It's a very exciting day here at Matador. We have just acquired BraveNewTraveler.com, which I think is the best travel blog on the Web. BNT will join TheTravelersNotebook.com as the foundation for our soon-to-launch blog network. Both of the outstanding editors at BNT, Ian MacKenzie and Tim Patterson, will be joining the Matador team as we expand the editorial content, hire more writers and launch the Matador Network.

If you're a writer, please make sure to check the Bounty Board over the next few weeks, as we'll be posting dozens of new, paid assignments. If you have an idea for an article, please submit it to David Miller (david [AT] matadortravel [dot] com). If you'd like to see an article posted on one of our sites, please let us know and we'll find someone cool and talented, to write it.

We hope you're all as excited about the next year as we are. Stay tuned...

The Matador Team

Issue # 8 of Traverse Magazine Online is up! This week features a lyrical and sharp-eyed journey into the Wyoming highcountry by Tim Patterson, an interview with filmmaker and creator of the Everest Peace Project, Lance Trumbull, as well as tips on taking better travel portraits and links to some of the most dynamic travelers, organizations, and opportunities you'll find anywhere. Please subscribe to Traverse and pass along to your friends and family!

Have you checked the traveler's notebook lately? This weekend's story has earned top ranking at Iloho.com. Be sure to check in and vote.

Besides this story, Matador contributors have been adding new pieces daily: check out Olivebeard's piece on how to find your way if you're lost, and today's story by kiwiwriter, a nuts and bolts guide to working New Zealand's Vineyards.

The best way to get this content delivered right to you each day? Subscribe via RSS feed.

For information on how to contribute to the Notebook, please check the bounty board.

The traveler's notebook features sustainability-focused destination guides, recommendations, and how-to articles from the matador travel community. Our goal is to provide the best resource of practical information for conscientious travelers seeking cultural immersion, as well as work, study, and volunteer opportunities worldwide.

Please help us blow this launch up by bookmarking the url address: http://thetravelersnotebook.com/ on del.icio.us, digg.com, and any other bookmarking site you've been using. The more people see your bookmarks, the more visibility it gains on the web and the bigger splash we make across the internet. To make things easier, we've added a special bookmarking tool on the site itself. When you open the traveler's notebook, please look near the center of the page for a small icon that says BOOKMARK. Scrolling over this icon will give you a drop-down menu with various bookmarking options. Please remember to tag the site under travel.

Finally, please subscribe to the traveler's notebook via RSS feed. You can do that by checking: http://thetravelersnotebook.com/subscribe

We are actively soliciting submissions for this new section. Check the bounty board for more details.

The first deadline for the Traverse Award Series for College Students is approaching fast. If you haven't checked this contest yet--please check it out, and pass along to any of your friends who are students. This is a great chance to show off your writing and photography skills! Check it out!

Issue # 3 of traverse is up! From stand-up paddling with the C4 watermen in Hawaii to living with the native Himba in Namibia, this issue features the best travel writing and photography you’ll find anywhere, plus a tight how-to guide to get you started making your first documentary and profiles on inspiring travelers and dynamic organizations worldwide. Please subscribe to Traverse and invite your friends and family. Help us spread the word about this great publication!

This Friday, Oct 5th, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time (11:00 AM Pacific time) Matador editor David Miller will be interviewed on www.editred.com. The interview will be structured as a live discussion with users able to ask questions about matador, travel writing, submitting / querying, and other subjects, and have them answered in real time using the writing forum on editred.com.

We encourage matador community members to follow the discussion live on editred.com and to take advantage of this excellent resource for writers and editors by joining their community.

For more questions, please contact

Issue # 2 of Traverse Magazine Online is up! From stories of partying with the locals at the 40th Vallenato festival in Colombia to living with the native Himba in Namibia, this issue features the best travel writing and photography you’ll find anywhere, plus tips on the top music festivals worldwide and profiles on inspiring travelers and dynamic organizations. Please subscribe to Traverse and invite your friends and family!

Matador is officially on the list of the Best Travel Blogs at the seminal publication and website Transitions Abroad! A huge thanks to all of the community members who have been contributing, and continue to contribute extraordinary blogs: you are making Matador a truly inspirational place.

Designed as a counterbalance to the responsible and ethical bent of the magazine, TransitionsAbroad.com has recently launched a new section called "Travel for Pleasure," and is looking for contributors. Please visit check their Writers' Guidelines here.

In the weeks ahead we will be hosting the Matador Fall 2007 Traverse Awards College Series, a two-month writing and photography contest for college students. Beginning October 15th and running through December 10th, each two-week period presents a specific objective for students to examine the theme of community as it pertains to travel and place. Winning entries, along with selected honorable mentions will be selected and published in Traverse, Matador's online magazine. Entering the contest is free, and each winning author receives $100. See full details.