(Re)orientation for leymen and everybody else

Would you listen to From Gutenberg to Zuckerberg again? Why?

Yes this is definitely a book to return to, my Audible iphone app's, bookmark feature was working over time. In fact I've just ordered the hard copy for reference purposes, if that's any indication of it's value!

Who was your favorite character and why?

'Favorite character's' is not applicable here, however Naughton introduces key historical figures and contemporary authors in an engaging way.The author's use of Huxley and Orwell's distopian futures, as a means of discussing the possible realities we could be collectively sleep walking (running?) into, although borrowed from cultural critic Neil Postman; was very refreshing. With the notable exception of Nicholas Carr (also making an appearance here) so many pop-technology writers seem to prefer the position of sideline cheerleaders of the internet revolution, rather than that of serious critical commentators. The platitudinous 'if you do nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear' sentiment is not in evidence here, on the contrary, the author is at pains to state that if we don't wise up to how the web is being used by governments and corporations on a global scale, we may find ourselves with plenty to be concerned about! I digress. However, I'm not sure where a previous reviewer found so much to be uplifted and optimistic about after reading this book?

What about Daniel Weyman’s performance did you like?

Faultless, if only all audio books were read by Weyman.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes the bit where my iphone was described as a luxury furnished jail cell, I was moved to use one of the 'cell's' luxury features to book mark that bit.

Any additional comments?

The one small criticism I would have, is that in one instance the author borrows heavily from a TED talk by Copyright expert Lawrence Lessig, to the degree that he describes in detail a video which is he presented at the talk. Perhaps a URL would have sufficed? In the book Naughton actually writes that he often asks the question in his own presentations 'hands up if you have never stolen an idea from someone's PowerPoint presentation?' Perhaps what he should say is 'hands up, if anyone has every stolen an idea from someone's PowerPoint and based an entire chapter of a book on it? To sum up though, I cant really recommend this book more highly, for laymen, business leaders (particularly in the Music and entertainment sectors like me), educators will find plenty here of use too. Indeed, I suspect it's a book which will become more important to the internet discussion over time and not less so.Buy it and enjoy!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Be aware the Audiobook does not include references

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I was recommended to read this book as pre reading for a course and it was very informative.

Any additional comments?

Please be aware the Audiobook does not include references (some audiobooks provide this type of additional content as a PDF - but not this one). The print version has a Notes section including chapter by chapter references, so if like me, you are buying this to study from you might want to know this.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Brilliant

Would you listen to From Gutenberg to Zuckerberg again? Why?

Yes definately just to get my head around some of technical info.

What was one of the most memorable moments of From Gutenberg to Zuckerberg?

The insight into complexity and the impossibility of predicting the future expressed in such a hopeful and positive light. I found this uplifting.

Which character – as performed by Daniel Weyman – was your favourite?

Not applicable but Daniel Weyman is an intelligent and expressive narrator, with a lovely voice that is a pleasure to listen to.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The title is a brilliant tag line.

Any additional comments?

I purchased this audio book last August (2013) and have only just got around to listen to it as I anticipated it might be a bit dry and geekish. It was one of those books that I thought I should read to understand the technology around me. HOW WRONG COULD I HAVE BEEN. The content is brillant a perfect balance of technological info and human interest perfectly narrated by Daniel Weyman. Strangely enough it also gave me a sense of connectedness to the world and a sense of technology being part of our evolution. LOVED IT. Thanks to John Naughton and his insightful and intelligent contribution that has given me a sense that just may be things will work out for the planet after all.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Fascinating! Extraordinary book

Brings alive really complicated concepts and makes them understandable and absorbing. Truly interesting. I’ve learnt so much.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Internet A-Z

Informative & thought provoking. The underlying chronological progression helps ideas stick. Brilliantly written, brilliantly narrated.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A bit dull

Really hard going. Hardly groundbreaking. Maybe ok for a first timer. Starting to feel outdated as written in 2011. Sorry

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful