Release 2.1

I bought this book and perhaps my expectations were too low, but Ms. Dyson definately impressed me. I deal with so many people in the business who don't "get it" that it is great to read from someone who does. This book is ever better in small snippets (as opposed to cover-to-cover) and I think I prefer it that way. Possibly an update on Tracy Kidder (Soul of a New Machine) more than 20 years later!

Esther does a great job describing the new nternet world that we are building and the potential pitfalls along the way.

This book, based on Dyton's own enterprises in the international business world, has overwhelming persuasive power. I felt so excited and thrilled on reading through the first 2 chapters; I like them best. I totally agree with her when she says lurkers are not really part of the community of the Internet. She commits herself to networking positively, and succesfully gives explicit advice to ordinary readers. This is the best book that I have ever read dealing with the Internet society. I bought 2 hardcover copies; first in the Japanese, then in English, and I feel richer now. (I read 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.

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!