 | Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, 2nd Edition by Steve Krug
Buy new: $26.40 / Used from: $19.98 Good lessons in visual communications and writing (or should I say, not writing) for the web. Understanding that people don't really want to read or do a lot of work to figure out how to use a web site or figure out how it works, is important to the development of the design, structure, labeling and writing of web sites.
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 | Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell
Buy new: $9.35 / Used from: $5.16 Interesting stories that describe the science behind the how and why first impressions are so important and the built-in biases we all carry with us. Another important concept for communicators to consider.
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 | Designing Web Usability by Jakob Nielsen
Buy new: $34.64 / Used from: $0.39 Nielsen is the Dali Lama of web usability... he lays out standards for web design based on actually studies of how people "use" the web. Great book for beginning web designers or anyone charged with managing an organization's web site. More Jakob Nielsen goodness is found on his web site at: www.useit.com.
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 | Don't Think of an Elephant!: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate--The Essential Guide for Progressives by George Lakoff
Buy new: $8.00 / Used from: $0.01 Don't let the title fool you, this book takes a fascinating look at semantics and how to use words and phrases to frame a debate or brand a cause or candidate -- marketers can learn from these examples.
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 | The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, 2nd edition by Edward R. Tufte
Buy new: $28.80 / Used from: $20.45 Tufte is required reading for any serious communicator, editor. This is his first and most famous book. Even better if you can catch his live seminar... he's a little crazy but brilliant... and will impact your own thinking of visual communications -- for the better.
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 | Envisioning Information by Edward R. Tufte
Buy new: $34.56 / Used from: $15.39 Another Tufte
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 | Visual Explanations: Images and Quantities, Evidence and Narrative by Edward R. Tufte
Buy new: $32.40 / Used from: $11.48 Tufte again
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 | The Elements of Style (Original Edition) by William Strunk
Buy new: $2.99 / Used from: $19.48 The basics. Worth a return visit every summer while in a hammock.
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 | The Associated Press Stylebook 2009 (Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law)
Buy new: $12.89 / Used from: $6.00 Every communicator needs this handy and to dip into it from time to time to stay fresh and sharp.
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 | Warp-Speed Branding: The Impact of Technology on Marketing by Agnieszka Winkler
Buy new: $44.95 / Used from: $0.01 In the Land of OZ, Dorothy says, "Oh my, brands come and go so often here!"
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 | Content Critical: Gaining Competitive Advantage Through High-Quality Web Content by Gerry McGovern
Buy new: $20.31 / Used from: $3.50 An old but excellent book on the value of web content. Right up my alley!
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 | Edit Yourself: A Manual for Everyone Who Works with Words
Buy used from: $12.95 This books supplies lists of words and phrases that can almost always be eliminated from your writing. If you need to learn to "cut the fat" -- this book is for you. It may be out of stock, but you might be able to pick one up used.
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 | The Cluetrain Manifesto: The End of Business as Usual by Christopher Locke
Buy used from: $0.01 One of those books that called it early on... the sky is falling and our world will never be the same again because of our ability to communicate via internet.
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 | Long Tail, The, Revised and Updated Edition: Why the Future of Business is Selling Less of More by Chris Anderson
Buy used from: $3.94 This concept captivated my brain, and I'm still trying to figure out how to wag my long tail to riches! : )
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 | The Brand You 50 : Or : Fifty Ways to Transform Yourself from an 'Employee' into a Brand That Shouts Distinction, Commitment, and Passion! by Tom Peters
Buy new: $12.21 / Used from: $0.47 The best personal branding book for anyone who doesn't read books!
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 | Age of Propaganda: The Everyday Use and Abuse of Persuasion by Anthony Pratkanis
Buy new: $12.24 / Used from: $6.32 Great book on history of traditional propaganda -- great lessons that still apply today. Highly recommend to any communicator.
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 | Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath
Buy new: $17.16 / Used from: $11.89 I just got this book... havent' read it yet.
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 | The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferris
Buy new: $16.47 / Used from: $12.48 This book will REALLY get you thinking!
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