Congratulations to Steve Jackson, who has won our Blog-Off Contest through a popular vote of online readers. Steve's winning essay is titled "Dear First-Time Vietnam Visitor." (Read it here.) He had originally published the piece on his blog Our Man in Hanoi, which narrated his experiences as an ex-pat living in Vietnam.
Steve now lives in Nicaragua, where he runs the aptly named blog, Our Man in Granada. We're excited to say that he will be guest-blogging here at This Just In starting the week of May 21. He'll also receive a $500 prize.
We applaud every writer who entered the contest. There were so many good submissions! And thank you to all the readers who took the time to help pick a winner.
User reviews and comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions.








Just a quick note to say thank-you to everyone who voted for me.
I intend to use the Guest Blogging spot to share the "link love" around a bit and also to help raise the profile of KOTO and CafeChavalos - the two not-for-profit programs I have been involved with firstly in Vietnam and now in Nicaragua.
Both are such incredible organisations in two wonderful countries - it's impossible not to be inspired by them.
Thanks again
Posted By Steve Jackson on May 10, 2007, 8:23 PM
Congratulations, Steve! Your article was wonderful, and I'm so glad you won. I'm looking forward to reading your guest-post.
Posted By Stacy on May 11, 2007, 9:50 AM
Way to go! Can't wait to read the blog.
Posted By Sarah McCormick on May 11, 2007, 11:00 AM
A worthy winner! Give this man a book contract someone!
Posted By Bob Piper on May 12, 2007, 12:52 PM
Congrats! It was a great article!
Posted By Destinationsomewhere on May 20, 2007, 8:33 PM