Last night we had about 20 authors and industry folks come by our offices for informal conversation (and beer and pizza, of course). I'd write it up, but Thomas Hawk has done it already!

Slate takes easy potshots as the idea of blogs as a business. But, then again, there is more fluff in the market then I'd like.

Editorial Assistant, FM; Assistant Editor, SearchBlog, based in Sausalito, CA

This hybrid position combines a half time position helping FM keep its authors happy, and working with FM's founder with his personal site, Searchblog.

The editorial assistant role at Federated Media is all about taking care of authors - keeping them happy, making sure they know what's happening and feel comfortable with FM. The Editorial Assistant keeps close track of a growing number of authors, moving each forward on a continuum of engaging with the Federated Media network. The Assistant will send out instructions and requests, and will follow up with authors to be sure the instructions and requests are understood and implemented.

The Searchblog role is where an editor becomes an author him or herself. The assistant editor will spend about half of the time working closely with Searchblog's author running down new stories, reporting and writing posts for publication, and more.

The ideal candidate needs to be organized above all else -- able to cope with a rapidly changing amount of data from various sources. Familiarity with Microsoft Office and a passion for the world of blogs - in particular for the world of search, media, and technology - is required. Experience as an editorial assistant is also ideal; this can be waived for the right candidate. Meticulous accuracy and attention to detail is essential, as is the ability to work on numerous projects simultaneously and under tight deadlines. We need you to be resourceful and have the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. 4-yr college degree helpful, as is experience in journalism.

If you are interested, please contact John Battelle or Bill Brazell (bill at fmpub dot net).

From Editor & Publisher (covering a Gallup poll on Net usage):

...blogs barely existed until recently and now fully one in five Americans say they consult blogs "frequently" or at least "occasionally." That 20% figure trails instant messaging (28%), auctions (23%), videocasts and downloading music (22%).

E-mailing still heads the list at 87%, followed by checking news and weather (72%) and shopping and travel planning (both at 52%).

In terms of blog activity, there is a slight gender gap (24% of men and 17% of women read them), and of course a generation gap, with 28% of those 18 to 29 using them and only 17% of those over 50.

Nearly 60% still say they "never" look at blogs.

Dave is back with an update.

Matt notices Metafilter is getting big...

I've been a reader of Fred Wilson's blog - he writes about his passions, from music to Internet business models - for as long as he's had it running, and I'm proud that he's joined our federation. Welcome Fred!