Media : Community/Alternative Media

Since the entry of radio into American homes, technology has led the way for political campaign strategies. Boys on the Blog will offer the first detailed look at the latest revolution in campaign strategy-- the blogosphere. Liberal politcking in particular has been radically impacted by these grassroots, often individual efforts over the last few years. This ad-hoc, mostly pro bono, community (aka the Netroots) has been able to change, in telling and significant ways, American politics and media. Using the 2008 presidential White House campaign as a dramatic and compelling backdrop, the book will detail the myriad of ways that the blogs influenced the candidates and the campaigns. Colored by vivid portraits and character sketches, this book will reveal the new wave of changes that has revolutionized progressive politics. more...

Price: $26.00

Political blogs have grown astronomically in the last half-decade. In just one month in 2005, for example, popular blog DailyKos received more unique visitors than the population of Iowa and New Hampshire combined. But how much political impact do bloggers really have?. In Blogwars, David D. Perlmutter examines this rapidly burgeoning phenomenon, exploring the degree to which blogs influence--or fail to influence--American political life. Challenging the hype, Perlmutter points out that blogs are not that powerful by traditional political measures: while bloggers can offer cogent and convincing arguments and bring before their readers information not readily available elsewhere, they have no financial, moral, social, or cultural leverage to compel readers to engage in any particular political behavior. Indeed, blogs have scored mixed results in their past political crusades. But in the end, Perlmutter argues that blogs, in their wide dissemination of information and opinions, actually serve to improve democracy and enrich political culture. He highlights a number of the particularly noteworthy blogs from the specialty to the superblog-including popular sites such as Daily Kos, The Huffington Post, Powerlineblog, Instapundit, and Talking Points Memo--and shows how blogs are becoming part of the tool kit of political professionals, from presidential candidates to advertising consultants. While the political future may be uncertain, it will not be unblogged. For many Internet users, blogs are the news and editorial sites of record, replacing traditional newspapers, magazines, and television news programs. Blogwars offers the first full examination of this new and controversial force on America's political landscape. more...

Price: $19.95

"In CauseWired, Tom Watson has written the seminal book on peer-to-peer philanthropy and its counterpart movements in politics and branding."—Charles Best, Founder, DonorsChoose.org. "Whether you're a net-native college student or a geezer like me, CauseWired is required reading if want to understand the future of activism and engagement. Tom Watson gives deep, insider perspectives on the transformative potential of social networking and other innovations for linking communication and compassion."—Mario Morino, Chairman, Venture Philanthropy Partners. "With eloquence and enthusiasm borne of deep experience in the world of social change and philanthropy, Tom Watson describes the intersection of causes and technology and shares a compelling vision of a philanthropic future powered by the social web. This is an essential book about one of the Internet's most important functions: bringing people together to help make our world a better place."—Peter Daou, Internet Advisor to Senator Hillary Clinton. "CauseWired is a fascinating look into the rapidly evolving world of the Internet, social networking, and social change. Watson demonstrates how individuals are using new digital outlets and tools—most importantly, blogging, social networking, and online giving platforms—to explore how we may each act to impact the critical events of our day, from the 2008 election to Hurricane Katrina and Darfur. His engaging writing style and breadth of perspective help us see not only what is happening today, but what will happen in the years to come as we each act upon our potential to change our world and communities."—Jed Emerson, Managing Director for Integrated Performance, Uhuru Capital. "If you don't want to be left behind in our new wired society—or if you're already behind—this book is a must-read! Tom Watson has produced what could be a marketing bible for the field of ph more...

Price: $27.95

This original and engaging study of community media combines original research with comparative and theoretical analysis. The author examines a number of different community media such as radio, television and print media and looks at the way they impact on the lives of those who produce and consume them. more...

Price: $31.00

What are today's rules for conducting business over the Internet? Find out in this, the ultimate writing guide for the digital age. Accessible and inviting, this Web-savvy 'how-to' book promises to transform anxious e-mail hacks and mediocre memo writers into eloquent electronic scribes in no time at all. Your online mailbox will never be the same again. more...

Price: $16.00