra dollars, it can be a viable, long term income if you plan for it. Writing a business plan for a home business is really simplified with the checklists. This was really worth doing and made me think about the future possibilities of my home business.

I reckon I have given this book to 50 clients
And all of them love it so much, they give it to their friends in business.

This particular book in the 101 series is jam-packed with tips and should be on the bookshelf of every business owner - whether they be small or large

You do have a bookshelf dont you??

This book has helped me immensley as a small business owner.... This simple and effective approach works for me. The realistic examples are also attractive. My business structures and ways I market and day to day working schedule are all improved, thanks for this great resource!

With the failure rate of small businesses being so high - this book is a must for every small business owner!

Businesses need to ensure they have the competitive edge that will ensure their business survival. This book suggests realistic, proven strategies to assist small business owners create that edge and assist in its survival and growth.

Importantly, the tips given are affordable, useful and clearly communicated.

A highly recommended read for every small business owner!

I read the first book by this author, 101 Ways to Market Your Business and I really liked the style that it is written in. I especially liked the fact that it was written by an Australian - giving a fresh persepctive on marketing and advertising. When I saw this new title I was intrigued. On reading it I was very impressed by the information and the practical, simple advice offered. The author has covered everything imaginable in a way that empowers the business owner to surge forward and succeed. I was very impressed and I must say that I am not easily impressed. Good on this Aussie guru.

This is without a doubt, a book for anyone in business or anyone thinking about starting a business. The author clearly identifies the most common business mistakes (which I have made plenty of) and he describes how to avoid making them. This is definitely one of the few books that should be considered absolutely essential to any library. The author writes in a very clear manner that I found particularly easy to relate to. He also makes you feel OK about making mistakes rather than feeling like a[dummy]. I have no doubt that this book will help my business to prosper.

As a beginning player, this book had absolutely everything I needed, from the basic rules, to how to keep my goggles unfogged, to basic maintenance of my gear. I feel like I can actually get in the game, just knowing simple things like that paintballs travel in lanes, so there are safe places to stand just a foot away from a heavy exchange of paint.

There's also a ton of stuff about boobie trapping, ghillie suits and building bunkers. Dave also answers specific questions through his website (www.501paintballtips.com), which is useful when I don't know the terms to use to look up my question.
Great resource.

The author knows exactly what he is talking about. I have not only witnessed, but have been there, on the field with this paintball obsessed human. He not only likes it, but loves it. This book will deliver and tell you all the secrets. I highly recommend this book. A must read.

While I have never been a fan of paintball, I do have a copy of this book. It has really helped me better understand why my friends love the game and really does a good job explaining what the game is all about. I would think that even more experienced players would get use from many of the tips that are included. Whether you are an experienced player looking for an advantage, or a beginner looking to get a better handle on the game, this is a great book.

Also, I have followed the paintball career of the author for sometime and truly believe that he has all the knowledge and experience to be considered a master of the game.

If you're into paintball, definitely buy this book. If you're not, you probably will be after reading it. Dave "Landshark" Norman is a recognized paintball expert and innovator with over a decade of experience in the field (and on it), and it shows. Excellent advice on everything about the game from improving your low crawl to building a paint mortar. Beginners and veterans alike will learn from it. It's the sort of book you'll find yourself referring to throughout your paintball life. Only complaint: no index. But the contents are well-organized, so that helps.

What a great resource. It covers woods ball (my favorite scenario games), and speedball equally well, and shows how techniques in one can be applied to the other. Don't judge it by it's lame 70's industrial style cover, because inside is a wealth of great tips and tricks that can transform your individual game, or team game. This is a book that you will read again and again, and apply new strategies from what happened at the field last weekend.

I just finished reading "9 Elements of Family Business". I must congratulate the author on a well written book that provides much insight into what family businesses are and the pitfalls that family business owners and members must watch out for. I like the explanations by actual real-life examples used throughout, because it teaches in language people can understand easier, rather than by theory.

As a former owner of multiple family businesses that has rejoiced and suffered from the pros and cons of family issues in business, I venture to say that it should be made required reading by anybody forming a family business.

I found Allen E. Fishman's book to be extremely informative and beneficial even to a "non-family business" person. Allen provided detailed and practical information that any person could benefit from. I think what makes his book different from other authors is how he effectively related his "own family" personal experiences to help the reader visualize his thoughts. This is definitely a book that I will use as a frequent reference and recommend to colleagues and family members.
Robyn Weilbacher

I didn't read this book to address my needs as a family business owner or a family member employee. Instead, as someone who has often worked as a non-family member employee in a family business, I wanted to better understand exactly what goes on---and why. My first job at age 15 was for a family-owned restaurant. I loved the job, but even back then I felt confused, and yes, annoyed, by dynamics I found unfair to those of us not "in the family." And that confusion (and annoyance) has followed me every time I worked for a family-owned business.

I finally get it! And if this book had been around 30 years ago when I was 15, and I had been smart enough to read it, my future working life would have been a lot different--- and my blood pressure would have faced far fewer challenges.

I love the close knit feeling a family company provides. But sometimes stuff goes on that makes no sense; at least not to me. Like when a family member gets promoted to a position I don't think he or she has the experience to carry, compensation issues, and being pushed and pulled by the conflicting pressures of bosses that also happen to be a husband and wife, siblings, cousins, whatever the relationship. This book hits on all these scenarios and more.

I truly believe that tolerance for issues that challenge me comes from understanding. Allen Fishman's book has given me the understanding I need to push these issues aside. I may not like every single thing that goes on in a family business, but now that I know why it happens, I don't have to waste any more time thinking about it. Allen speaks in real terms that everyone can understand, and he doesn't dodge the tough issues; he calls the shots just as they are, even when they aren't pretty. And that's impressive coming from someone who is a family business owner himself. And how cool that Allen credits his daughter for her help in writing the book; talk about authenticity!

Any one who works for a family business, who isn't part of the family, needs to read this book. And family business leaders, or FBL's as they are called in the book, listen up--- get a couple copies of this book and spread it around to your Non FME's. Encourage them to read it, and then talk to them about any questions they might have. I promise, you'll get a more productive- and happier- non family workforce for making the effort.

Family businesses are a special challenge. Allen begins with reality; that parents, children and siblings will never cease to interact in those roles, and that the functions of the business must accommodate that reality. He then gives us a step by step look at how to make the added complexities of family ownership, authority and responsibility work together in a successful enterprise.

Allen Fishman is the Family Business Leader of a successful family business. His real-life experiences the many experiences of leading family business coaches from around the globe, makes this book distinctive. It's real time/real life stuff that everyone involved in a family business can relate to and immediately put into practice.

Ray Brun, Small Business Coach Fairfield, CA

I use Karen's ACT! for Dummies (2005, 2006, 2007) books as course materials for most of the classes I teach. Her books are well written, easy to understand and contain soem real life examples. She certainly helps me look good to my students. Thanks Karen!

Great Seller - This is one of my favorite book's - Too, Too Cool!

I want to thank you karen for the remarkable book, it is very easy and at the same time have everything in it . I enjoyed reading the book and hope you can write more, so many people in the IT industry will enjoy reading Books again. Please keep on the good work. God Bless you.

Book is easy to follow, very helpful to a beginner. It would probably be helpful to an experienced user but I am so new to this that I have not even looked into advanced features. I highly recommend this book.

Don't be fooled by the "Dummies" title - Wiley Publishing has a very successful formula that they've developed for this series. As much as I'd like to think that you're going to read this book from cover to cover, alas, it's meant to be a reference book that you can pick up and instantly find the answer to your most pressing questions. I've covered the most commonly used of the ACT! features and included many of the "gotchas" that I've encountered over my many years of ACT! consulting. I've given you easy, step by step instructions that don't require you to work with "pretend" contacts. Most importantly, I've tried to infuse the book with a sense of humor because to me learning a software program should be fun and non-threatening.

Karen Fredricks
Author, ACT! 6 for Dummies
Author, ACT! 2005 for Dummies

Reviewed by India Furney (age 12) for Reader Views (12/07)

When William Durant was a young man he did something he has regretted ever since.

A few days before Halloween, he rented a camp on Indian Point near Raquette Lake. The local townspeople told him to stay away from the graveyard or else the spirits would get angry and he'd have to face the consequences. He doesn't believe them and decides to take a stroll through the graveyard to prove that ghosts don't exist. What happens next will surprise you; perhaps ghosts really do exist.

I liked "Adirondack Nightmare," but feel I'm a little too old for it. It wasn't scary enough for me. I think it would appeal to ages 7 to 9, or kids who don't like books too scary. I thought the recipes inside were cool and want to try them.

My name is Chuck Bombard. I was born and brought up in Plattsburgh. I lived on "Fox Hill" (Johnson Ave.) and went to Our Lady of Victory High School (class of 1962). I am currently in Tampa, FL. A friend of mine recently returned from a vacation in the Adirondacks and brought me back an autographed copy of "Adirondack Nightmare." As I scanned through the book, my friend watched as my eyes lit up when I saw that the author was from Plattsburgh and on one of the pages was a picture of a michigan hot dog! I told him that the picture of the michigan brought back so many wonderful memories for me. I was in the Army for 29 years and would always return to Plattsburgh to visit family whenever we could. One of our first stops whenever we were back in town was Clare and Carl's michigan red hot stand. My mouth waters just thinking about it. My wife has a great michigan recipe, but we're going to try yours. Thanks for bringing back some memories of great times. Chuck Bombard (I have given the author permission to use this endorsement in any way she sees fit.)

Halloween Trick or Treat
By PETE KLEIN
In time for Halloween is a new book by Rebecca Leonard, titled: Adirondack Nightmare.
The short, fun read-aloud, takes place in Raquette Lake and tells the story of a young boy from Montreal who is foolish enough to break some taboos concerning the local graveyard while visiting the area for a few days.
The story begins with the protagonist saying, "My name is William Durant and it is October 31st, Halloween. As I stare out my dark window, seeing fewer costume children and hearing less laughter than usual on Halloween, I am overcome with remorse."
The young man is remembering and his remorse is based upon the warnings from the locals he did not follow when he was a few years younger than he now is.
The story goes on to tell of the mistakes he made and how those mistakes aggravated the local ghosts enough to raise them from their rest and frighten children to stay home on Halloween.
Included in the book and made part of the story is a sauce recipe for "michigan hot dogs," a recipe for caramel and chocolate covered candied apples and another recipe for maple syrup cookies. This could make for some fun in the kitchen as well as in the reading - as long as you don't stain the book with what you've been eating!
The author says this book is aimed at young readers, grades 2-5, and those young readers will certainly enjoy the helpful illustrations drawn by the author's 15-year old son, Nick.
Leonard and her family live in Plattsburgh where she is the owner of the "Under One Roof Video" store.
The book is currently available from a number of regional and online bookstores.

Written by mother of two Rebecca Leonard and featuring numerous black-and-white computer-generated illustrations by her son Nick Leonard, Adirondack Nightmare: A Spooky Tale in the North Country is a Halloween adventure novel for young people new to chapter books. Enhanced with tasty original Adirondack recipes like "John and Mary's Best Michigan Sauce Recipe Ever" and "Caramel & Chocolate Covered Candied Apple Recipe", Adirondack Nightmare is goosebump-inducing treat from cover to cover. A great holiday mood-setting story for reading aloud chapter by chapter or allowing novice readers to immerse themselves in the spine-chilling joy of words.

I loved this book and all of the receipe's, especially the michigans! I grew up in the area and this book allowed me to travel back to my roots. Thank you Rebecca and Nick for this wonderful trip down memory lane!

Jimmy Moore certainly did the research and it's right on the money. Anyone involved in consulting should get this book. It is a great resource to create the career you desire!

I looked all over the web and in dozens of book stores for a "how to" book concerning technical contracting. Jimmy's book might as well be the only book on this subject. I have recycled every other book I have purchased on this subject.

I am writing this endorsement after purchasing my 5th copy of this book. I can never get my old copies back after loaning them out to other Engineering Contractors.

-Charlie Cote
Barncat Inc., Engineering Services

This informative, highly motivational book accomplishes just what the book title says. The author speaks candidly about his experiences and has developed a step-by-step procedure that reduces risk and can help virtually anyone to get ahead, even if they are already happily employed.

After reading this book, I promptly tossed a bookshelf full of other so-called "how-to" consulting books in the recycling bin. While the others were difficult to understand and provided sketchy details, Jimmy Moore lays out a simple, easy-to-follow, yet extremely effective methodology that anyone can use to launch or improve a career in temp, contract or consulting. I've been contracting for years and learned many surprisingly easy networking techniques for launching an engineering consulting career. My old resume that barely fit on two pages amazingly was able to fit nicely in the one page "skill-bullet" resume format - with less information yet carrying a bigger, more effective punch for busy recruiters who have little time to weed through a long, wordy resume. I also used Jimmy's step-by-step techniques to compile over 100 contract engineering agencies and their e-mail addresses. Initial results have been fantastic and the job calls should continue for months to come! And I STILL havent put all of Jimmy's techniques into action; including the website I am designing and will link up to potential clients. This book has put new life in my engineering career after hitting the "skids."

Moore has a distinctive attitude toward consultants--people with a Noble Cause, who bring optimism, enthusiasm, good ideas, and expertise with them wherever they go. Captive Employees can get bogged down by meetings, beaurocracy, trying to fit the corporate mode, and having other powers decide your projects and professional development. After reading this book, I see that consultants can be more in control of all those factors. This book helps to give a framework for thinking about what it means to be a consultant, how to be an effective and successful consultant, pitfalls to avoid, and how to best serve the company you work for. It is full of helpful and practical ideas for setting consulting rates, learning new ideas, networking, and how to keep current.

I especially recommend this book to people who are new to contract work, or considering contract work!

This Alliance is the same great story already printed in hardcover. The softcover format makes it lighter weight and less expensive, but it still contains all the features of the hardback version, including the color illustrations and the Appendices. The sequel to this story, Run Before the Wind: Book Two of the Faeltheon, is currently in production and should be out by summer 2009. To see other reviews of this story, go to the hardcover edition.

The art in this book was wonderful! The story keeps a great pace and has a wonderful Christian message that is in undertones through out the story. The fact that the authors are teacher and students is another plus to read this book. I hope more in the series come out!

My kids and I have absolutely LOVED reading The Alliance. It is masterful storytelling and keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole way through. If you enjoy fantasy, you will LOVE the first book of the Faltheon!

This is a well written fantasy tale of a land of faeries, elves, and goblins. The vivid and comprehensive descriptions in this book, put you right in the story and give you an intimate knowledge of the characters and the fantastic places that they love and live in. The devotion to family, integrity, and faith as the characters move through this intriguing and exciting story is refreshing. This is one of four books and I am eager to continue this amazing journey with this wonderful cast of characters.

I truly and deeply enjoyed reading "The Alliance". It is the beginning of an epic journey that touches the reader in a meaningful and enjoyable way- teaching as well as it entertains. The values expressed by these three young authors and their former teacher are wholesome and Biblical, giving a well rounded worldview that will inspire both the young and the old. I recommed it highly to anyone who loves the worlds of Lewis and Tolkien and to anyone looking for an alternative to the darker literature so popular with young people today. Parents, teachers, students- add this to your libraries- you won't be sorry.

I just finished reading Bly's book and as a direct response writer, I found his observations on the "blog scene" to be dead on.

When blogging first starting coming up on my radar, I looked into it briefly and didn't understand the fuss people were making over it. It seemed very much like what people used to do on BBSs (I used to be a sysop of a BBS back in the late twentieth century). Anyone could access a BBS and anyone could comment on the author's writings for all the world to see. So, what do I see on blogs? Much the same thing. People read what you write, choose to comment, link to you or you link to them. Same thing, different year.

I also echo Bly's observations that many blogs are unreadable and do little to further marketing goals. Many I've read have interesting things to say, but they're written in long, unbroken blocks of text, which cause me to stop reading part way through out of boredom.

But, the main reason I don't like blogs is because of the toffee-nosed way it's being promoted. That, and I just hate the word "blog." It sounds like something a cat coughed up--which, now that I think about it, might just be an apt description for much of what passes for content out there in blogland.

Many blog evangelists talk about blogging like it's something new and revolutionary. Psh. It's old technology with a facelift! I've heard that "blogging is all about having conversations!" Someone in Bly's book said this very thing. This same guy spoke of blogging in a weird Jack Kerouac-ish way that made me want to reach for an air sickness bag. I envisioned him wearing a tie-dyed shirt, a grateful dead headband, and little John Lennon glasses--typing furiously with two fingers in some off-campus "Café Nervosa."

A great read, Bly's book. I'd recommend it to anyone contemplating blogging so that they can avoid the hype and not be taken in by dewy-eyed blog-angelists.

Those who are about to read this book need to keep in mind that in it, Robert Bly shares his thoughts about what blogs cannot do (nor be expected to do) as well as what they can do. Over the years, he has earned and deserves his reputation as a master of reasoning, reading, and writing skills...whatever the given genre may be. Among his previously published books, my own favorites are The Copywriter's Handbook, his Guide to Freelance Writing Success, and most recently, The White Paper Marketing Handbook. In his latest book, Blog Schmog, he focuses on "the strategy of using blogs as a business-building and marketing tool, explaining how your time is best bent on strategy, not fooling around with programming or design." Bly then goes on to explain, in the Introduction, that his book "is written from the point of view of a blogging skeptic and doubter, not one who has bought into the whole blogging fad without holding it up to close scrutiny... And my conclusions about blogging, unlike those of [blogging consultants, enthusiasts, and evangelists], are not always favorable; my positions on blogging are highly controversial within the blogosphere." He urges those who read this book to share their comments ideas, techniques, and/or success stories with him at rwbly@bly.com or to visit www.bly.com.

Who will derive the greatest benefit from this book? Probably, those in need of expert advice on how to start their own blog, and, those who have done so and are dissatisfied with the results thus far.

Time Out: There are significant differences between personal blogs and institutional blogs. Therefore, those who are about to launch either a personal blog or an institutional blog should first answer the six questions posed on Pages 55 & 56 in Chapter 2, "How to Start Your Own Blog." (Bly cites Elisa Camahort's Worker Bees as their source. Her Web site is workerbeesblog.blogspot.com.) Moreover, I think that those who have already launched a blog and are not satisfied with results thus far should also answer these six questions. For those with a special interest in institutional blogs, Bly provides an insightful analysis of do's and don'ts in Chapter 7. Then in Appendix E, he identifies "Business Blogs Every Blogging Newbie Should Know" and provides links to them.

To me, some of the most valuable information and counsel are found in Chapter 3, "Blogetiquette: The Rules of Blogging." He shares his responses to a number of frequently asked questions. For example:

Is "selling" a person, a company, or a product acceptable in the blogosphere?

How to treat copyrighted material in a blog?

Why are corporations afraid of blogging?

What is the "bloatosphere" and what's wrong with it? (Note: Bly cites Steven Streight, president and CEO of Streight Site Systems, as his source for much of the response provided.)

What is "ghost-blogging' and why does it occur?"

What about other types of blogs such as "simulated," "drivel," "sleazy link," "fictional persona," and "link farm?" What does Bly think of each?

Throughout his narrative, Bly inserts a series of "Rules"(also listed in Appendix B) and provides a context for each. (I highlighted each of them to expedite periodic review of them later and suggest that other readers do the same.) He concludes this chapter with Rule 8A: "To be effective marketing vehicles, blogs should be relatively free of marketing. They should contain useful content and the truth, not hype or sales talk. To violate this rule not only costs you sales and credibility, but it also incurs the disdain and wrath of the blogosphere." He makes essentially the same assertion about white papers in an earlier book, The White Paper Marketing Handbook.

In the final chapter, He shares a number of opinions whether or not blogging has a future and many of these opinions are certain to generate controversy. (Bly urges those who disagree with any of them to contact him at rwbly@bly.com. He plans to share feedback with readers of the next edition of this book.) I strongly recommend, however, that the first nine chapters be read with great care, first. I cannot think of a better way to conclude this review than to share the conclusion to Bly's book:

"So blog if you want to. If you don't like blogs, don't bother. And if you think the advice in this book is great, and you want to let me know, or if you think I don't know beans about blogging and that my advice is useless, you can certainly say so - on my blog.

"Best of luck to you in the blogosphere - and outside it!"

I enjoyed reading this book. It confirmed what I already knew about blogs and blogging. I highly recommend anyone interested in exploiting blogs for financial gain get a copy of this book and read it.

The overall message of the book is that blogs help increase a marketing-focused Web site get favorably ranked with search engines. Therefore, indirectly they help in marketing. But blogs are not a marketing tool in and of themselves unless one treats article writing as a marketing tool.

Building Web sites has always been pretty easy. And blogs are Web sites. What has always been somewhat hard is designing a Web site and filling it with content so visitors to the Web site will be inclined to buy a certain product or service. Since blogs by definition are not seriously researched or planned, their ability to convince visitors to buy is limited. And, as a result, their marketing value is not that great. However, Web sites do not exist in a vacume. They rely to some extent on getting traffic from search engines on the Web. And blog entries help in a few ways with getting a Web site some traffic. First, they provide content in a Web site that search engines index. At least this is the case when the blog entries are stored on Web pages within the blogger's main Web site for marketing purposes. Second, blogs are possible "hit pages" surfers will click through to when trying to find information. Such pages will then direct the surfers to "marketing pages" in the blogger's main Web site set up for marketing purposes. And third, if the blogs are freestanding, then they can provide external links directing Web surfers to the blogger's main Web site which has marketing umf. Search engines rank a Web site more favorably when other Web sites direct traffic its way.

The book also points out that the best blogs from a business' standpoint are "topical blogs." And the businesses that usually benefit are service oriented (as compared to retail oriented). For example, a consultant who counsels small business owners might have a blog that only includes entries about small business. A life coach might have a blog that only includes entries regarding life coaching issues. Or a bankruptcy attorney might have a blog that only includes entries regarding Chapter 7 personal bankruptcies. The blogs will probably help boost surfer traffic to their main Web sites, but they will also help build credibility for their respective services. Assuming the blogs have accurate and timely content, then the bloggers arguably will be viewed as "experts" even though they haven't gone through the hassle of getting a book published or passed some professional exam.

But there are many blogs out there that are not topical, are not accurate and timely, and don't really say anything worth reading. Those are the blogs that the author says are not worth producing. And I agree. 5 stars!

Finally a business book that is unpretentious. Blog Schmog is not one of those books that takes one good idea and then tries to stretch it beyond its boundaries just to get a specified page count.

Bob Bly is a direct mail copywriter and by his own admission does not buy into the blogosphere hype. But he decided to delve into the world of blogging and find out what it was all about (probably so he could write a book). The fact that Bly is not a blogging expert is exactly what makes this book valuable to someone thinking of starting a blog.

This book gives you an unbiased view of starting a blog from scratch and leaves out the sales pitch you would get from a blogging guru trying to sell you the latest patented system for starting a blog.

BS is short on technical advice but does give you resources and plenty of website addresses to get you started. What you will get out of this book is why you should start a blog (if you should) and what is the most effective way to write a blog. If you are already a seasoned blogger, this book is probably not for you.

If you are thinking of starting a blog, or just trying to get more comfortable writing one, I recommend this book. You won't be an expert after you read it, but you will have a better perspective of blogging.

Robert Bly's BLOG SCHMOG is a balanced, openly honest, "no pie-in-the-sky" assessment of the craze which has swept across the internet, namely blogging. In short, the book's subtitle "The truth about what blogs can and can't do for your business" tells the buyer exactly what to expect if they buy and read this book. In fact, that is exactly why I purchased this book because I am on the cusp of setting up my own blog. I was not disappointed.

In conceptualizing and framing his book BLOG SCHMOG, Robert Bly has targeted a wide audience: new bloggers, blog enthusiasts thinking about designing and launching their own blog, and internet surfers who have been blogging for awhile.

BLOG SCHMOG is a three-tier crash course in how to realistically analyze blogging application and effectiveness, how to measure the effect of blogging on current marketing and media trends, and how to create your own effective blog that will lure in readers and participants. The back matter or appendices of BLOG SCHMOG contain invaluable information: detailed notes from each chapter, blogosphere rules & etiquette, a comprehensive list of blogging books & guides, blogging consultants with their emails and phone numbers, blog software, blog search engines, a litany of successful business blogs covering an array of topics, and a glossary of blogging terms so the newbie does not remain a newbie.
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A word to the wise should be the mantra for this book. In other words, underscoring all of the above is a golden thread that runs through his book, namely, do not miscalculate or overestimate the effect that your blog will have on your business. Do not live in the fantasy world of blog. Be very clear about what your blog can do for you, in terms of a return on your investment ROI, whether it is financial, advertising, or just broadening your reputation via the web. Your ROI is always a balance between weekly time invested in your blog versus what do you get in return for giving up that time. What Robert Bly makes clear in BLOG SCHMOG is that blogging is a new phenomenon whose long-term effects are yet to be measured in the commercial marketplace. He does cite instances where bloggers have influenced politics; they have fanned the flames of a sweeping news story; and, through the mainstream media, blog designers and analysts have attempted to alter the path of the meandering river of public perception.

All-in-all, though some critics view Robert Bly's perspective and tone more akin to a parent who negatively discourages his child by undercutting his child's goals, I found Robert Bly's BLOG SCHMOG to be an informed primer that encourages the newbie blogger by giving him all the tools he will need to succeed, but Bly does so with words of caution. BLOG SCHMOG reads with experience and careful consideration. In short, it informs. As a writer and businessman, Robert Bly blends his knowledge of writing, marketing, advertising and persuasion into a most pleasing and rewarding work. BLOG SCHMOG is worth every penny.

John M. Weiskopf
Author, The Ascendancy
[...]

A brave and well-executed first novel that is both engaging and very funny. Wilcox has succeeded in `turning' the vampire formula on its unsuspecting head -- by rattling around with the innards and releasing a new breed of vampire and fiction.
A careful blend of humour, cliché and an all-star ensemble of have-a-go students ensure an enjoyable read from start to finish.

There are echoes of Pratchett-esque frivolity and irony; but Wilcox adds an extra dimension of sarcasm and innocent stupidity in his characters that have been absent from the Discworld since Sorcery. If Wilcox can pull off the series that he plans, it will be a fine feat indeed that should keep readers laughing for years.

Rhys's Blood Lust definitely gets the vampress.net stamp of approval for vampy goodness!

Witty, intelligent and action packed! This novel is anything but the boring played out vampire stereotypes found in most vampire based novels. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll laugh some more and you'll hope someone beats the bad guys with their own body parts (and someone does!).

I personally enjoyed the numerous references and mockery of popular vampire culture. How can you NOT love a novel with lines like this: "Perhaps she did not know that she was supposed to bay at the moo, or perform some sort of necromantic rite. Maybe you were supposed to get a manual or something; 'Lestat's Complete Guide to Immortality and Jugular Rending'."

Buy this book! And bug his publishers to get moving on the second installment, hell and why not the third and fourth.

Okay, corny review header, but it really is a good book. Answers all the questions anyone would really think upon meeting a vampire, including that pesky regeneration thing. This is the way Blade would be if it was a British film. I understand someone's making a Red Dwarf film. This should be their next development.

I demand more people buy it, 'cause I'm fed up waiting for the next one. You can get it from amazon.co.uk.

A very smart, very knowing and very amusing slant on the Vampire myth. Wilcox obviously has his tongue pressed firmly into his cheek.
The book has no pretence of horror but is simply innovative and hugely entertaining. One of the least frightening books you are likely to read this year but without doubt one of the funniest!
A great comic talent.
Buy this book - it is available on Amazon.co.uk.

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This book is a wonderful mixture of the insanely manic (student vampires in modern day England), cut-your-pinky off sharp wit and moments of shocking hilarity. Influences of Pratchett-esque silliness and fantasy throughout, but written in a very original and effective style that kept me from putting this gem down until I had thoroughly embarassed myself in public by laughing out loud so much.

Weird, wacky, colorful, creative and comical. Salty and sanguine fun. Do read this book.