Over 1,000 writers have already joined Amazon Connect, the online retailer's initiative to begin hosting author blogs on its site, MediaPost writes (via MediaBuyerPlanner). Amazon will show to users the blogs by writers whose works the users have purchased at Amazon, but visitors can also search for blogs alphabetically. Bloggers will include authors such as ex-wonkette Ana Marie Cox, James Patterson and Meg Wolitzer.

Now," wrote Slashdot, "the authors finally have the ability to respond back to comments!"

Customers to Amazon can set up a "plog" or personalized web log that appears on their customer homepage. Posts from authors whose books the customer has bought are sent to the customer's plog. Each post sent gives customers the opportunity to provide feedback to the author regarding the post. "This feedback loop means your Plog becomes even more relevant and interesting over time," according to Amazon.

Authors with at least one book for sale on Amazon.com are eligible to participate in Amazon Connect.