A delayed train, a dip in the conversation, an early morning hour with no sleep—during these moments, do you feel an overwhelming urge to grab your BlackBerry? Do you know someone else who does? If the answer is yes, then look no further than this one-of-a-kind book...

CrackBerry: True Tales of Blackberry Use and Abuse covers the phenomenon of “BlackBerry Addiction,” offering true-life accounts of BlackBerry dependence and mishaps. You’ll find comfort and humor in the unbelievable tales of BlackBerry abuse and also learn some valuable tips along the way.

• The definitive guide to responsible BlackBerry use.
• How to tame and get the most out of your BlackBerry device
• BlackBerry etiquette guidelines

This book offers a comprehensive "12 Step Plan" for BlackBerry users and abusers. It’s a must have if you own a BlackBerry, and maybe it’s the perfect gift for a friend who is showing signs of a BlackBerry addiction.

What you’ll learn

• Dozens of user stories that are just too funny or too sad to believe
• A unique "12 Step" approach to curb your BlackBerry dependence
• Use effective strategies for balancing life and your BlackBerry
• Work BlackBerry etiquette tips to live by
• “BlackBerry Confessions” from the authors and users from CrackBerry.com
• The “BlackBerry Quiz” to test your level of addiction

Who this book is for

For everyone who has used a BlackBerry smartphone!

Table of Contents

1. “I Can’t Be Without It!”
2. “Do I Worship My BlackBerry?”
3. “Step Away from the BlackBerry”
4. “BlackBerry Boo-Boos”
5. “Am I a BlackBerry Abuser?”
6. “OK, I Am a BlackBerry Abuser”
7. “Ask Others for Help”
8. “BlackBerry Bystanders”
9. “Scooping BlackBerry Poop”
10. “BlackBerry Etiquette”
11. “Conscious Contact or Constant Contact?”
12. “Typing the Talk and Walking the Walk”
13. Our Final Thoughts
14. CrackBerry Terms and Definitions

Martin Trautschold is the founder and chief executive officer of Made Simple Learning, a leading provider of Apple iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, BlackBerry and Palm webOS books and video tutorials. He has been a successful entrepreneur in the mobile device training and software business since 2001. With Made Simple Learning, he has been helping to train thousands of BlackBerry users with short, to-the-point video tutorials. He has now co-authored 15 Made Simple guide books. Martin also co-founded, ran for three years, then sold a mobile device software company. Prior to this, Martin spent 15 years in technology and business consulting in the U.S. and Japan. He holds an engineering degree from Princeton University and a master''s in business administration from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. Martin and his wife, Julia, have three daughters. Martin enjoys rowing and cycling. He can be reached at martin@madesimplelearning.com.

Kevin Michaluk is founder and community manager of CrackBerry.com, the most-visited BlackBerry community site on the web. He received his first BlackBerry phone while working for CanWest Global, a media company, and has been a BlackBerry addict ever since. Kevin graduated from the I.H. Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba with numerous business plan competition awards and accolades, including the Asper School of Business Academic Lifetime Achievement Award.

Gary Mazo is vice president of Made Simple Learning and is a writer, a college professor, a gadget nut and an ordained rabbi. Gary joined Made Simple Learning in 2007 and has co-authored the last 13 books in the Made Simple series. Along with Martin and Kevin Michaluk from CrackBerry.com, Gary co-wrote CrackBerry: True Tales of BlackBerry Use and Abuse—a book about BlackBerry addiction and how to get a grip on one''s BlackBerry use. Gary also teaches writing, philosophy, technical writing and more at the University of Phoenix. Gary is a regular contributor to CrackBerry.com, writing product reviews and adding editorial content. He holds a bachelor''s degree in anthropology from Brandeis University. Gary earned his master''s in Hebrew letters as well as ordination as rabbi from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has served congregations in Dayton, Ohio, Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Gary is married to Gloria Schwartz Mazo and between them, they have six children. Gary can be reached at: gary@madesimplelearning.com.