Interesting look at how gaming can serve as a platform for players to change and improve their own lives and the world around them, with a look at exc...moreInteresting look at how gaming can serve as a platform for players to change and improve their own lives and the world around them, with a look at exciting possibilities for the future.(less)
This really does have some good tips and ideas in it, and I expect Novak has done a lot to promote a functional, healthy, and successful work environm...moreThis really does have some good tips and ideas in it, and I expect Novak has done a lot to promote a functional, healthy, and successful work environment at the corporations he's managed or headed, which is a great thing for his employees and shareholders. But those corporations have mostly been purveyors of fast food and junk foods, and I found that fact rather deflating to my interest in the content. That's not really fair, I know--I have been to some of those restaurants and even enjoyed some of the food, and it's always a pleasant surprise to deal with a truly well-run fast-food chain restaurant where the employees seem to go above and beyond. But the idea of putting all one's creative energy and work into making a better fast food experience for a whole career sounds like some kind of Sartresque hell to me. And I had trouble separating that from the underlying techniques and information. I kept hearing that Steve Jobs quote over and over in my mind, where, in trying to (unfortunately) recruit John Sculley to Apple from Pepsico, he said, "Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugar water?" (less)
An interesting examination of how the iphone has fostered an always-connected lifestyle, and the implications of that change on individuals and societ...moreAn interesting examination of how the iphone has fostered an always-connected lifestyle, and the implications of that change on individuals and society. I enjoyed it, but if you've been following tech thought-leaders and the best tech podcasts, you won't find too much new here. (less)
Fascinating book on what happens in the brain when we make decisions of all sorts. It will make you stop and think about the process even as your own...moreFascinating book on what happens in the brain when we make decisions of all sorts. It will make you stop and think about the process even as your own brain argues with itself and bucks against its own uncertainty.(less)
Good book on how you need to look for unmet needs and then thoroughly investigate the views of different potential customers to see what they're looki...moreGood book on how you need to look for unmet needs and then thoroughly investigate the views of different potential customers to see what they're looking for and what features would be valuable to them. A good reminder that it's not our needs and preferences that matter, but those of the audience we're trying to connect with and serve.(less)
This is an interesting look at how an individual's decision-making process is often at odds with what is objectively beneficial for him or her. Seems...moreThis is an interesting look at how an individual's decision-making process is often at odds with what is objectively beneficial for him or her. Seems a tad repetitive at times, but the examples and studies outlined are undeniably fascinating and help illuminate factors that producers and marketers need to take into account in approaching a potential audience. This would be a great tandem read with Martin Lindstrom's Buyology, which looks at the brain science underlying human desires and wants. (less)
A good examination of the brain-science and emotional forces--often largely subconscious--underlying consumers' buying decisions. After a long career...moreA good examination of the brain-science and emotional forces--often largely subconscious--underlying consumers' buying decisions. After a long career in marketing, Lindstrom has a wealth of fascinating examples and stories to offer. This is a good tandem read with Predictably Irrational, in which Dan Ariely examines why buying decisions often seem to be irrational.(less)
Great companion to Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point--it analyzes why some ideas (or the presentation thereof) seem more "sticky" than others in th...moreGreat companion to Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point--it analyzes why some ideas (or the presentation thereof) seem more "sticky" than others in the public consciousness. By finding the common elements of sticky ideas and idea-presentations, the book can help you find ways to get messages across to people in striking, memorable ways. (less)
This is a terrific road map to the dissemination of news to customers in a web 2.0 world. Read it along with David Meerman Scott's World Wide Rave for...moreThis is a terrific road map to the dissemination of news to customers in a web 2.0 world. Read it along with David Meerman Scott's World Wide Rave for a terrific one-two punch, going from the forest (New Rules) to the trees (WWR--with its case studies of particular viral marketing successes). (less)
Great insights into how birth rate affects the economy and particular industries. Fascinating and prophetic stuff. I'd love to hear Malcolm Gladwell's...moreGreat insights into how birth rate affects the economy and particular industries. Fascinating and prophetic stuff. I'd love to hear Malcolm Gladwell's take on som of this stuff.(less)
An examination of what it takes for a marketing message to truly go viral, along with a number of fascinating case studies that illustrate these facto...moreAn examination of what it takes for a marketing message to truly go viral, along with a number of fascinating case studies that illustrate these factors and demonstrate strategies that you can adapt for your own maarketing neecs. Great companion read for The New Rules of Marketing and PR, by the same author. It's a more general overview of marketing and PR in a web 2.0 world, while this is a more specific look at particular web 2.0 campaigns that have really teken off and used the new media to greatest advantage.(less)
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