Is there anything better than a good read?? Well yes, there may be a few things, but this is a family show people, so let's just focus on the reading thing for now. I am cursed with a love for all things written and take in piles of useless information just for the sheer pleasure of reading the words. It's a compulsion really. Imagine my joy upon finding Daily Lit, a website that offers up a wide array of publications, many of which are free for the asking, in a bite-size delivery format.

The concept is pretty straightforward. You sign up (fairly painless, all you need supply is an email address) and browse. Any books that you choose, are sent to you in installments via email or RSS. You can choose the frequency and timing of the emails as well as the length of the installment. This metered dosage of my guilty pleasure is great for me as it restricts my addiction to measured portions that once done, allow me to get on with the business of actually making a living rather than being sucked into a book that I can't put down. Should you get to the end of the installment and greedily want more, instant gratification is served by simply clicking on the "Get the next installation right now" link at the bottom of the email. Those for whom reading is not second nature may appreciate the bite sized portions of information, since it does not overwhelm.

Packed with features this site actually does a great job of integrating social media (you can build a profile and link it to Twitter), online community engagement (forums that act as book clubs), and e-commerce (some of the books do require payment). This is a prime example of web 2.0 at its best. The site itself has a clean layout that is easy to navigate and the service is packed with features. Best of all, it provides that elusive win-win. Users are provided with value, authors and publishers have an alternate distribution channel that addresses the preferences of modern readers, and Daily Lit has all the ingredients for a highly trafficked and affiliate friendly website. Nice.

I am currently reading:

*Seth Godin's, The Bootstrapper's Bible (most excellent)
* 100 Ways to Succeed by Tom Peters (not bad)
* Art of Money Getting by P.T. Barnum (hilarious! )
* 3 Short Reads by Edgar Allan Poe (very Poe-ish)


Go check it out. You'll like it.

AC