Comments on: Is This the End?

By: Jeremy Bicha

Jeremy Bicha — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:16:53 +0000

Of course, your ideal concluding paragraphs will summarize what you’ve spent the whole book saying. I don’t find either quote to be particularly applicable. I think Enterprise 2.0 is more than just about a conversation, but that’s just my opinion. However, if that’s what you’re going for, Chris’s quoting Cory Doctorow is short and sweet.

By: Chris Rasmussen

Chris Rasmussen — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:23:52 +0000

We’ve all heard the expression “content is king.” I agree with Cory Doctorow that this mantra is incomplete. More refined, “Conversation is king. Content is just something to talk about.”

This focus on conversation is Web or E 2.0 greatest strengths: to enable a continuing broad and diverse conversation through transparency and serendipitous interaction.

By: Jonathan Distler

Jonathan Distler — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:31:09 +0000

It’s funny as I read the quote, it reminded me more of a quote you might see on a syllabus at a liberal arts college course. Isn’t it funny that Enterprise 2.0 generally falls under the auspices of IT when in fact many of the skills needed to facilitate it are right-brain skills that technicians and analysts (and MBAs by the way) often do not possess?

An an MBA, an analyst and IT Manager (but graduate of UVA’s liberal arts program), I ought to know!

By: Kishore Balakrishnan

Kishore Balakrishnan — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:33:22 +0000

The ending should be a clarification of channels and platforms and your vision of their convergence..

By: Jesse Wilson

Jesse Wilson — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:23:45 +0000

Hey folks, maybe we could garner even more ideas and great quote submissions by broadcasting McAfee’s quest through our blogs, twits, etc? I’ve posted a quick blog… what say you?

http://jesserwilson.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/harvard-professor-andrew-mcafee-seeking-help-on-web-20-book-via-blog/

By: AZ

AZ — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:31:23 +0000

First mixing Enterprise 2.0 (modern technologies) with “quotes” is unique and interesting. The choice of quotes is nice.

Secondly, the targeted audience looks like professionals, may be decision makers of organizations. They might be not very well aware of the benefits of social softwares. It should add more taste and making it easy understanding author’s message.

By: Simon Carswell

Simon Carswell — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:20:47 +0000

Andrew,
I feel this proposed ending highlights the difference in approach between you and I, as far as attempting to introduce social software to the enterprise is concerned. You are painting a picture of some sort of collegiate nirvana, which might be common in universities but IME is rare in corporations. I’m afraid I believe this will always be so, and that if social software is to find a place in corporations it will need to be for reasons other than the ones you give. Sorry to be such a sceptic. I do really wish corporations could have the openness you seek. But I just don’t see it happening anytime soon.

By: Dennis Hunter

Dennis Hunter — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:38:57 +0000

I like the Havel quote, it is more succinct while providing the same idea. Using both did not disturb me.
Good luck with the book.

By: Todd Pitt

Todd Pitt — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:56:40 +0000

“Innovative companies don’t waste time fighting for openness or debating ROI because they are too busy living Enterprise 2.0 and finding creative ways of integrating these social tools into their daily workflows.” ~ Todd Pitt

By: Rex Lee

Rex Lee — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:22:40 +0000

Hi Andrew, I tend to agree with Chris Gaft, I prefer Oakeshott’s quotation much more and find the Havel quotation a bit akward.

As for other authors… I’ve often talked about the ideas of Jim Collins (Made to Last, Good to Great). I don’t have the exact quotations readily available. But I’ve taken this piece out of one my most ‘popular’ postings around how participation rates/adoption rates are not good sole measures of success when it comes to e2.0.

http://rexsthoughtspot.blogspot.com/2008/04/5-social-computing-benefits-that.html

“Jim explains that the role of leadership is NOT to motivate. If you have to motivate and convince people to do something, you’re already starting in a bad position. Instead, if you have the right people and the right opportunity they will be “self-motivated”. The role of leadership then becomes making sure you don’t let people become “de-motivated”. Jim goes on to explain the importance of making sure you find the right people. But how do you do this?

One way is to leverage the power of self-organization. For example, we run on-line “jam” sessions and invite 1000’s of people to participate. Not everyone will, but those that do tend to be “passionate” and willing to take on accountability. And those concepts that rise to the top tend to be well thought through. The point… Even if you only have 10% participation. It’s likely that the 10% you want!”

I am not sure if it’s suitable for the flow of your book but I thought I’d share.

Cheers, Rex