Just as books have ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers), periodicals and magazines have ISSNs (International Standard Serial Numbers). Both are unique numbers, used by international libraries to identify individual publications, which usually appear above the barcode on the back cover of the publication.
Well, a weblog is a periodical, so is it entitled to an ISSN number?
Yes! says Joe Clark, who cites the Canadian definition (which, he says, applies in other countries) of serials that qualify for ISSNs:
"A 'serial' is a publication, in any medium, issued in successive parts and intended to be continued indefinitely." (My italics.)
Clark says that some weblogs in the US have already received ISSN numbers, while some UK applicants have been turned down (he is unsure why).
Irish weblogs can apply for ISSNs online. I don't know if the Irish authority will accept weblogs – but I've written and asked them, so hopefully I'll find out soon.
"Why would you want an ISSN number?" you ask.
Clark lists a number of reasons, but forgets the main one: because it would be cool, in a geeky way.
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