Bass Books

Part 1: Next to introducing their research on a divergence between market capitalization represented in brands against consumer brand perception ("The Brand Bubble") the authors provide a thorough analysis of the actual changes in the relation between brand owner and consumer driven by technological and sociological developments. Part 2: Application of the findings in part 1. Case studies and recommendations for responding with appropriate brand management measures.

...it must be the chickens coming home to roost. It's always been a concern to me that when so-called 'intangibles' are factored into the value of a brand the most important group with most to say on the subject, (namely consumers), are singularly ignored. Could it be that when you ask consumers, as the BAV has done for over a decade now, you find they are far less enamored with brands than the Wall Street analysts assume?

Well, here's the wake up call. The analysts can't be allowed to create a world as they wish it to be. Instead strong brands require a more disciplined approach which Gerzema begins to outline in this treaties.

I'm hoping this book will lay the foundations to a more grounded model of brand building that factors the consumer into the equation from the outset. The most successful brands know this already.

Brands today have hit a wall. This important book tells why...and what marketers can do about it. Most branding books are filled with fluff and opinion. This is the only one I've read that is built on a foundation of facts. As such, it provides a rich understanding of how to move your brand forward today.

What's brilliant about this book is the way that it demonstrates the misguided approach to brand management that many companies practice in language that the perpetrators themselves can understand. It is rigorous in the way it leverages years of proprietary brand data to illustrate and quantify the gap that exists between corporate and consumer perception of brand value. But it doesn't stop there: it's real value is in highlighting the underlying cause of this discrepancy, the failure of organizations to understand the true source of value that consumers derive from a brand. Ultimately the value is in how the brand experience makes them FEEL, i.e. it's emotional and not just a rational value proposition. The more brand management has been taken over by data-driven, MBA-educated technocrats, the more they have tried to manage brands based on a false paradigm of how brands work. The Brand Bubble doesn't just highlight a branding or business challenge, but a systemic failure of many supposedly brand-driven business to truly understand what business they are in.

John and Ed's excellent book couldn't be more timely or more insightful. While Wall Street is rewarding brands that are over-inflated, it's critical to understand the true value of a brand from a consumer perspective. This takes on even more importance in the face of the current economic environment. Well thought out and well documented!

As an American living in Europe I was thrilled to stumble upon this Irving-esque piece of quirky Americana--a young Hispanic female drummer living in a multi-ethnic household in a swanky and W.A.S.P.-infested neighborhood in the suburbs of Pittsburgh.

Robin Meloy Goldsby Piano Girl: A Memoir has a genuine talent for fresh characterizations that run against stereotype and bubble over with surprises. As I began reading, Jane Bowman and her curious family drew me into their world of music, and I wondered where they might be headed as they learned to accept the death of Jane's beloved mother. In spite of the misty sadness hovering in the Bowman household, there's an undercurrent of off-beat humor and optimism that accompanies the themes of music, loss, and recovery. Jane's story takes many unexpected twists and turns, and I often found myself laughing and crying in the course of one chapter. Rhythm is a big, beautiful, and bold book, and Goldsby's prose sings.

As an American living in Europe I was thrilled to stumble upon this Irving-esque piece of quirky Americana--a young Hispanic female drummer living in a multi-ethnic household in a swanky and W.A.S.P.-infested neighborhood in the suburbs of Pittsburgh.

Robin Meloy Goldsby Piano Girl: A Memoir has a genuine talent for fresh characterizations that run against stereotype and bubble over with surprises. As I began reading, Jane Bowman and her curious family drew me into their world of music, and I wondered where they might be headed as they learned to accept the death of Jane's beloved mother. In spite of the misty sadness hovering in the Bowman household, there's an undercurrent of off-beat humor and optimism that accompanies the themes of music, loss, and recovery. Jane's story takes many unexpected twists and turns, and I often found myself laughing and crying in the course of one chapter. Rhythm is a big, beautiful, and bold book, and Goldsby's prose sings.

I greatly enjoyed Robin Meloy Goldsby's memoir, "Piano Girl," the highly entertaining story of her life and career as a hotel lobby pianist. So when I learned that she had recently published a second book, this one a novel, I knew I would want to read it.

"Rhythm" is the story of a 15 year old girl, Jane, whose mother, a well known musician, dies in a tragic fire while performing. Jane is also a talented percussionist, and the theme of the novel is the redeeming power of music to nurture and heal. The book follows Jane from the age of 15 through adulthood, telling the story of her emerging career as a musician. I particularly enjoyed the parts of the book that dealt with life as a struggling band member on the road.

Without spoiling too much of the plot, as noted above, the major theme of the book is how music can help people through personal tragedy. I particularly liked this one passage: "Music is an art that cannot be mastered...a means without an end, and a complicated yet kind process that helps us cope with the simplicity and cruelty of life."

It is obvious that only a musician could have written this novel, as Goldsby clearly *gets* music and the hold it can have on your heart. Some of the most shimmering prose in the novel occurs, in fact, during the parts where she is describing Jane getting caught up listening to or playing with other musicians, e.g., in talking about another drummer, Jane says that his playing "is more than monster technique: it's emotion, it's spirituality, it's love. It has nothing to do with the head and everything to do with the heart, and maybe even the lower intestinal track. It's gut music, played by a gut player. In a way, it's magic."

I also really liked the fact that the protagonist of the novel is a strong woman. The character of Jane is in many respects a wonderful role model: she strives for excellence, doesn't give up, and manages to succeed in a male-dominated field (female drummers are few and far between), despite considerable discrimination. One of the funniest scenes in the book was when Jane stood up against a manager of an all-female band who tried to get them all to wear matching strapless puffy pink dresses, which aren't exactly conducive to drumming.

Indeed, I think this would be an excellent novel for girls in their late teens and early adulthood to read. (There's some sex scenes and a fair number of F-words sprinkled about, and some disturbingly bad things happen to characters we care about a lot, so I'll hold off giving it to my 12 year old for a while) But the main moral of the novel--that it is better to dig deep down into one's inner resources to get by in the world, rather than sit around waiting to be rescued by a handsome guy, and music is one road you can take to accomplish that--is one I want my daughter to hear.

Not everyone who writes nonfiction can make the transition to writing a novel. "Rhythm" succeeds in that respect, and its success in making it to the semi-finals of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards was well-deserved. So if you're looking for an enjoyable novel that captures well a passion for music and playing music, add "Rhythm" to your list.

Goldsby has an uncanny ability to put her reader right into the story and into the heart and mind of her main character, Jane Bowman. Jane thinks, "if there is a sound more hollow than the thump of a broken heart, I don't know what it is." It is this kind of writing that puts you right there with Jane as she embarks on a journey of healing and self-discovery that is at once heart-breaking and triumphant. Goldsby is also the author of Piano Girl (see product link)---an exceptional memoir. I look forward to more books by this author! Piano Girl: A Memoir Songs from the Castle Twilight Somewhere In Time

Full disclosure - I worked for Backbeat Books when they published Robin Meloy Goldsby's wonderful memoir, Piano Girl, and am fortunate to have read Rhythm in its entirety. Re-reading this excerpt just now put me right back into Jane Bowman's world, where her seemingly perfect life is marred by a tragedy perhaps too great to bear. Rhythm is the pulse behind the prose, and the affirming yet mysterious life-force that brings people together when it seems they need each other most. I rooted for Jane the entire way, inspired by her resiliance, warmed by her friendships, distressed when her obstacles felt too real, and richly rewarded for persevering with her through it all. Drum roll please....this one's a winner. Brava!

This book was very helpful in dealing with a narcissistic in-law family. I suppose I would have gotten more out of the book if it had been my family of origin. Lots of good information, at times a bit too technical for this lay-person, but overall an interesting and helpful read.

I also recommend "The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissistics" for those dealing with a malignant narcissistic in the family.

My mother is still narcissistic in virtually every relationship she has. I now recognize what it is about our relationship that leaves me empty. I no longer provide her narcissistic supply and I have established some clear boundaries with her. I can't change my childhood but I am aware of how it can affect me in my daily interactions and, armed with that knowledge, I have been able to be a better mother to my son.
I would definitely recommend the book to anyone who has to deal with a narcissistic family member; it doesn't necessarily have to be your parents. It could be a sibling, too.

This book was quite an eye opener for my husband and I. We actually read it together and was able to identify many of the issues addressed. We feel armed with the knowledge of what we are dealing with (as knowing is 1/2 the battle), but we are still uncertain as to how exactly to deal with the narcissitic parent/family system in certain situations. We plan to continue reading about this topic, discussing how best to be in control of our own actions/feelings, and moving foward past the narcissitic upbringing. This book was definitely the place to start.

The book was very imformative if you feel you come from the type of family written about

I have read this book recently and am amazed at how much it is helping me become a better person. The stories are amazing, the analysis is genius. I can't but help recommend this book for people who are interested in learning about themselves and how to improve themselves.

One of my friends got this for me to read over my family vacation in Spain. I can honestly say I think it was meant to be... the book, the timing, the lessons! It's not only fun to read, but has some really great points and makes you think. Reading The Red Book was life changing for me and put everything in life in perspective! I have now decided to sell my life consuming business in the states and move to Spain within the next 5 years! I guess I am the typical target audience, 28 y.o. female and Sera absolutely captured my heart and ignited my divine spark. I have recommended it to all of my friends and will get it for each one of them!

I attended one of Sera Beak's workshops prior to reading the book. I strongly recommend her workshop! I am still reading the book, but it is just as amazing as the workshop! I think you have to be ready for The Red Book and open to Sera's fresh perspective. Sera is wise beyond her years. She ties so many spritual and religious concepts together in a way that really make sense...to me anyways. I love that Sera acknowledges that spirituality and religion can co-exist and shows us the way to make that happen for ourselves. If you read this book...get ready for that Divine Spark and where it will take you!

The Red Book was a great read, funny and inspiring.I bought copies for two girlfriends who also love it!

I thought most had lost it! Thanks Sara for doing this, wherever you are! This is a journey gathering major patterns and rituals that are used by all spiritual systems around the world and given to us that feel less than whole, or seem to be searching in the wrong places again and again. About time, next time, I think making also more focused on the general "we" would allow men in too, but I have no clue what men would think-so thank you!

I was a little cautious about getting this book. The title kept throwing me off - but the description kept calling me in. Unorthodox it is. It might be offensive to some - but then they are probably not the ones too interested in having a spirituality that beams light of any kind (sorry if that offended the traditional or conservative spiritualist). Sara is brutally honest, blunt, close to her Creator, in touch with her divine and her feminine soul, soaks up wisdom and spews it out lovingly for all to hear, live, love. I would go a step further and recommend it for men - we all long for our feminine soul to sing and dance. Sara, I'm waiting for your next one...your sequel...The Redder Book.

Since my book is older, it was a used version, the hints are for older things. It does have some helpful tools, but lots of the annoyances, I already knew about.

This book is written in a very easy to understand language. The hints are pratical and should help everyone in some way. Microsoft will not tell you much of how to make your operating system work the way YOU want it to. Steve Bass takes care of that. It is a valuable resource for anyone who has a PC, novice or experienced. I consider myself somewhat knowledgeable about computers and I even learned a few new tricks.

I am still pretty much a neophite where computers are concerned, so I bought this book hoping that it could get me out of the "messes" I'm always getting into. It really DOES help! Thank you!!! Steve Bass, I'm now searching for other books you have written.

This is the first computer book I actually said down and read, cover to cover. It holds your interest, and each tip gets you excited for the one to follow. I call it my AHA book. All the time you read it, you go "Aha! That's the problem!" or "Aha! That's how to get rid of that!". Can't recommend it highly enough.

I've read many computer books, and I have to say this is one of the most informative. More important, Steve provides hundreds of tips to overcome the small (and large) problems of Windows. It's nice to konw that even a well-known computer columnist experiences the same frustrations we ordinary users do. Happily, he willing to share the solutions he's found.

In my first reading, I discovered the answers to at least 7 windows annoyances I've encountered.

And instead of including a cost-raising CD, the publisher has made 100 utility programs available online, a better solution that including them on a quickly outdated disk.

A useful, and often amusing book.

You need it!

I read quite a bit. I would say about 2 to 3 books a week sometimes and they are all Christian. So suffice it to say that I am not easily impressed and very often I think that what I have read is a real "waste of paper". This book is not one of those. McNeal writes without compromise. Don't be fooled by the cover. This is not one of those "get big and better" books on the church. This is a very real and honest look at the way things are from a strategist who writes well and engages the reader. It is worth every penny.

This book is a must read for Christians who are not satisfied with their spiritual life and a MUST READ for those in churches considering major capital expenditures that will serve only the members. It will change the way you think about how you and your church can best serve Jesus.

For many years I have felt disenfrancised from the church, even though I have spent my entire life in it and even raised my family in it. Now that I am nearing fifty, I have found myself seeking ways to spread my faith that are real and substantive. This Present Future has given verbal affirmation to what I've felt all along, and to what I've always known to be true. But in Churchian circles, the only truth is the one they tell you, and to think outside the box is frowned upon. But now I understand why, and I understand what I must do to change and effect my world for Christ.

Thank you Reggie McNeal.
Lonnie Friesen
The Homeless Heart

Reggie McNeal writes a thought provoking book that will either excite and challenge you or anger you. Not everyone is ready for the truth that is laid out in his book. But it is the truth none the less. The American Church has lost the right to be heard and this book gives us some tough questions we need to ask ourselves in doing a self-evlaution and earning the right to share the important message of Jesus Christ and be heard by those who need to hear it. This book was a great confirmation for our church in who we are and why we don't seem to fit in with the other churches in our community. God is doing a new thing and this book has shown our church we are part of it. I am now taking our entire church leadershipo through the book. I highly recommend every Christian who is tired of "doing church" and maintaining the status qou read this book.

Fantastic book. Really makes you reflect on your ministry and the questions the book asks gives a structure for evaluating the overall focus of your church. I would highly recommened this book for someone seeking to bring about revitalization within their congregation and personal ministry.

Amazing insight into this legendary, largely unsung hero of the low end. Not only are there transcriptions of his bass lines but also recordings with the bass turned up way high in the mix.

Why miss a chance to have cheap bass lessons with one of the greatest (as well as having a great read into the bargain).

Very good book if you don't have the DVD. Fills in many details not in the film. A must have for Bass Players.

I'm one of those Bass Players who discovered James Jamerson late in my bass playing life. Any young (or old) aspiring bassist should have this book. The 2 cd's that come with it are worth the price alone. Some of the greatest bass players on earth (McCartney, Entwhistele, Pallidino,Bob Babbit,Chuck Rainey..) paying homage to Jamerson and playing some of his famous bass lines. The great thing about it is that when played through headphones you get the bass in one ear and the rest of the mix in the other. I have actually listened to just the bass mix multiple times and marvelled at the Bass Lines. A must for any young Bass Player.

The book has some great stories and pictures and compliments the CD greatly.

I've always been a fan of Motown but of the singers, now I'm starting to realize I shouldn't give the singers all the credit, it was the producers, songwriters, and musicians who made the artists become hits. If it wasn't for the unique, special Funk Brothers who knows if the Motown artists would have become as successful as they did. It doesn't matter how good of a singer a singer is, if the music ain't right, the singer ain't gonna sound good. Its that something special about the Motown Sound that sparks something in our minds, hearts, and souls, the music complimented the singers excellently. James Jamerson was just a handsome, wonderful, real, interesting, talented person. Its sad he had to get recognition after he passed on. It seems the only way to become a legend is to die first then people appreciate you more, well this book taught me to love and praise people while their alive that's what keeps them going. All James wanted in his last days was recognition and to know he did make a difference in the world of music. This book taught me to appreciate the musicians, songwriters, and producers, the people behind the scenes, who made it possible for the music to become timeless, sometimes we give the singers too much credit.

It was interesting for me to read most of the Funk Brothers didn't even like Rock N Roll or Soul music, they were really jazz fans and wanted to play jazz, so it shows how gifted they were to still play soul music effectively even though it wasn't their cup of tea. Another reason why Motown sound is so appealing and fresh is because the Funk Brothers laced different genres of music into the soul music and tried new things with the music creating the Motown Sound, a sound in its own class.

James Jamerson is one of the top bassist of all time and this book will give bassist some insight to his genius. I never learned to read music, but I was born with an exception ear! I remember a long time ago, going for a job in a pit orchestra. The musical director was not all that impressed with my playing on the first day, because I didn't read music and I kind of fumbled through the rehearsal. I went home that night and learned the entire show from a tape. On the next rehearsal, when we started to play the opening number, the conductor stopped in the middle of the song, looked at me and said...."Turn up the bass!" ..this made me very happy, as I always felt a little inferior not being able to read :-)

The book covers Jamerson's story and shows many of his classic bass lines for those of you who do read. It's no walk in the park, but it's time well spent and will take your playing to another level.

The book comes with 2 CDs full of Jamerson's bass lines and many top bassist playing their favorite Jamerson tunes. It's all very interesting for musicians and non musicians alike and well worth the price! I never knew how much this guy influenced my playing until I really sat down and listened to him! What a great talent!

But you didn't address the issue housecleaning. It was sort of a mute point.

Married couples are happier when the woman does most the domestic work, I'm not telling you to quit your job, but it's a proven fact. I mean, that summarizes the very small section you dedicate in this book to domestic work.

Yet in your other book you encourage men to be more helpful. That really made me irate. I really quit reading this book at this point. The largest fault of our marriage, was dividing domestic work.

BUT~ Don't let this stop you from reading the book. He doesn't bring that issue up until near the end of the book! I actually give this book to my girlfriends with marital problems also.

It really taught me how to confront my husband, and be PROACTIVE. Understand how he ticks, and how some "positive reinforcement" when your hubby is good will encourage him to do more. Not to criticize, but encourage :)

Using the tools the author offered up to communicate with my husband (Touching him when communicating) really helped. My husband served me divorce papers. I refused to sign for financial reasons, but sat down and thought about it for 24 hours. When my husband arrived the next day. I sat him down, grabbed his hand, looked him deep in the eyes and said "I love you. I wouldn't of married you if I didn't love you. I have made a lot of mistakes - WE have made a lot of mistakes. We both have a lot of growing up to do, and we can change together. I want to change with you, and be with you the rest of my life. If you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I will forgive you, and we can try to forge our love again." It worked. He dropped a little tear, and we have been PERFECT ever since.

He does things without being told, and is much more focussed on his family when he is here. This book will give you examples, and the tools to communicate on a level with your husband in which he WILL understand for once.

In all reality, this book really saved my marriage. It filled my empty tool box.

(I just really wish you would do something about the domestic duties chapter. My husband actually just showed up one day and started cleaning. No guidance from your book... AH! Make another edition!)

I bought this book for my live-in boyfriend who is dragging his feet about getting married. Needless to say, we haven't always gone about things the right way and our relationship hasn't exactly been perfect. So, I've read a LOT of relationship books lately. I decided I had better check it out before I handed over something that would overwhelm him if it was going to be THE book I gave him. And this is, by far, the best and most practical book I've read yet. It was just as beneficial a read for me as I think it would be for him.

Let me also just say that I am not a good reader- 20 pages at a time at BEST. This book was written in lay terms and the pages flew by. I read 270 pages in 3 days. It was really clear and really engaging. It was an easy read that I looked forward to. Don't get discouraged by one of the first chapters with all the brain and chemical stuff. It's only one chapter and the rest of the book is NOT like that. I plan to get it for many of the men I know for these reasons:

It is reaffirming for men. It says that most therapists don't have proper couple's training and licensing and that they insist that men act more like women. That is why men feel so frustrated. So, it gives real and practical suggestions and suggests that men approach a marriage from the same perspective that a man would approach his job- an area he generally feels pretty competent in. I think most men will like and can relate to this.

I found the author to be very pro-woman in his approach without demeaning men. He placed a high and equal value on both partners in the relationship. He just suggested that both need to reevaluate the way they look at things and that a change in attitude can go a long way.

Also guys, I found that he touched on every subject that I can think women take issue with or are confused by. As I was reading his suggestions, I think I would be truly happy with the outcome if they were applied; not expecting perfection, but recongnizing the effort. Don't ignore ANY sections because they are all things that are important to women- even the ones he spends only a paragraph on. Basically, that was what I interpreted his approach to be- to help you understand the way we view things and why we make your life miserable because of it. ;)

If you are going to try any relationship help book, I would suggest this one for men (but also valuable for women). You won't feel overwhelmed, it's practical, and it is written in a way you will enjoy reading it.

Its a great book for him to read and if he does it works wonders for us!

I think this is a great book that has some practical principles in it for all men to learn from and apply them to their everyday lives.

At the conclusion of the introduction to his book, The Secrets of Happily Married Men, Dr.Scott Hazelton writes that it is not his aim to merely assist in making marriages okay, he wants to help make them great! At the outset of the book, he creates a "job description" for husbands. He calls it; The First Way: Make Your Marriage Your Job
The following seven chapters enourage the reader to work toward that goal. From the Secrets of MarriedMen.com, Dr. Scott shares the following observation by a man named Frank, age 48, married for 25 years;

You both must give 100 percent of yourself in your marriage if you
want it to work. Love her the same as you did when you dated and
make her feel like the most important thing on earth. You had
better find the time or you will find yourself divorced. If you
can't find the time to do this, why did you ever get married?

Hazelman reiterates a conclusion that was made by Gottman which says after tempers flare and hurtful things are said, the future of a relationship depends on how the couple makes up-or at least engages in some sort of damage control.

He goes on to say that a husband's greatest challenge is to foster, within his wife's heart, a real and lasting faith that she can trust him.

This book is an excellent tool, especially for LEOs with initiative, to help stay mentally prepared and to realize the importance of training and proficiency. It is an easy read, with situations that readers can imagine themselves in, with each included incident.

Not a big fan of cops, but this was a very interesting read (except for the first 2 chapters.. I liked it from "holding fire" on...). It's full of anecdotes so it reads fast and you get involved in each one.

It will give you a new perspective of when a cop draws his/her weapon and if you run into a cop after reading this book, trust me - you won't move and you'll do everything they ask!

This book is easy reading and worth every minute spent doing so. It is steeped in the experiences of others and hence a valuable resource.

Klinger does an excellent job of showing what officers go through before during and after a shooting. Nobody should be so pretentious as to criticize an officer unless they have at least read this book.

Dr. Klinger is one of those rare people who has spent a substantial amount of time on the street as a cop and then gone on to earn a reputation as a serious scientist. He uses this unique combination of skills and insight to shed light on one of the most talked about and least well understood events in contemporary American life -- police shootings.

If you want the true story about what it's like to be in the kill zone where cops make life or death decisions, then live or die by them, this is the book for you. Klinger's interviews with 80 police officers who recounted incidents in which they used deadly force, were shot themselves, or exercised restraint even when they would have been justified to shoot are mesmerizing. They also have every bit of drama you would expect in a movie or TV, but with none of the b.s.

This is the truth, recounted by people who were there and recorded by a thoughtful scholar who's been there too. As another ex-cop who also is a scholar, I recommend this book most highly.

I received my copy of this book two days ago and finished it yesterday. For me, it was worth the price of admission. I have been blogging for about 7 months and have purchased two other books on blogging and subscribe to several blogs on blogging. While this book included most of what I have learned from the other books and the blogs, it does a good job of explaining "why." I am a person who needs to know why.

I purchased this book as a resource on blogging for churches and ministries and it does a good job at that also. For instance, I am in the process of starting a ministry blog. I thought that since it is my personal blog that people would understand that what I blog about is my own personal opinion. This book explains that is not necessarily so and some sort of disclaimer should be added to the blog.

Easy to read, easy to understand and not expensive. A Great book for a novice and helpful for an experienced blogger interested in blogging for ministry.

Well organized and full of information for both the newbie and also a more experienced blogger who wants to deepen their effectiveness (or experiment more). I work with synagogues, and found the approach of blogging for "ministry" can be useful and much more broadly defined than for churches alone. Very easy to read, full of practical examples.

I was actually pleasantly surprised with this book. I knew going into this book that I was in for a lot of great information and disciplines in creating and maintaining a blog. I did not expect how creatively it was written. I think we have certain expectations for "how-to" books and this one surpassed my expectations.

If you have started a blog or are just thinking about it, grab this book. There is a lot of focus on churches creating and using blogs, but not to the extent that it leaves the individual out. The writers took time to teach us a little history as well as give us clear detailed info on the how, why and where of the blog world. Chapter 9 & 10 focus on starting a blog and then building a blog well. I love chapter 11 titled "Build A Really Bad Blog". It's kind of the how-to in reverse.

One of the coolest things in the book was hearing from bloggers around the country about their take on blogging and how it has affected their lives or the lives of the businesses/churches they are involved with. I enjoyed hearing the real world ideas.

This book really starts from the beginning by asking 3 questions...
-Is it a tool or a toy?
-What problem are you trying to solve?
-What is the return on ministry?

The writers go on to explain that "Blogs are tools, not toys. Blogs help solve real problems. Blogs deliver a true return on ministry."

I also appreciate the hopeful message from start to finish. As churches and Christ-followers, we have an amazing opportunity to share our story with others. The blog world is open and ready for the taking. This book consistently draws you back to intent. The writers want you to be excited about who God is in your life and they want that to burst out on your blog.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone thinking of or already in the blogging world. It's very easy to read. It is not extremely technical. And when it does get technical, they have done a great job of explaining themselves so no one gets left behind. It has real life stories and history. It is a quick read.

I learned a lot that I didn't know about blogging from this book. It would have saved me a lot of problems if I had had something like this when I started blogging a year ago.

If you are looking for some help in defining and establishing a blog for yourself or your ministry you will find this book helpful. It gives some great insight in to establishing a good blog for the right reasons.