Release 2.0

Unlike that silly Negroponte, this is a book about how the Internet/Web revolution will affect our lives, and how our lives and our institutions will affect it. This book is so well written that it seems effortless - therin lies the disappointment of some - good analysis does not always lead to unexpected or "profound" conclusions. Sometimes the truth is obvious. What is so great is that she gives her reasoning as well as her conclusions - this enables the reader to refine his or her own analysis by adding further decision factors based on knowledge or experience. In other words, this book teaches you how to think clearly about the Digital Age, or any other subject. What is important is that she is not so close to the problem, ala Negroponte, that she looses perspective. That is the great failing of many - they know so much about the Internet and so little about the rest of the real world - including history, sociology, politics, and people. It is true that she is as much a reporter as a thinker, but this is still the best distillation of what is likely to happen in the Digital Age.

Well after reading through the other reviews, I just wanted to mention that the contents of "Release 2.0" were very well documented from an "unwired novice's" point of view. I'm on the roaded to becoming "wired" and found this information extremely useful. If there are others trying to figure out the ways and means of the web and some history on it, this is a good place to start if you have no other sources to confirm with. She did not seem biased in anyway and left the reader to make up his/her own mind. Her suggestions and opinions were just that and she let you know that from the start. I have already recommended the book to several new "webbies". Aloha.

esther dyson makes a wonderful commentary of the obvious, yet widely misunderstood growth in digital culture. ie: building communities is key. thank you for giving merit to the vision... -steve hatch

Release 2.0 is a very good book that should be a required reading for anybody who wants to understand more about the Internet and its effect on us. A must for a beginner and expert alike, and considering that Release 1.0 cost you 750 USD per year, the paradox of next realease is always cheaper is again proven here. Hear it from a friend who recommend it very highly. Cheapest bargain of the year, Buy it!

(if you read the book you will get it)Great, but not the best book I have ever read. I would recommend Being Digital by Nicholas Negroponte over this any day. However, Dyson does show a good view, if regurgitated from others, of our future and how things are changing. People have said it is written both for the digerati and for the unwired novice, however if you aren't on the Net or a digital person I think that the book might be a bit boring to you. Overall a great piece of work.