Infrequently asked questions.

Or, IAQ, for short. I had a small revelation this week--a revelation that was subsequently and strangely supported by an article about why our brains become dependent on tools such as Google and Twitter.

First, my revelation. Over the past several years, I have become so dependent on Web-based FAQs that, if I do not see my own question addressed, I assume it is not valid.

Second, the semi-support. Read this slate.com article. Upshot: We are voracious seekers of information.

Third, the convergence. I think the combination of our seeker tendencies and the plethora of already-existing answers available--quite literally--at our fingertips has turned us into a pack of over-informed and yet under-educated zombies.

Why am I talking about this? Because I never once thought to ask my rep at the printer how long it would take my book to show up on distributors' Web sites (amazon.com, etc.). All the FAQs on the printer's own Web site spoke in terms of hours and days, and I didn't see my question asked. So I assumed it didn't need to be asked.

Silly me.

Three to five weeks after I approve the proof. That's how long. Anyone who has placed an order for What Happened on Smith Street directly with me will have it about ten days after approval.

The next proof should arrive Monday or Tuesday (my rep caught another pagination error and is having them run it again before shipping to me).

So, we are getting closer...and yet not as close as I had hoped.

Again, silly me.