Jason Keath - Latest Comments in Groundswell, A Book Review

Re: Groundswell, A Book Review

robbrian — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:34:58 -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.

Re: Groundswell, A Book Review

Jason Keath — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:38:05 -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.

Re: Groundswell, A Book Review

Josh Bernoff — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:42:10 -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.

Re: Groundswell, A Book Review

Dan London — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:28:51 -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.

Re: Groundswell, A Book Review

Jason Keath — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 21:06:39 -0000

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

Re: Groundswell, A Book Review

Fayza — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 21:03:51 -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!

Re: Groundswell, A Book Review

Jason Keath — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 15:23:16 -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.

Re: Groundswell, A Book Review

John Easton — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 15:09:32 -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