Buying a Neglected Domain

Hi all,

So there's a domain that I wish to purchase - it has branding potential for a project I'm working on and has value to me, but it has no other real value. The site is currently used as someone's personal blog, but they haven't posted on it for over a year. Whois gives me a real person to contact.

How would you suggest I approach the domain owner? Any strategies to follow? I've only ever purchased expired domains - not neglected ones.