An Army of Davids: How Markets and Technology Empower Ordinary People to Beat Big Media, Big Government, and Other Goliaths

Book Description

There was a time in the not-too-distant past when large companies and powerful governments reigned supreme over the little guy. But new technologies are empowering individuals like never before, and the Davids of the world-the amateur journalists, musicians, and small businessmen and women-are suddenly making a huge economic and social impact.

In Army of Davids, author Glenn Reynolds, the man behind the immensely popular Instapundit.com, provides an in-depth, big-picture point-of-view for a world where the small guys matter more and more. Reynolds explores the birth and growth of the individual's surprisingly strong influence in: arts and entertainment, anti-terrorism, nanotech and space research, and much more.

The balance of power between the individual and the organization is finally evening out. And it's high time the Goliaths of the world pay attention, because, as this book proves, an army of Davids is on the rise.

"George Orwell feared that technology would enable dictators to enslave the masses. Glenn Reynolds shows that technology can empower individuals to determine their own futures and to defeat those who would enslave us. This is a book of profound importance-and also a darn good read."
-MICHAEL BARONE, senior writer at U.S. News & World Report and author of Hard America, Soft America

"Blogger extraordinaire Glenn Reynolds shows how average Americans can use new technologies to overcome the twin demons of corporate greed and incompetent government. Reynolds is a compelling evangelist for the power of the individual to change our world."
-ARIANNA HUFFINGTON, author of Pigs at the Trough and Fanatics and Fools

"A smart, fun tour of a major social and economic trend. From home-brewed beer to blogging, Glenn Reynolds is an engaging, uniquely qualified guide to the do-it-yourself movements transforming business, politics, and media."
-VIRGINIA POSTREL, Forbes columnist and author of The Future and its Enemies and The Substance of Style

"A student in her dorm room now commands the resources of a multi-million dollar music recording or movie editing studio of not so many years ago. The tools of creativity have been democratized and the tools of production are not far behind (Karl Marx take note). Glenn Reynolds's beguiling new book tells the insightful story of how an 'army of Davids' is inheriting the Earth, leaving a trail of obsolete business models not to mention cultural, economic, and political institutions in its wake."
-RAY KURZWEIL, scientist, inventor, and author of several books including The Singularity is Near

'Must-read,' 'gotta have,' 'culture-changing' . . . I am suspicious of blurbs with such overused plugs. But Glenn Reynolds's An Army of Davids is in fact a must-read new book that you gotta have if you are going to understand the culture-changing forces that are unleashed and at work across the globe.
-HUGH HEWITT, syndicated talk radio host and author of Blog and Painting the Map Red

"Glenn Reynolds has written an essential book for understanding how technology and markets are creating a bottom-up shift in power to ordinary people that is changing business, government, and our world. Packed with fresh ideas and adorned with graceful prose, An Army of Davids is a masterpiece."
-JOE TRIPPI, author of The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

"I cannot think of a better book for the average reader to understand just how the Web and other digital technologies are reversing the polarities of modern society-restoring many features of daily life lost with the Industrial Revolution, while at the same time inventing powerful new cultural institutions. And for those of us who make careers out of watching this transformation, no book to date so well summarizes all of the diverse trends in a single narrative."
-MICHAEL MALONE, "Silicon Insider," ABC News

"Reynolds' highly informative book-a must-read if you want to have some idea of the direction things are taking-is about a lot more than the effect of blogging on Big Media. Its theme is 'the triumph of personal technology over mass technology,' which is a trend Reynolds believes is only 'going to strengthen over the coming decades.'"
- FRANK WILSON, Philadelphia Inquirer

"Instapundit's book reads fast. . . It's just one big idea after another, like a Hollywood thriller that piles on the plot rather than stopping to tie up the loose ends. . . He's fearless. . ."
-MICKEY KAUS, Kausfiles

"The book covers everything from home-brewing beer to space travel, but all the themes are connected by Glenn's faith in human imagination and creativity. It's a must-read for anyone interested in where technology is taking us."
-JIM MEIGS, Popular Mechanics

"Reynolds comes across as a good-humored, reasonable and even modest fellow, so it is astonishing to realize just how ambitious An Army of Davids really is. A hundred years ago, nobody could accurately explain or predict just where the Industrial Revolution would take us. Now, Reynolds attempts nothing short of explaining and predicting where the Information Revolution will take us. . . I will make a prediction-in December, when lists of the most important books of the year are drawn up, this one will be near the top."
- JAMES L. MERRINER, Chicago Sun-Times

"Reynolds argues that we are undergoing a sea change. The balance of advantage-in every aspect of society-is shifting from big organizations to small ones. . . Reynolds presents his case with verve and wit."
-ADRIAN WOOLDRIDGE, Wall Street Journal

". . . crisp and readable. . . "
- The Economist

"Glenn Reynolds isn't just the author of An Army of Davids. He's a living, breathing embodiment of the book's attractive and persuasive thesis. . ."
-NICK GILLESPIE, New York Post

Customer Reviews:

Interesting book.......2007-07-11

This book got me thinking. It brings up some really interesting ideas that I am not sure I have truely digested all of them. But it got me thinking about creating my own website for my ideas and realizing it may be a success.

Entertaining and Insightful.......2007-07-06

This is an entertaining and insightful read. While it doesn't claim to be a business book, it certainly has great applicability to businesses great and small. If you are looking for political commentary, this book really doesn't fit the category as some commentators have suggested. Still, this is a book about the empowerment of the individual, something that is inherently pro-liberty. The thought of the rise of individualism clearly is scary to some.

As a lawyer, Reynolds is a trained "issue spotter." He does not purport to know all of the answers, but the recognition of an issue is the first step to understanding it and capitalizing on it. An Army of Davids does a great job of raising a lot of issues that society, businesses and the "establishment" must grapple with over the next twenty years.

Instapundit Groupie Approves.......2007-01-03

As an instapundit loyal reader and groupie - this is an outstanding book with an incredibly positive view of an individually powered world.

Worthless.......2007-01-03

A worthless and superficial book, politically biased. The Author's open sympaties for the Republican Right shouldn't have him forget some of the basics of his issues: to write about bottom-up use of technology without even quoting once the case of Wikipedia is an herculean albeit dubious achievement. But embracing a future invasion of Mars (and supporting the not so wise war in Iraq) borders on pure craziness

Buy this book..........2007-01-03

An Army of Davis provides the reader insight into the future. I was drawn to the book by reading the UT law professor's wonderfully detailed book on space law. This book devotes a chapter to space but it is much more rounded in its approach to technology and society. It was a fun and easy yet worthwhile read. It is my hope that the good law professor will some day soon do a new edition to his space law book, however. In the meanwhile, this book is worth the money and the time.

Fifty Activities for Developing Counseling Skills in Managers
Average customer rating:
Fifty Activities for Developing Counseling Skills in Managers
Roy Bailey
Manufacturer: Human Resource Development Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Ring-bound

Human Resources & Personnel Management | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0874251834

Book Description

Managers and supervisors will sharpen their analytical and decision-making skills with this new collection of fully reproducible case studies. Based on actual, real-life situations, these exercises prepare supervisors and team leaders for the challenging problems they face in today's complex workplace. Each case study includes

Summary of the case
Discussion questions which evoke thought and analysis
Suggested solutions to the problems presented
Training Objectives
Improve participant's listening skills
Empower employees to negotiate
solutions fairly
Provide opportunities for participants to practice new skills in a supportive environment
Illustrate the skills needed to respond productively to complex issues
Activities Cover
Performance appraisal
Managing effectively
Sexual harassment/discrimination
Managing disruptive employees
Coaching/counseling employees
Hiring the right person

Book Description

The updated edition of the classic, fundamental book on weed science

Weed Science provides a detailed examination of the principles of integrated weed management with important details on how chemical herbicides work and should be used. This revised Fourth Edition addresses recent developments affecting weed science. These include the increased use of conservation-tillage systems, environmental concerns about the runoff of agrochemicals, soil conservation, crop biotechnology, resistance of weeds and crops to herbicides, weed control in nonagricultural settings and concerns regarding invasive plants, wetland restoration, and the need for a vastly improved understanding of weed ecology.

Current management practices are covered along with guidance for selecting herbicides and using them effectively. To serve as a more efficient reference, herbicides are cross-listed by chemical and brand name and grouped by mechanism of action and physiological effect rather than chemical structure. In addition, an introduction to organic chemistry has been added to familiarize readers with organic herbicides. Also included are guidelines on weed-control practices for specific crops or situations, such as small grains, row crops, horticultural crops, lawns and turf, range land, brush, and aquatic plant life.

Generously supplemented with 300 drawings, photographs, and tables, Weed Science is an essential book for students taking an introductory course in weed science, as well as a reference for agricultural advisors, county agents, extension specialists, and professionals throughout the agrochemical industry.

Customer Reviews:

An very good resource for land management........2004-12-14

This book gives a great background to managing weeds. However, it does focus on management in crop lands. There is excellent information on many different management techniques from mechanical control to the use of herbicides. Many chapters are also devoted to the biological mechanisms that make herbicides effective. For anyone interested in restoration and weed management in noncrop lands, this book may not be worth the money. You can get a lot of the same information off herbicide labels and the internet.

Weed Science: Principles and Practices, 4th Edition

Average customer rating:

Weed Science: Principles and Practices, 4th Edition
Thomas J. Monaco
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MU9DOW

Book Description

Rivers and streams around the world that once flowed wild and unchecked are rapidly disappearing into dams or being channelized between concrete banks. This valuable sourcebook, now available to a wide audience in a paperback edition, is an important comparative documentation of what is being lost: naturally flowing river and stream ecosystems. No other single volume brings together so much critical information on rivers and streams worldwide. Each chapter is packed with a wealth of raw data on waterways including the prominent rivers of North America, Central and South America, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Oceania. The volume evaluates the usefulness of the River Continuum Concept and ecosystem-level measurements for evaluating the structure and function of rivers and streams. The new introductory chapter examines the relevance of other useful concepts including Nutrient Spiraling, Patch Dynamics, the Flood Pulse Concept, the Network Dynamics Hypothesis, and the Hyporheic Corridor Concept.

Book Description

Pro tips and step-by-step photos on jumping, cornering, braking, starting, training and more.

Customer Reviews:

Room for improvement.......2005-12-02

I'm having a hard time reading this book. I think the gems of information are in there, but I'm having work pretty hard to get them out. Why? Formatting: low contrast color choices. In some places, dark text on a dark background makes for difficult reading in low light. Clarity: the author(s) repeatedly fail to define terms precisely. I'm left to guess what they mean. A how-to book shouldn't leave the reader wondering. Ego: they seem to worship Jeremy McGrath. Call him infallible. It feels like a primary school clique to me. Bad science: For example, pg.41, tip #5: "Carry most of your weight on the footpegs to lower your center of gravity." Based on my understanding of basic physics, changing the position of where the rider's weight is supported has nothing to do with where the rider's center of gravity is. Sure it's good advice, carrying the rider's weight on the footpegs drastically improves the bike's handling, but the authors' explanation of the physics is complete nonsense. It leads me to question all other explanations. I imagine the authors know their stuff, but they've got a lot of room for improvement to communicate their ideas in print.

Book Full of Great Riding Tips.......2004-06-24

This proved to be a very useful book to me. The authors of this book broke down the various aspects that are required to ride a dirtbike efficiently and safely. After I read through this book, I could critique my riding technique and make corrections. I immediately noticed results the first weekend out in the woods. My speed was increase and my comfort levels went up. At the conclusion of that ride, I noticed that I was less tired than usual and could have went back out for more. I've become a better rider as result of reading this book. I would recommend it to anybody wanting to become a better rider.

AWESOME!.......2003-08-15

This is just a gorgeous book, I had the old Gary Semics manual, it was black and white photocopy stuff, this new book has all the Gary Semics stuff with updates and many sections covering different terrains, bikes and setups. The pictures are outstanding, I showed it to my dirtbike buddies and everyone wanted to buy their own copy. They usually copy the stuff so that says a lot about the quality. The information is of the highest quality, Gary Semics is maybe the top motocross teacher in the world, and his "47 absolute techniques of motocross" WILL make you a better rider even if you just ride for fun with your friends. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

Worth every penny!.......2002-11-15

This is an excellent book for improving your skills and preventing the spills. The pictures and instructions are so well written that anybody can understand and apply the techniques. A huge variety of topics for both trail riders and motocross racers, this book has plenty to offer all riders at any experience level. The chapters and subjects are well organized and easy to read. You will not be disappointed..

Best off-road motorcycle book around.......2002-10-24

My husband and I both ride... but he's the one who rides on the dirt as well as the road. He's been looking for a book like this for ages, and was elated when I presented it to him as a birthday gift. It's packed with information and pictures on off-road riding, which requires techinques that no-one seems to write about - but it's all here in this book. A must buy.

Publicize Your Book: An Insider's Guide to Getting Your Book the Attention It Deserves
Average customer rating:

Sherri Rosen Publicity Recommends for Book Publicity

A book for authors with publicist or......traditionaly published.

A book that appears to be for traditionally published authors, but I suspect it will help any small consulting business owner.

Add this to your collection

The Proof is in the Pudding

Publicize Your Book: An Insider's Guide to Getting Your Book the Attention It Deserves
Jacqueline Deval
Manufacturer: Perigee Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Publishing & Books | Reference | Subjects | Books
Journalism | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books
Writing Skills | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books
General | Reference | Subjects | Books
General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Guerrilla Marketing for Writers : 100 Weapons to Help You Sell Your Work

The Savvy Author's Guide to Book Publicity

The Frugal Book Promoter: How To Do What Your Publisher Won't

Jump Start Your Book Sales: A Money-Making Guide for Authors, Independent Publishers and Small Presses

1001 Ways to Market Your Books, Sixth Edition (1001 Ways to Market Your Books: For Authors and Publishers)

ASIN: 0399528636

Book Description

This indispensible guide from a book-publicity insider offers everything authors need to know to assist their publishers in publicizing, marketing, and promoting their books. From working alongside professional publicists on campaigns and marketing plans to innovative ways authors can generate their own publicity, Publicize Your Book provides essential information for the first time author or the seasoned professional including:

Â€ Effective networking
Â€ Defining your target readership
Â€ Developing a press kit
Â€ Creating pitches for talk shows
Â€ Getting newspaper and magazine coverage
Â€ Marketing on the Internet and in other outlets
Â€ Preparing for interviews and touring
Â€ Setting up bookstore appearances and signings
Â€ Hiring an independent publicist

Customer Reviews:

Sherri Rosen Publicity Recommends for Book Publicity.......2007-07-07

We are always seeking new reference books on book publicity. No matter how long
we are business, we are always willing to learn and read what is current.
This book is great. Highly recommend it to authors and to publicists.

Sherri Rosen Publicity

A book for authors with publicist or......traditionaly published. .......2007-06-12

Not for POD or self-published authors. Cold Eyes

A book that appears to be for traditionally published authors, but I suspect it will help any small consulting business owner........2007-05-13

The other day I got an email from someone who had "discovered me" while surfing pages within the Amazon site. That person said he was contacting me because my book "reviews demonstrate a specific interest in book promotion and publishing." While it is true I have read a bit on book promotion and publishing, I don't really have a specific interest in book promotion and publishing.

My specific interest (if I in deed have one) in something is entrepreneurship and small business. In particular, my interests involve small businesses that are service oriented. I learned a while ago that a small service business (accounting firm, law firm, public relations firm, etc.) will be successful if its clients and/or customers view the rainmaker as an expert. And one of the easiest ways to become an expert in the eyes of others is to write a book that relates to your service offerings. Of course, the book should be full of helpful content and well-written, too.

Writing a book does two special things for a small businessperson offering services for sale: (1) it provides credibility for the author-businessperson, and (2) it provides something tangible that the small business owner can market. And by marketing the book the business owner is indirectly (but, almost directly) marketing her business.

Now let's take a look at the instant book. While it is true that the book's title is Publicize Your Book, I view the title as being Publicize Your Small Consulting Practice. After reading this book I think the author could have titled the book a little better or more accurately. Publicize is merely a subset of marketing. And this book explains more than methods of publicity. This book is a marketing book! And it is a great marketing book at that.

This book explains the marketing angles that should be considered even before you write your book or start your consulting practice. Why write something you can't sell? Why start a practice that won't attract paying clients? How do you know if you'll be able to sell something if you don't have a sound marketing plan to use to sell your book or your services when the time comes? Well, the answer is simple, read this book and you'll have a pretty good idea as to how to put together a plan. After you think through the things you'll have to do to market your services and/or book, you may rethink what your services or book will actually be.

Don't expect this book to spoon feed you, though. This book will provide you with the big picture, and it is up to you to take the ball and run with it. 5 stars!

Add this to your collection.......2007-04-19

I have read this book a few times now, and each time I do, I come away with a little more knowledge than I had before. While it does not go into as much depth as some writers would like, I find it a quick read, covering the broad-view of your book marketing campaign. All too often it is easy to get lost in the numerous details of book promotion, after all there are so many factors to take into account for each book, and each aspect of your book publicity must be meticulously cared for. This is why I like this book so much. When I get bogged down in the mire of details (say by Kremmer, whom I love and respect, but ugh!) I can take a break, pop open this book, and within 5 minutes I realize why I am doing all of this again.

Add to that the book is fun. It really is. It is upbeat and really motivational. I always feel like I can do anything after reading a few pages of this book - and that alone is worth 5 times the price of the book. Some days you just don't feel like promoting your book(s). Some days you just wish someone would come in and do it all for you. Those are the days when you most need this book. it will re-inspire you and get you back on track. it is a great reminder that there are hundreds of ways to get publicity, and that it is okay to look at it like a salad bar (ooh! I'll have a little of this, and maybe some of that... and I will come back for that other stuff later). Definitely worth reading again and again. :-)

The Proof is in the Pudding.......2007-03-14

It is a widely held misconception that publishers promote all the books they publish. The simple fact is, they don't. Unless your name is Stephen King or JK Rowling (or any small number of other authors we have ALL heard of), then marketing and promoting your book is largely up to you, no matter how you publish. I cannot tell you the times I have heard a traditionally published author lament about the lack of marketing attention being devoted by his/her publisher. It's a surprise to most authors that publishers do not heavily promote all their books. Sadly, most authors come to this realization only AFTER they have signed their rights away. All authors end up in the same pot - those who have maintained their rights by self-publishing or publishing POD continue to stir while those published via old-fashioned publishers simply sink to the bottom.

There are several books that tell authors very specifically what they need to do. This is one. Do you think it is any coincidence that all the reviews for this book (including mine) are written by other authors and that they all include the title of THEIR book in the review? This is a technique that "Publicize Your Book" and my book detail at length - that writing reviews for books is a great way to draw attention to your own book, particularly if the book you review is in the same category as yours. Tricks like that, and others, are reason enough to pick up "Publicize Your Book" - and then reason enough to write your own 5-star review.

Brent Sampson, author of "Sell Your Book on Amazon" and "Self-Publishing Simplified"

Book Description

The Boy Beside Me is a coming-of-age novel that does not sugarcoat the experiences of growing up. It is a story that deals with trust, forgiveness and the most important challenge of being accepted by others and oneself.

Seventeen-year-old Mercedes Albright is a small-town girl who lives life the way she pleases, no matter what anyone thinks. With her best childhood friend Kevin Dobner beside her, she gives no thought to the opinions of her peers梐nd really has no opinion of herself either. Troubled by her apathy about life and her future, Kevin takes it upon himself to make her see she is worth more than which she gives herself credit.

With Kevin抯 support, she begins to grow out of her insecurities and realizes whom she is and what she has to offer the world. Through a warm, tumultuous and heartbreaking relationship with him, Mercedes learns about life and confidence until the recklessness of her past is nothing but a distant memory. And she learns that love, while not always perfect, takes the honesty of two people and the understanding of two hearts.

Customer Reviews:

The Boy Beside Me.......2002-11-08

Although I'm a woman in her mid-fifties and this book is really written to appeal to the late teen genre, I was really impressed at how the author could mesmerize the reader with such descriptive literature, and stay on the subject genre. The development of the characters and the way they change is quite remarkable. I loved the story, the relationships, the town all took place in, and the incredible twist in ending the book. This is an up and coming author, for sure.

A "real" young adult story.......2002-05-24

I loved this book! It was so true to life. I couldn't put it down. I loved every part of it and I really cared about what happened to the characters. I can't imagine a book about people suffering through teenage problems being any better.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books