ClickZ Cofounder Andrew Bourland Dies

We’re saddened to learn that ClickZ cofounder Andrew Bourland died today after suffering from cardiomyopathy.

In 1997, Andrew and Ann Handley founded ClickZ as an online publication to cover the fledging Internet advertising and marketing sector. At the time, they asked people in the business to contribute articles — an approach that thrives today with more than 40 online marketing professionals writing ClickZ Experts columns.

“Handley and Bourland built the company by bootstrapping, pulling themselves up by their own available resources: hustle, ingenuity and free cash flow,” reported StartupGarden.com in an article that examines how the entrepreneurs made ClickZ into a profitable venture. Alan Meckler’s Internet.com acquired ClickZ in 2000; the online publication is now part of Incisive Media’s family of publications.

“One of Andrew’s most admired traits was his insistence upon writing back to the people who wrote to him for advice. He answered every email, and once upon a time that was a mountain a day!” wrote his wife, Jeanne, on his blog, Bourland.com.

In November, Andrew first publicly informed friends and followers about his terminal condition. On his blog, he also also shared his thoughts about the difficult decision on whether to die at home or at a Hospice house.

Andrew’s great work lives on, serving as the foundation for a new generation of online marketers.

Our sincere condolences to Andrew’s family and friends.