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Title:
net.people - The Personalities and Passions Behind the Web Sites
Review:
If you've ever found yourself wondering who created a particular
website or how exactly the site came into fruition, then you're likely
to find this book an interesting read.
"Net.People" delves into the minds and lives of 36 website creators.
It examines their daily lives and personal tales, and in doing so
takes a fascinating look at exactly how their sites were born,
designed and are run today. Each crucial step of their pathway to
Internet success is detailed, from the very first inklings of ideas,
to putting them into practice, setting up websites and learning how to
survive in cyberspace. The real personalities behind the sites are
brought to the forefront as each chapter progressively tells of their
commitment, inspiration and driving passion. The reader learns what
makes them tick, how they handle business elements and the ways in
which the Internet has affected and changed their lives.
The book deals with a variety of sites -- from humour and toy
collecting, to travel, sport, entertainment and information services
-- all of which differ in size and success. To cope with the diversity
the book is split into four main categories: Getting Advice and
Educating Yourself; Visiting, Watching and Playing Outside the Web
World; Collecting Stuff and Other Diversions; and The Written Word and
Journalistic Endeavors.
The material for each chapter was gathered via interviews with the
site creators, many of which were carried out by email. The chapters
take the form of first-person accounts, and evoke a friendly and
personal approach. Key quotes are interspersed throughout the text and
effectively serve to highlight important points and break the chapters
into bite-size portions.
It's not just a book about personal success -- it also deals
intimately with the all-important discussion of Internet business
issues. Vital aspects such as finance, advertising and sponsorship are
dealt with alongside issues such as designing, maintaining and coping
with the pressures popular websites bring.
The only criticism is that it could be deemed to be a little
monotonous at times. The authors admit in the introduction that
they're not trained writers (like many people, they just had a desire
to write a book) and the rigid structure, where each chapter is
practically identical, is perhaps a reflection of this.
Overall however, its' claim to "make the Internet come to life" is
certainly true and it's definitely encouraging to know that successful
websites can emerge from simple ideas. It will be of interest to
anyone fascinated with people and quirky characters, avid web surfers,
those already running online sites or businesses, or for individuals
with great plans and innovative ideas that they've yet to actually
tackle.
A light and easy read, the relatively short chapters make it a perfect
contender for occasional reading. It's an ideal book to dip into when
you're in need of inspiration and encouragement that great ventures
really are possible on the Internet!
Free Pint Reviewer:
Rachel Newcombe is a writer and researcher of non-fiction articles for online
and print media. She particularly enjoys the field of online work and
regularly contributes to a range of websites and ezines including
Handbag.com, Ycraze.com, Windowbox.com and Global Writers' Ink. She
also co-edits and writes for the monthly Side Salad e-newsletter
.
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