We started this blog, as the title Adventures in Publishing suggests, to chronicle our foray into the mean, unforgiving world of publishing. We figured that whether our books succeeded or failed, reporting about the process would make for a good read. And though we have from time to time found ourselves far afield (coffee and music reviews, bloody foreheads, Laura Ingalls in Japan), we've been able to return to that main thread consistently, we think.

Anyone who starts a blog hopes for readers. And we have them. Our readership is modest but has grown consistently. Of course, we also hope for spirited debate, witty banter and enlightening conversation. In some respects, we have that too. But blogs — especially blogs that allow a little slack in the rope when it comes to staying on theme — can take surprising twists. None of us, in our wildest dreams, ever thought that our Adventures in Publishing blog would end up being the Internet's No. 1 place for spirited debate on any topic. We'd be happy to just be part of the fray, we thought. But ladies and gentleman, I challenge any of you to find a more interesting, entertaining and wide-ranging debate on the topic of the restorative effects of seaweed additives.

Sixty-two comments so far in this debate, and no sign of it letting up. Other blogs are linking to it. It is far and away the most widely read part of our website ... our beautiful little website that was supposed to be about literary objects and a deep love of books (sob).

Thorp's entries, by the way, should be treated like the Cetology section of Moby Dick where Melville goes on and on about the origin of whales. Read it if you dare, skim it if you don't and skip it if you're in a hurry.