The Steve Rubel Stream

I have reviewed several social media books and though they are fascinating, often they cover the same ground as the others.

I agree that social media moves too fast for dead trees. However, a historical account of it's genesis and growth would be of some value.

I think the reason there is still demand is nobody seems able to just spell it all out in a clear, concise manner. There is a lot of posturing, probably for good reason as far as the publishers go, and it creates fodder because everyone has a take on what matters. Every industry has a different goal. Every industry wants a different spin. As far as historical accounts, it's easy enough to document it. The truth is, social media has been around a long time and no one knew what to call it. Now they came up with a term creating an industry around it. What they call it next will change the playing field yet again.

Steve, I think you're right on about the format. Elliott has a good point about the historical account. But I think most of these are geared towards how to use and what to do, and those things will be different tomorrow from today and a book just can't capture that. But I bet it sure feels good to know you were wanted. Just keep doing what you're doing.

Tell them to hold a place for The Digital Handshake. It's set for release in about a month.

Looking at your picture makes you suddenly realize how quickly social media has taken over in such a short amount of time. Wow!

@SherylBreuker - Indeed. I was just telling a friend of mine how I used a loose collection of primitive tools 15 years ago to do what I'm doing now on Facebook.

@Rob Ungar - Yeah, every time Facebook changes something, I get about 2 dozen invitations to join the "I Want the Old Facebook Back!" group. After about 6 minutes, I've totally forgotten what "the old Facebook" looks/feels/smells/tastes like.

As the author of one of these books (Social Media Marketing: An Hour a Day") I appreciate these comments. In my book I have tried to provide a historical accounting (Part I) as well as clear, easy-to-follow steps (Parts II - IV) for actually integrating social media concepts into a business plan. I did this so that marketers--regardless of current exposure levels--could find an an appropriate starting point in this important topic.

Is there a book bubble? Perhaps: Certainly, there is no shortage of interest in this rapidly expanding field, and as such there is room for many points of view. Mine is but one of those.

Mostly, though, I appreciate the support, questions, comments and discussions that my book along with others have generated. One thing is for sure: The concepts and challenges that social media presents for businesses that are used to controlling the conversation (no judgement intended here, simply a statement of practice) are so different and so fundamental to the forces redefining commerce that lots of discussion, and lots of views, are most certainly a good thing.

I believe social media moves too fast to actually sit down, take your time and writ a book about it.
What is a very good approach in my opinion is the way the guys from mashable (www.mashable.com) did it. They have been reporting their experience with twitter continuously and now recently simply summarized it in an online pdf (Twitter Guide Book http://mashable.com/guidebook/twitter/).
/>That's the way to go.

Books like seminars on social media are for people who are wrtitng more books on social media....I've been spammed with all kinds of $#it explaining "how to," "the purpose of," and of course "the zen of,"but it's not rocket science people!

Most authors are writing social media books not for the art of the book, but as business cards for biz dev for clients. This is about generating consulting demand. Nothing wrong with that, but is the primary motivator.

Since most non-fiction books don't sell very well, there are probably too many books published about every topic. The question is, are there merely too many books, or WAY too many books? ;)

This is just like the internet "bubble" of the 90's. Everyone is hopping on board something that has yet to come of age. I think it will play out but we are still a year or two away from it. Being in the midst of technology constantly we perceive more of a frenzy then there is, YET.

Facebook and Twitter will get overvalued, go public etc. There will be even more scams, then the bubble will burst. In the end the promise of the internet revolution came true as will social media being integrated into every facet of our lives. Then it wont be social media or web 2.0 It will just be living. Some people will have become mega rich, some destitute and some imprisoned.

BTW I saw you at the mashable Mashup in Tribeca. Great Stuff.

Steve, I am looking forward to read your book! ;) Personally, I like to read books because it is great to read on the bus ride, at home and to have as a reference later on when you are working with clients. It is easy to make notes in a book, to get inspiration, etc. Right now I am reading the "Facebook Era" (pictured, bottom right corner). I am thinking of getting "Review of The New Community Rules: Marketing on the Social Web" after reading Anita Campbell's review on Small Business Trends http://bit.ly/1jZTK1 and "The Social Media Bible" after listening to Zane Safrit's interview with Lon Safko http://bit.ly/wxCEa

Are you sure, that only books create a bubble in this field? What percent of the content do you think deals with social media in social media?
(Almost like the celebs in the news, who are only interesting because they have been in the news previously...)

Man, I wish I had the option of walking away from a six-figure advance! :)

If people truly want to learn about social media, they should take a look at Chris Anderson's work. I think he has a grasp on new media and its economics. All the other books on the table were written, as Jeremiah said, mostly for the author's profit and reputation. Not worth the buy. You're better off actually using social media tools instead of reading about them.

I'm scared when I see books about Twitter that are more than 140 characters...really a 250+ page book???

I agree with you--by the time you finish the book, it would be yesterday's lunch. I learned a lot about social media and mobile marketing from reading case studies and the latest trends and technology on the web. It's all there if you're willing to spend the time to find it. However, having said that, it's probably not a bad idea to have a book like Social Media for Dummies, as a primer.

Honestly, it bums me out. I have some friends, like my buddy Shel Israel (http://www.amazon.com/Twitterville-Businesses-Thrive-Global-Neighborhoods/dp/1591842794/), who are coming out with some really exciting and solid books that I'd be afraid will be drowned out by a lot of the books that are just noise.

All too often, when I go to Barnes & Noble, I see folks cruising the computer section who obviously don't know what they're looking for. They just wanna find a book that says social media in the title. We need to find a way to combat that. Picking up "Learning Social Media in 30 Days" may just not be the best book for them.

Just got my copy of Tamar Weinberg's book. Will find out soon if she tells me something I haven't already read elsewhere. One book for reference is likely all you need.

That's exactly what happened with SEM books. Not really worth a read if you're in the industry but some might give good basics for others. In the end, I don't buy marketing books cause all I find in them is what I read weeks or even months earlier on blogs.

As an interesting exercise, search Twitter for "dave evans social media" -- You'll find a steady stream of positive comments from people wanting to get started in this field, whether as professionals, brand managers, or small business owners, who find these types of books helpful simply as an aid to getting started in understanding what the excitement is all about.

There are lots of ways to discover social media--including jumping in and playing with it. For many, the tried and true medium of the printed word creates that perfect first step.

These types of books always strike me as bizarre at first. Why would someone pay for a book about something that the internet is flooded with information on? If you want to learn to use Twitter, jump on Twitter and there are millions of people offering their own suggestions for Twitter success.

But, when I consider it from the perspective of the people who would buy these books it makes more sense. The fact that they need a book likely also defines them as people who will be more comfortable with concise, edited explanations as opposed to the flood of social media about social media.

One thing is certain, if you write one and put it on Kindle, I'll buy it!

I wonder how Barnes & Nobles choose those books out of many. I've read 2 out of those six and recognize only 3. Has anyone read the Social Media Bible? How is it?

Not much sense in buying a book when I can getting a constant daily stream of insights and knowledge from thought leaders like Jeremiah and yourself.

Curly, you're on: "Social Media Marketing: An Hour a Day" is on Kindle. :-))

Steve, I am meeting w Pub in the am. Near certain there is no special placement fee for my book. I do get a front facing if I personally autograph copies, which seems like a reasoanble policy. Barnes & Noble has been very helpful all the way around.

I already Jbought it!
<tbody><tr><td>Social Media Marketing: An Hour a Day</td> <td>Dave Evans, Susan Bratton</td> <td>July 18, 2009</td></tr></tbody>



John M Arleth
612 217 2171
Twitter: @CheapPhotoBooks
Facebook: facebook.com/john.arleth

I've got to get my book, "18 Rules of Community Engagement" on that table! Thanks for the shot. I think it's nice to see.
Angela Connor
@communitygirl

@RhubInc: My book just came out on July 23, so I think there's novelty associated with it which is why it's there. I haven't been to a Barnes and Noble yet but it's great to see it in the open.

To those who read "The New Community Rules," I'd love to hear your thoughts.

@Curly Magical: I think "The New Community Rules" will be available for Kindle soon. :)

I'll look forward to the Kindle Release.  I almost won't buy a book unless it goes Kindle.  Getting too old to carry books around.


John M Arleth
612 217 2171
Twitter: @CheapPhotoBooks
Facebook: facebook.com/john.arleth

I agree with a lot of the above, but... except for us 0.001% who get it, the rest really want to. The CEO over 50, the VP over 40... Most are overwhelmed by the term social media and don't know where to begin. And... They still read books. So do I and from your post, so do you. The book is relevant. In several years, the book will still be relevant. How to create a podcast, or why video is more more effective than an email, or what IS microblogging will all still be relevant. Yeah, maybe a few companies providing those services might be different, but the concepts and strategies will stay the same. And, that's why we are planning an annual revision. I say, we should support ink on dead trees if that's the format the rest of the world is comfortable with and it helps them to understand what we already know. I personally believe that it's our responsibility to help the others understand what we are so excited about.
-Lon Safko

P.S. The Kindle version is already available...

Just a sec.  I am a printer, of books, and in no way want to limit printed books and we use sustainable, renewable paper and safe inks.  My point is that I am disaabled and unable to carry heavy books but the Kindle weighs ounces.  In no way, is the graphics in a kindle acceptable, graphs and other interesting points are mostly a blur.  I am also a realist.  People are going to buy all sorts of books, 
e-books, aufdio books, kindle, iPhone and beautifully printed books, the same way they buy beautiful calendars. 

Today is my birthday and I have received dozens of e-cards.  I can't stand them and wish they would just forget my birthday, if they can't call or send even a short note.  American cards wants me to pay for a membership to their ecard site before I can read the card someone took the time to send.  Now, that is is revolting!

John M Arleth
612 217 2171
Twitter: @CheapPhotoBooks
Facebook: facebook.com/john.arleth

Curly, are you sure about being charged by American Cards to *read* cards others have sent? I know this is going off-topic, but that is really .... wrong. Paying to send...sure...that's a decent biz model. Paying to receive...that seems destructive to the biz itself.

BTW, Happy birthday! (Calling you now, too.)

I actually just published a book on social media but it's not like any of the others out there. I wrote the book because most of the ones on the shelf were limiting. The either focused on one social networking site or they only focused on the most popular sites. My book covers more than 20 sites and gives my "2 cents" on why or why you shouldn't use them...

Books like seminars on social media are for people who are wrtitng more books on social media....I've been spammed with all kinds of $#it explaining "how to," "the purpose of," and of course "the zen of,"but it's not rocket science people!