By D. Weinstein

Opportunely published at a time when corporations large and small are starting to see the value and strategy in blogging, Debbie Weil's "The Corporate Blogging Book: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know to Get it Right" (Portfolio, 2006) does well providing a guide to newbies thinking about jumping into it all.

Derived from Weil’s own blog and consulting practice, with footnotes galore, the book is well-sourced, an easy read and prescient.

To be clear: This book is not primarily for those who already participate. But for those who need guidance before taking part. Blog-savvy readers, however, might find the book a useful reference tool; a style guide of practical hints.

A CEO, corporate speaker and consultant, Weil starts by answering 20 questions she’s asked often about blogs. She frames her answers for the uninitiated and to what corporations can get. Such as: A free marketing strategy; an on-going focus group; fresh content found easily. I can see marcomm pros convincing executives to read "The Corporate Blogging Book" to help convince the same executives to jump in.

Blogging, participating, “It’s not about being cool” Weil writes at the book’s end. It’s about being real. Like the best blogs, authenticity is king in books, too.