Comments on: Groundswell, A Book Review

By: robbrian

robbrian — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:34:58 +0000

I generally agree with the author about most of his points. I do however, find the book incredibly boring. As a business double major graduating soon, I am very familiar with social media, and I understand older generations may not be. I just think that the author's method of justifying his point is much like a club to the head, belaboring and drowning the reader in examples. The book could have been much shorter and I would have enjoyed the last few chapters, rather than wishing the book would conclude.

By: jakrose

jakrose — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:38:05 +0000

Glad to hear it Josh. It was a great book, with tons of great examples. I just found myself wondering where all the free tools and cheap options were hiding. But I completely understand that Forrester needs to focus on their clients first.

Look forward to future writing from you.

By: Josh Bernoff

Josh Bernoff — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:42:10 +0000

Nice job summarizing the key points.

I wish I could do a Groundswell for small business — but if I write books for Forrester I need to stick to what their clients (big companies) want, for the most part. Still, I am gathering some insights on that.

But there will be a follow-on book. Count on it.

By: Dan

Dan — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:28:51 +0000

Your idea of creating a PDF of your notes for the book is genius. I’m reading Guy’s new book, Reality Check, and will do the same.

Great blog as well.

By: admin

admin — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 02:06:39 +0000

@fayza Please do follow up. Thanks for your thoughts. Fair points.

By: Fayza

Fayza — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 02:03:51 +0000

I’m reading it now, and I generally agree with your points. But I do think, while suggesting the more “expensive” options for community building, such as Communispace, they focus adequately on the fact that it really should be as organic as possible – money not required. More or less, they focus on the fact that you have to find some way to listen to your community – how you do it is only limited by you! I suppose I’ll have to follow up with my final thoughts once I’ve finished!

By: admin

admin — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 20:23:16 +0000

@John Agreed, I am sure the book is quite relevant to most Forrester customers and I do not fault them for that. I don’t think most businesses are at that level. The companion book is a good idea for someone. If I find the time/support to write it, I will keep you posted.

By: John Easton

John Easton — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 20:09:32 +0000

Jason,

I found your commentary (with additions) of Groundswell to be thought provoking. To add to your point about the author’s Fortune 500, corporate perspective of social media I believe in their consulting engagements they frequently faced the corporate dilema of social media; push back from old, reluctant senior management and as such they chose to provide a workable response to this challenge.

I think the door is open for a companion book, Groundswell for the small business. Let me know when your book is ready (smile).

John Easton