If I cared to compare the statistics, I think I would find that Jane Austen has a greater web presence than Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan combined. It’s certainly a more respectable one. Although Jane A. probably isn’t racking up the web hits like Jessica/Ashley S. because, well, Jane has talent, brains and manners. Jane does not have a publicist, drinking problem or fashion faux pas that go beyond accidentally dropping a handkerchief.

Those of you looking for a quieter, gentler, more thoughtful community of like-minded Janeites, should hop over to The Republic of Pemberley. The Pemberlians freely admit to an obsession with Jane Austen and boldly point out there are other more destructive things to be obsessive about, thankyouverymuch, and if you do not like their site, well, then, there are plenty of places on the Internet for people “just like you.”

Their mannerly way of telling visitors this is their world, you’re welcome to it, and if you don’t like it, please allow us to show you to the door and thank you for your visit, is refreshing. There’s no name calling, forum locking, or flaming. Everyone must use their true name and be accountable for all content in posts submitted.

The Republic of Pemberley is a font of Jane information ranging from the six original books, to Jane’s life, to literary continuations and sequels, to academic examination of literary allusions in the Austen novels.

For Jane Austen with a dollop of sass and wit, drop in on the AustenBlog and answser the question “one lump of snark or two?”  The six Jane-o-philes who make up the staff collect all the information referencing Jane that ijust fit anywhere else. Tidbits such as Jane Austen celebrations nationwide, TV shows that namecheck Jane (looking at you, CSI), commentary on literary critics who feel the need to comment on Jane’s perennial appeal and its affect on their lives, and LOLJane. If you don’t know what that is, you really need to clicky the linky. Have a laugh, why don’t you?