Rate this book

Without Their Permission: How The 21st Century Will Be Made, Not Managed (2013)

by Alexis Ohanian(Favorite Author)

3.73 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

1455520020 (ISBN13: 9781455520022)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Business Plus

review 1: The book provides an interesting look into the life of a internet entrepreneur and what it takes to make and manage a successful startup. The power and possibilities of the internet and its permission-less innovation is thoroughly explained. Just a pity the last three chapters become a bit of a drag, repeating the same stuff about net neutrality over and over again. While net neutrality is indeed one of the most important issues right now, i feel Alexis could have spend more care in explaining it without making himself sound like a broken record. Good read overall though!
review 2: I started reading this book without any predetermined expectations...and finished with a vigor & enthusiasm for the endless possibilities that lie ahead for us, on the open internet.... more I think that the attitude of expecting a specific formula for a specific end goal- the startup success Ohanian obtained, is a lot like the mindset "If after ___ number of dates, then this happens". Of course, I only perceive this book through my own unique lens when I say that I understand Ohanian to share, rather than "self-praise" his story as a context, even foundation, on which an unique combination of factors (family, friendships, mentors, timing, hardships,etc) led him on this exciting trajectory through which I've felt fortunate enough to live, vicariously through this book. My own motivation for talking of my work is to "share" & is in hopes of the other person responding in like, with their own stories, that & perhaps out of not knowing what else to talk about. Sometimes that's misconstrued as being "self-absorbed" or "self-praising".I also appreciate, and find it endearing that Ohanian names his girlfriend as his muse and the inspiration behind the mascot. It lays down the context (and door) to his reasoning. To compartmentalize by thinking "This has nothing to do with business", is ignoring the fact that we are all susceptible to external influences & its ideas. Plus, how many books give credit to a girlfriend? Not many, to my knowledge. I believe details really do make a difference in the perception of a business & does impact a consumer's willingness to embrace the product or service. At a time when it is easy to be overwhelmed by a saturation of products & services, I appreciate the details. Same goes for business cards. While no tech expert & with no plans (yet) to create a startup, these were just a few of my own takeaways:1) An emphasis on fearlessness to take risks2) There is no rigid formula to anything, and that's exhilarating & does justice to innovative thinking, instead of invalidating one's unique factors that impact unique trajectories3) In a new era in which things can change in a drop of the hat, flexibility, adaptability, and the confidence/open-mindedness to embrace change, is key4) As an only child who struggled with weight issues, had a mom with cancer during my teenage years, endured my mom's hospitalization a week before my college graduation, and currently have family members in the hospital, I am very happy to see Ohanian's success (that given context makes it that much more compelling) & will support all his projects & rejoice at the successesIf the specific business plans & funding strategies weren't disclosed for a reader's liking, why not just ask Ohanian to write another book? I'll buy that as well. I personally liked the balance of gravitas with self-effacing humor, that it was helpful without being pedantic, and appeal to efficiency, ie. that it's a 5 hour read from NY-SF, a route that many like-minded people often take ; ) less

Download links for: Without Their Permission: How the 21st Century Will Be Made, Not Managed

Advertising