Michael Lewis has once again penned an incredibly captivating book that delves into the world of people taking advantage of the latest technological advancements.

Take, for instance, the teenager who finds himself in the crosshairs of the SEC for allegedly attempting to manipulate the stock market. When faced with a group of SEC officials, this young lad astutely throws their own logic back at them, highlighting the absurdity of their "manipulation" criteria in the current technological landscape.

Then there's another teenager who emerges as one of the most respected purveyors of legal advice on the Internet. Meanwhile, a youth develops peer-to-peer file shaping, which companies like Napster can utilize. And in a garage, some guys come up with the technology for TiVo. The developers manage to convince the major television networks that, despite the ability to skip through commercials, this technology could actually boost their viewership and profits.

Michael Lewis is truly a remarkable author. His stories are not only highly convincing but also thoroughly entertaining, often laced with humor, and always packed with valuable information.

With the advent of the internet, a significant shift occurred.

The so-called outsiders, namely the computer geeks, suddenly found themselves on the inside.

Conversely, the insiders of corporate America either lagged behind or were in a frenzy trying to participate.

The author vividly demonstrates this through the profiles of several teens.

Take 15-year-old Jonathan Lebed, for instance. He managed to make over a million in online trading by influencing share prices with his posted opinions.

Then there's Marcus Arnold, also 15, who provided legal advice on a law website and became a highly sought-after voice.

And Daniel Sheldon, just 14 years old, worked hard to enhance the Gnutella software for everyone, simply driven by his passion and the pursuit of glory.

These examples highlight how the internet has disrupted the traditional order and given young people with unique skills and interests the opportunity to make a name for themselves and have a significant impact.

It shows that in the digital age, age is no longer a barrier to achieving great things.

The internet has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for those with the right mindset and determination.

Great book!

I had read "Liar's Poker" and loved it, so I decided to get this one in audio format, where Michael Lewis reads it himself.

It's truly awesome to hear the author's own tone of voice. It made walking my dog an extremely enjoyable experience.

This book is basically a series of anecdotes that showcase different ways in which the internet has transformed various industries, political institutions, and aspects of our culture.

Although it's a tried subject, it is presented in a very unique way.

I would definitely recommend it to others.

It offers valuable insights and interesting perspectives on the profound impact of the internet in different areas of our lives.

Whether you're interested in business, politics, or culture, this book has something to offer.

Give it a listen and you won't be disappointed!

I am a die-hard fan of Michael Lewis. Oh, "Liars Poker", what an outstanding book it is! So, listening to his perspective on how the Internet is transforming our world was surely something I would adore.

The examples he provided might seem a bit outdated by now. However, it was truly refreshing to step back from the chaos of Twitter and blogs that we are bombarded with these days and simply observe how technology is constantly evolving.

His insights were not only entertaining but also highly thought-provoking. It was truly a worthwhile experience that was well worth both the time and money invested.

I found myself completely engrossed in his ideas and couldn't help but reflect on the profound impact that the Internet has had on our lives.

Michael Lewis has once again managed to capture my attention and provide me with a new perspective on the ever-changing technological landscape.

I would highly recommend this piece to anyone interested in understanding the role of the Internet in our modern world.

He makes some very obvious observations.

These observations, however, are now completely dated and lack any relevance.

What might have seemed significant or insightful in the past has now become obsolete in the face of changing times and new developments.

The world has moved on, and the ideas and perspectives he presents no longer hold true or have any practical application.

It is important to recognize that as time passes, our understanding and knowledge evolve, and what was once considered common wisdom may no longer be valid.

We must be open to new ideas and be willing to discard those that are no longer useful or relevant.

In this way, we can continue to grow and progress as individuals and as a society.

A bit out dated but interesting to look into the past.

Although it may seem a bit old-fashioned, there is still great value in exploring the past.

By delving into history, we can gain a deeper understanding of how our society has evolved and learn from the mistakes and successes of those who came before us.

Looking back can also provide us with a sense of perspective and help us appreciate the progress that has been made.

Even though the world has changed significantly since the events of the past took place, the lessons and experiences they offer can still be relevant and useful today.

So, while it may be tempting to focus solely on the present and future, taking the time to look into the past can be a rewarding and enlightening experience.

It allows us to connect with our roots, understand our place in the world, and make more informed decisions about the future.

This is an outstanding book that rationally analyzes the Internet and the social transformation it has brought about. Instead of simply lamenting and complaining about its impact, Lewis has painstakingly investigated the causes of numerous changes. His book should be a must-read for sociology and business courses. He has a sarcastic sense of humor yet a keen understanding of the radical changes that have occurred, and he speculates on what the future may hold.

Central to Lewis's observations is the idea that the Internet has changed the relationship between the "insiders" and the "outsiders": between those who formerly controlled information and its flow for their own benefit, that is, those who tried to define what that information is, and those who have always been denied access to that power and information due to youth, lack of formal education, or lack of capital.

In Next, Lewis shows how the Internet is the ideal model for sociologists who believe that our "selves are merely the masks we wear in response to the social situations in which we find ourselves." On the Internet, a boy barely in his teens challenges the investment system, making enough money to attract the attention of the SEC for stock market fraud. What really angers them is that he has beaten them at their own game. When accused of "manipulating" stock prices, he throws their logic back at them, arguing that that's the essence of the stock market, that without manipulation, there would be no stock market. He witnessed stocks being hyped by professionals at the behest of companies and for the benefit of their own portfolios, in a world where companies cared more about the value of their stocks than the products they produced. A Blomberg study revealed that amateur predictions were twice as likely to be correct as those of professional stock analysts.

Markus, a bored adolescent too young to drive, became one of the most respected legal advisors on Askme.com. His legal expertise came from watching countless legal television shows and searching for answers on the Internet. Ironically, his information seemed to be correct, and even the head of the American Bar Association admitted that most legal counsel is simply a matter of providing appropriate information. The story of how Askme.com started is instructive in itself. It was designed by a software company to allow corporations to create an intranet that enabled anyone to ask a question and anyone else in the corporation to provide an answer. Thus, the information flow would change from the traditional top-down pyramid model to a more pancake-shaped environment where information moved horizontally. It could be a bit disturbing for some people to see a vice-president receiving assistance from an assembly line worker, but the result was more profitable companies, so the software became very popular. The only concern of potential customers was whether a product could withstand heavy use, so the designers created Askme.com, a public site where people could ask questions of others. It became so popular that it received 10 million hits per day, and experts were competing for top rankings from those they assisted. Markus was so helpful and his information so reliable that he was once asked by a "client" to provide a defense in court. Fortunately, his mother wouldn't drive him to court, but he provided legal briefs and other legal documents that were accepted. The flattening of the pyramid into a pancake has become a metaphor for all that is happening around us.

Gnutella, the famous peer-to-peer software, is also examined as an example of the new relationships that have emerged from the ubiquitous nature of the Internet. It, too, demonstrates how the social order has been reversed and prestige redistributed. The corrosive effect of money, the diminishing perception of gambling as sinful, and the devaluation of formal training in the exchange of knowledge ("casual thought went well with casual dress") are additional side effects.

Lewis writes very smoothly. His observations are often humorous as he describes people's behavior and family interactions. The Internet has provided a window through which even youngsters, like the teenage investor, can "catch a glimpse of the essential truth of the market - that even people who call themselves professionals were often incapable of independent thought and that most people, although obsessed with money, had little ability to make decisions about it." It is also clear from his examples, most tellingly the interviews with the SEC and the parents, that most adults have no idea what is happening around them, and that these youngsters are becoming proficient in the same tools available to the "experts." In my experience, Lewis's observations are valid, but whether they are entirely due to the Internet is debatable. Certainly, anyone can set themselves up as a consultant simply by making speculative announcements publicly and then charging exorbitant fees regardless of whether the information is appropriate, valid, or even false. We are surrounded by silly, self-esteem-boosting, "creativity" workshops that are singularly lacking in content and substance. We are told that all we need to do is have a little passion for something in order to be successful. Competence has little to do with anything anymore.

I remember a call from a father, inebriated, asking why it was necessary for his son to take certain courses - Shakespeare was one of them - that the father and the boy considered unnecessary since his son was already making so much money in the stock market. My explanation that one of the roles of a multifaceted education was to create a compassionate and informed citizenry fell on deaf ears. Clearly, the only value this family had was monetary.

Keep your eye on the outsiders.

Michael Lewis is at his story-telling best in this piece.

Here, the author offers an intimate look into the diverse applications of the internet that emerged following the collapse of the dot-com bubble. It's truly remarkable how relevant and insightful this exploration remains to this day.

The post-bubble era was a time of great change and innovation in the digital landscape. Lewis delves deep into the various ways in which the internet was being utilized, uncovering stories that are both fascinating and thought-provoking.

His detailed accounts bring to life the evolution of the internet during this crucial period, highlighting the ingenuity and determination of those who were at the forefront of this technological revolution. Whether it's in the realm of e-commerce, social media, or other emerging sectors, the applications of the internet were transforming the way we live and do business.

Overall, this article serves as a valuable reminder of the power and potential of the internet, and how its development has continued to shape our world in ways that we are still uncovering.

It is truly interesting to peruse a book about the future that was penned nine years ago.

Back then, it was believed that Nokia would spearhead the smartphone revolution and Microsoft was striving to transform into an internet company. Well, Mr. Balmer, they did keep working on that.

Much of what was written in the book was quite accurate, yet some of the changes simply couldn't be foreseen. Progress doesn't unfold in a straight and orderly fashion.

No one could have predicted the emergence of Facebook, YouTube, and the iPod. And Lewis didn't even attempt to do so.

Just as individuals needed others to define who they were, ideas required other ideas to阐释 their meanings. As stated on page 136.

The only thing that capitalism cannot endure is stability. True stability implies an absence of progress and a scarcity of new wealth, as mentioned on page 137.

Capital serves as a valuable guide for the social observer. The unwavering consistency of its behavior - always seeking the highest return - means that its movement inadvertently reveals a great deal about the world. If capital is shifting in a new direction, it's because the financial incentives, not the capital itself, have changed, as per page 153.

There's an old adage in technology: intelligence always gravitates to the edge of the network, as noted on page 159.

The means of consumption, rather than the means of production, are the driving force behind modern economic life, as stated on page 193.

[Danny Hillis] paid a visit to New College Oxford, which was constructed in 1386. There, he was shown the massive oak beams in the ceiling of the common room. Unlike most of the building, these oak beams weren't original; they had been replaced at the end of the 19th century. When it came time to replace the giant old oak beams, suitable new oak beams were scarce. The New College folks called in the Oxford forester to explain their dilemma, and the forester informed them that the man who had built the original ceiling back in the 14th century had also planted the trees to replace the beams. They stood on Oxford University land, patiently waiting to be cut down, as described on pages 218 - 219.

Overall, it is a well-written book.

It is particularly interesting to read it 10+ years after its original printing. This is not only because Mr. Lewis has continuously improved as a writer, but also because it captures the internet at a specific point in its development, before it became the ubiquitous presence it is now.

Although some of the specific examples may be a bit outdated, the issues raised by the book remain relevant today.

It is not a long read, and for this reason, I would highly recommend it.

Whether you are interested in the history of the internet or simply looking for an engaging and thought-provoking read, this book is definitely worth your time.

It offers valuable insights into the early days of the internet and how it has evolved over the years, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

So, if you haven't already read it, I encourage you to pick up a copy and give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

Michael Lewis is a well-known author, but this particular book of his is rather obscure. However, despite its lack of mainstream popularity, it contains some truly brilliant parts.

The story unfolds in a unique way, taking the reader on a journey that is both unexpected and captivating. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions add depth and complexity to the narrative.

While some may find the book a bit challenging to follow at times, those who are willing to invest the time and effort will be richly rewarded. The brilliant parts shine through, offering insights and perspectives that are both thought-provoking and inspiring.

Overall, this book may not be for everyone, but for those who appreciate good writing and are looking for something a little different, it is definitely worth a read. I would rate it 3.5 stars.

This book delves into several stories that vividly illustrate how technologies have revolutionized the playing field for those segments of society that are eager to embrace it. Just like his other works, the author adopts a conversational tone, which makes this book an effortless and highly pleasurable read. Although it doesn't offer any major revelations, it does shed some light on the absurdity of the government at times.

However, the ending seemed a bit unexpected and unconnected for me, which led me to deduct one star. Nevertheless, on the whole, I still had a positive impression of the book. It provides an interesting perspective on the impact of technology and offers some food for thought.

Despite its flaws, it is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and society. It manages to engage the reader and keep them entertained throughout, while also providing some valuable insights.

Overall, I would recommend this book to others, with the caveat that they should be prepared for an ending that may not be to everyone's taste.