Webonomics

A great economic analysis of the web and its underlying principles. It allowed me to catch back the train on many topics were I was out.If you have a business / economic background (or want to acquire it) read it after "information rules"A must read, especially for B2C oriented people

Reading Schwartz was a refreshing change. I came late to this area and have been playing catch up. Unfortunately I started with Blown to Bits and the Killer App type of book and discovered this by accident. I was hestitant since the book is "old" in internet terms. However, I must say that this books contain more down to earth principles that are really useful compared to the other hype out there. Value per page definitely beats the others hollow (e.g., Killer App, Blur, Blown to bits, Enterprise.com). Schwartz is very focussed, and precise in what he has to say. There is very little fluff in this book so it may take some time to read. All of it (at least most of it!) is actionable. His examples are EXCELLENT! I can't wait to get started on his next book - Digital Darwinism. You'll be making a big mistake if you pass over this book just because of its publication date.

The problem with reading most computer books is that they are full of technological jargon and phrases unfamiliar to most of us. Webonomics is easy to read and full of many, many wonderful ideas. Webonomics should be required reading for those looking to write and publish a web site. Webonomics is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I highly recommend it. Hurrah to the author!!! Sal Gonzalez

You wouldn't believe the questions I am asked. Occassionally, someone inquires, "What business should I go into to make money on the Internet?" Duh. Now I have a book to recommend: Webnomics. Many Web marketing books are a thinly veiled Internet 101 wrapped in a business shell. Webnomics ("the study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods, services, and ideas over the World Wide Web") is a careful reflection of what has worked on the Web and why it has worked. Schwartz organizes the book into "nine essential principles for growing your business on the Web," one per chapter, but don't mistake this for a simple book. Sure, the principle is simple, e.g., "#4 Consumers will shop online only for information-rich products." But why it is true, and how to see how this applies to your product or services, that is where Schwartz shines. Using examples from dozens of successful, and not so successful, Web sites, he outlines the reasons for their performance. This isn't a book for the green Web marketer, but the more thoughtful one who is willing to analyze and think and learn. It is my pick for the top Web marketing book of 1997. -- Dr. Ralph F.Wilson, Editor, Web Marketing Today (http://www.wilsonweb.com/wmt)