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Without Their Permission: How the 21st Century Will Be Made, Not Managed
As Alexis Ohanian learned when he helped to co-found the immensely popular reddit.com, the internet is the most powerful and democratic tool for disseminating information in human history. And when that power is harnessed to create new communities, technologies, businesses or charities, the results can be absolutely stunning.
In this book, Alexis will share his ideas, tips and even his own doodles about harnessing the power of the web for good, and along the way, he will share his philosophy with young entrepreneurs all over the globe.
At 29, Ohanian has come to personify the dorm-room tech entrepreneur, changing the world without asking permission. Within a couple of years of graduating from the University of Virginia, Ohanian did just that, selling reddit for millions of dollars. He's gone on to start many other companies, like hipmunk and breadpig, all while representing Y Combinator and investing in over sixty other tech startups. Without Their Permission is his personal guidebook as to how other aspiring entrepreneurs can follow in his footsteps.
In this book, Alexis will share his ideas, tips and even his own doodles about harnessing the power of the web for good, and along the way, he will share his philosophy with young entrepreneurs all over the globe.
At 29, Ohanian has come to personify the dorm-room tech entrepreneur, changing the world without asking permission. Within a couple of years of graduating from the University of Virginia, Ohanian did just that, selling reddit for millions of dollars. He's gone on to start many other companies, like hipmunk and breadpig, all while representing Y Combinator and investing in over sixty other tech startups. Without Their Permission is his personal guidebook as to how other aspiring entrepreneurs can follow in his footsteps.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
October 13, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book. I also enjoyed writing this book. I probably shouldn't be allowed to review this book.
But seriously, if you have read this book, please let me know what you think! (Here, on Amazon, or via twitter @alexisohanian)
And if you bought it, please fwd me the receipt so I can thank you personally! Email: ThankYou AT AlexisOhanian.com
But seriously, if you have read this book, please let me know what you think! (Here, on Amazon, or via twitter @alexisohanian)
And if you bought it, please fwd me the receipt so I can thank you personally! Email: ThankYou AT AlexisOhanian.com
January 15, 2014
I would have given Without Their Permission 5 stars if I had not read the last two and a half chapters. These chapters are a diatribe against the SOPA and PIPA laws that were in front of congress in 2012. Don't assume I believe that these laws should have passed congress, because I don't know enough about them. But Ohanian spent page after page describing how the internet world was able to stop these laws without fully explaining the issues involved. His point of view seemed so prejudiced that I felt I couldn't trust the little hard information he provided.
During this discussion I kept wondering about Ohanian's opinion of copyright. Then I found it on pages 238-239. His exact words: "copying a digital file... is not theft." I assume that means he would not mind if I place his entire book on my website. The fact that he has copyrighted hiis book seems to indicate he would not appreciate a pirated copy on the net.
The first 90% of the book is a wonderful story of his success with reddit and hipmunk. He also describes successes with donorschoose.org and kickstarter and he does it in such a way to make one understand the way these sites disrupt business models. This is important information. Too bad he spoiled all this with his ending diatribe.
During this discussion I kept wondering about Ohanian's opinion of copyright. Then I found it on pages 238-239. His exact words: "copying a digital file... is not theft." I assume that means he would not mind if I place his entire book on my website. The fact that he has copyrighted hiis book seems to indicate he would not appreciate a pirated copy on the net.
The first 90% of the book is a wonderful story of his success with reddit and hipmunk. He also describes successes with donorschoose.org and kickstarter and he does it in such a way to make one understand the way these sites disrupt business models. This is important information. Too bad he spoiled all this with his ending diatribe.
March 3, 2014
Just okay. I actually just skimmed the last half of the book. His youthful cockiness is a bit off-putting. Parts were interesting, but the whole tech startup Silicon Valley world sometimes just makes me tired. Am I old?
January 29, 2014
I think the only strong point of this book was the interesting story of how reddit was founded through the first chapter. After that point, Ohanian's childish and meme-infused writing becomes a task to read. The book is literally written like a reddit comment thread with bad puns, overly-casual grammar and poor overall structure and flow. I know this isn't intended to be an epic novel, but Ohanian fails to deliver even a single chapter without re-iterating the same point many times over in as many different ways as he can. I regret spending time reading past chapter 1 (which, if I recall correctly, is available in its entirety online). The central ideas behind the book are good (pro-internet, pro-freedom, pro-open-source, etc) but the book is written (and edited) so poorly that it's not really all that enjoyable.
February 15, 2014
Fun book that encourages folks to start an online business. And includes instructions on how to do it!
First part of the book describes Ohanian's experience as a startup founder. Second part breaks it down so you can do it too -- from taking your idea to closing the first round of funding and starting a real business. For fun, profit or the good of humankind.
The Internet helps people help themselves.
"I’m writing this book to inspire as much as to inform."
Not having a boss gave me the freedom to make my family a priority without compromising my work.
Paul Graham: You need 3 things to create a successful startup:
Louis CK: Trashes all his material every year and starts anew. “You have to create a void by destroying everything; you have to kill it. Or else you’ll tell the same fucking jokes every night.”
Chipmunk: We’ll take the agony out of online travel search.
Be relentlessly resourceful. And always be giving damns, lots of damns, about what you do.
To code and figure out how a website is created, and the process of designing a user experience (choice of fonts, layout of buttons on the screen):
How to Surprise and Delight
Your competition isn’t going to defeat you. You either defeat yourself first or they defeat themselves for you. Just stay focused on your own work.
Once you get press, make a note of it, then get rid of it 24 hrs later. Both good & bad press. After 24 hrs, get your mind off it and think about next week. Complacency is toxic.
Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. - Desmond Tutu
First part of the book describes Ohanian's experience as a startup founder. Second part breaks it down so you can do it too -- from taking your idea to closing the first round of funding and starting a real business. For fun, profit or the good of humankind.
The Internet helps people help themselves.
"I’m writing this book to inspire as much as to inform."
Not having a boss gave me the freedom to make my family a priority without compromising my work.
Paul Graham: You need 3 things to create a successful startup:
1) To start with good people
2) To make something customers actually want
3) To spend as little money as possible.
Louis CK: Trashes all his material every year and starts anew. “You have to create a void by destroying everything; you have to kill it. Or else you’ll tell the same fucking jokes every night.”
Chipmunk: We’ll take the agony out of online travel search.
Be relentlessly resourceful. And always be giving damns, lots of damns, about what you do.
To code and figure out how a website is created, and the process of designing a user experience (choice of fonts, layout of buttons on the screen):
CodeAcademy.com
GeneralAssembl.ly
MakesGamesWithUs.comt
RailsforZombies.org
How to Surprise and Delight
- use your sense of humor
- treat your customers well so they become evangelists
Your competition isn’t going to defeat you. You either defeat yourself first or they defeat themselves for you. Just stay focused on your own work.
Once you get press, make a note of it, then get rid of it 24 hrs later. Both good & bad press. After 24 hrs, get your mind off it and think about next week. Complacency is toxic.
Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. - Desmond Tutu
November 14, 2013
I received this book after seeing Alexis speak at a meeting for entrepreneurs in D.C. What's immediately obvious if you've both seen him speak and read the book is that much of the material, down to the jokes and memes that he cites, are exactly the same.
Which is fine. This is a semi-autobiographical take on his life, the rise of Reddit, his own entrepreneurial efforts, and his political awakening during the SOPA/PIPA fights in 2012.
But it underscores something I noticed right away when diving into the book: I find myself less impressed with Ohanian and his work. His additions to the Reddit team seem more ephemeral, his subsequent ventures less meaningful. He comes across like an enthusiastic, albeit not technically talented person who has made the best of circumstances in which he has been tremendously lucky.
He did zero work helping to code the site for instance, admitting himself that he spent much more effort designing the logo and his business cards. Does that sound like a talented entrepreneur to you?
But maybe the lessons of the book are more small-d democratic. If this totally unspectacular guy who likes to cite pop culture memes and draw childish mascots can succeed on the web, then why can't I? Why can't you?
Which is fine. This is a semi-autobiographical take on his life, the rise of Reddit, his own entrepreneurial efforts, and his political awakening during the SOPA/PIPA fights in 2012.
But it underscores something I noticed right away when diving into the book: I find myself less impressed with Ohanian and his work. His additions to the Reddit team seem more ephemeral, his subsequent ventures less meaningful. He comes across like an enthusiastic, albeit not technically talented person who has made the best of circumstances in which he has been tremendously lucky.
He did zero work helping to code the site for instance, admitting himself that he spent much more effort designing the logo and his business cards. Does that sound like a talented entrepreneur to you?
But maybe the lessons of the book are more small-d democratic. If this totally unspectacular guy who likes to cite pop culture memes and draw childish mascots can succeed on the web, then why can't I? Why can't you?
October 10, 2013
This was an entertaining and quick read. I'm a big fan of www.reddit.com and it was cool to see how it came to fruition. That was probably the most entertaining part of the book. In the middle section of the book is closest it gets to being a "guide" for young entrepreneurs. The book claims it "is his personal guidebook as to how other aspiring entrepreneurs can follow in his footsteps." I wouldn't agree with this, if you're looking for help, this isn't the book. It pretty much tells Alexis' story, reddit's story, and a bit of hipmunk's story. The book ends with talking about SOPA and PIPA, basically explaining what they are and how they got shot down by the internet. If you are an avid internet user you probably knew all of this already. The last ~5 pages close with an imaginary 2025 commencement speech. One speech is how things could turn out if the internet is censored and the other explains how it should turn out. Good closing. Overall, this was a fun read but not really what I expected and the large chunk dedicated to SOPA was a bit of a let down. I would still recommend it to any fans of Alexis or reddit.
May 27, 2014
Alexis Ohanion is a great example to follow, overcoming some tough personal circumstances to become a true leader and a real genuine guy. His writing is down-to-earth, positive, and readable. The book is done in three parts: Ohanion tells the story of how he co-founded reddit, gives his game plan for starting a venture on the Internet, and discusses the fight for an open web.
I was mainly interested in the advice portion. A lot of the material I had read elsewhere, which makes sense, as Ohanion worked with and has been heavily influenced by Paul Graham, whose essays I have read and loved. But while it's not necessarily full of groundbreaking insights, the writing is fluid and practical, making it a great resource that you can read multiple times.
I was mainly interested in the advice portion. A lot of the material I had read elsewhere, which makes sense, as Ohanion worked with and has been heavily influenced by Paul Graham, whose essays I have read and loved. But while it's not necessarily full of groundbreaking insights, the writing is fluid and practical, making it a great resource that you can read multiple times.
October 12, 2013
The book is a semi-autobiographical tale of Alexis' start-up experiences coupled with advice for other budding entrepreneurs and an ardent message to his readers about the need to keep the Internet open.
I like the book's continuous insistence on goading a person to get out there and put ideas into practice. "What are you waiting for?" Alexis asks. "Permission?" And that's what the book is about. How the Internet does not require permission.
I also especially liked the phrase that he uses repeatedly, "..(on the internet) All links are created equal." It embodies the entire philosophy and power of the internet in a simple 5-word sentence. Kinda neat!
The chapters about managing the press and finance of your own start-ups seemed to drag on a bit, but that's probably just me cus' I wasn't much interested in that part - but it definitely would have been helpful for a budding tech-entrepreneur. I'd definitely recommend this to them,
I like the book's continuous insistence on goading a person to get out there and put ideas into practice. "What are you waiting for?" Alexis asks. "Permission?" And that's what the book is about. How the Internet does not require permission.
I also especially liked the phrase that he uses repeatedly, "..(on the internet) All links are created equal." It embodies the entire philosophy and power of the internet in a simple 5-word sentence. Kinda neat!
The chapters about managing the press and finance of your own start-ups seemed to drag on a bit, but that's probably just me cus' I wasn't much interested in that part - but it definitely would have been helpful for a budding tech-entrepreneur. I'd definitely recommend this to them,
July 30, 2016
I loved this book...It was inspirational and never talked down to you ...all the time cheering you (the reader) on to strive to create new products and greater heights......I found it very interesting that Alexis never had the please of being "screwed over" by anyone, especially his colleagues...As unfortunately the part of this equation that let me down was how easily and often people behaved in an honorable manor....Which, after 50 years in the entertainment industry the only thing that amazes me is how I am never amazed at how often the people will turn their envy into theft...ideas, work, rights, etc.....!
I would love to meet Alexis some day.....This is an excellently inspirational book ...I highly recommend that everyone give this book to their college age children......and perhaps younger.
I would love to meet Alexis some day.....This is an excellently inspirational book ...I highly recommend that everyone give this book to their college age children......and perhaps younger.
June 4, 2015
One and a half to two stars if you are reading this as a two-person proto startup today in 2015; three to four stars if you are reading this as a social scientist studying American Internet startup culture, especially if you are interested in the culture of Y Combinator startups created by millennials.
Not much in this book for a team of devs in an early phase Internet startup -- everything said here is already well known by techies and much better info can be found elsewhere. OTOH, this book is more interesting as something the author probably did not intend: a memoir-esque glimpse inside the hype-filled DIY tech startup culture written in hipster lingo by the founder of Reddit (2005). Thus the 3-4 star reco for social scientists studying this phenomenon.
Not much in this book for a team of devs in an early phase Internet startup -- everything said here is already well known by techies and much better info can be found elsewhere. OTOH, this book is more interesting as something the author probably did not intend: a memoir-esque glimpse inside the hype-filled DIY tech startup culture written in hipster lingo by the founder of Reddit (2005). Thus the 3-4 star reco for social scientists studying this phenomenon.
Read
October 21, 2013Without Their Permission is an autobiographical view of tech, the internet, and intellectual property in the USA.
I was a fan of the humor, occasional profanity, and the message.
The parts I found a bit more difficult to get through were the Music section and Graduation speech and occasionally the stream-of-consciousness format.
The most rewarding parts of this book were the personal insights Alexis shares about his experiences. The politics I believe are what motivated the writing, but as someone who has recently started working in NYTech I appreciated his perspective on the startup community above all.
I was a fan of the humor, occasional profanity, and the message.
The parts I found a bit more difficult to get through were the Music section and Graduation speech and occasionally the stream-of-consciousness format.
The most rewarding parts of this book were the personal insights Alexis shares about his experiences. The politics I believe are what motivated the writing, but as someone who has recently started working in NYTech I appreciated his perspective on the startup community above all.
May 2, 2014
If you never knew what goes into a startup, or want a quick survey of how the Internet has democratized business, politics, and society - this is a great place to start. Alexis demystifies much of what makes a startup succeed, acknowledges the importance of luck, and writes with an urgency that makes you want to act.
Even if you know much of the source material, you'll learn new things - about reddit's early days, about the beginning of Y Combinator, about Congress's attempts to fast - track SOPA, and more.
Glad I read it.
Even if you know much of the source material, you'll learn new things - about reddit's early days, about the beginning of Y Combinator, about Congress's attempts to fast - track SOPA, and more.
Glad I read it.
March 21, 2014
Fun. Informative. Easy to read. Very inspiring.
First part tells story of Alixis like birth of Reddit and early ventures. It shows few techniques on how to build a start-up, like "treat your first customers like gold". Liked this part a lot.
Second part, which is luckily way shorter, tells how Alexis saved Internet from SOPA, PIPA etc. While important I didn't found it very engaging. It seems like this part was added forcefully. Thus 4/5.
First part tells story of Alixis like birth of Reddit and early ventures. It shows few techniques on how to build a start-up, like "treat your first customers like gold". Liked this part a lot.
Second part, which is luckily way shorter, tells how Alexis saved Internet from SOPA, PIPA etc. While important I didn't found it very engaging. It seems like this part was added forcefully. Thus 4/5.
January 10, 2017
Snooze city
Couldn't wait to finish this book so I could give it one star. So boring. Not as much business discussion in the book as I had hoped. Probably due to fact he sold out early.
Couldn't wait to finish this book so I could give it one star. So boring. Not as much business discussion in the book as I had hoped. Probably due to fact he sold out early.
August 6, 2016
Maybe it's too early for Alexis to write his own biography.
September 16, 2014
Startup! Buzzwords! Jargon!
blah blah blah.
Probably great for college aged kids who want to get rich quick.
blah blah blah.
Probably great for college aged kids who want to get rich quick.
May 15, 2018
Didn't finish it. I hate it.
I don't think I should even say any more, that's how stupid this book is.
I don't think I should even say any more, that's how stupid this book is.
February 8, 2023
I picked up this book from the Popular bookstore located at a shopping mall near my residence and to my surprise, the content resonated with me from cover to cover. I come from a country in which internet freedoms are infringed upon regularly and Alexis's fight against SOPA and PIPA is the inspiration that everyone needs in their lives.
Not to give away too much from the book but the last bit about 2025 is extremely on-point given what we have witnessed until now (2023) - and every chapter within the book holds relevance even after the events of the book having been more than a decade.
The book also is an excellent roadmap on how using the power of an open internet where "all links are created equal" (quoting directly from the book), small mom and pop entrepreneurs, innovators and content creators can stake their claim and become trendsetter that not only enables their lives but also enhances the communities around them; making the world suck less.
Overall, it was a solid read and I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone that may be searching for direction in navigating through the ever-evolving internet of today.
Not to give away too much from the book but the last bit about 2025 is extremely on-point given what we have witnessed until now (2023) - and every chapter within the book holds relevance even after the events of the book having been more than a decade.
The book also is an excellent roadmap on how using the power of an open internet where "all links are created equal" (quoting directly from the book), small mom and pop entrepreneurs, innovators and content creators can stake their claim and become trendsetter that not only enables their lives but also enhances the communities around them; making the world suck less.
Overall, it was a solid read and I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone that may be searching for direction in navigating through the ever-evolving internet of today.
June 27, 2014
I started reading this book without any predetermined expectations...and finished with a vigor & enthusiasm for the endless possibilities that lie ahead for us, on the open internet. I think that the attitude of expecting a specific formula for a specific end goal- the startup success Ohanian obtained, is a lot like the mindset "If after ___ number of dates, then this happens". Of course, I only perceive this book through my own unique lens when I say that I understand Ohanian to share, rather than "self-praise" his story as a context, even foundation, on which an unique combination of factors (family, friendships, mentors, timing, hardships,etc) led him on this exciting trajectory through which I've felt fortunate enough to live, vicariously through this book. My own motivation for talking of my work is to "share" & is in hopes of the other person responding in like, with their own stories, that & perhaps out of not knowing what else to talk about. Sometimes that's misconstrued as being "self-absorbed" or "self-praising".
I also appreciate, and find it endearing that Ohanian names his girlfriend as his muse and the inspiration behind the mascot. It lays down the context (and door) to his reasoning. To compartmentalize by thinking "This has nothing to do with business", is ignoring the fact that we are all susceptible to external influences & its ideas. Plus, how many books give credit to a girlfriend? Not many, to my knowledge. I believe details really do make a difference in the perception of a business & does impact a consumer's willingness to embrace the product or service. At a time when it is easy to be overwhelmed by a saturation of products & services, I appreciate the details. Same goes for business cards.
While no tech expert & with no plans (yet) to create a startup, these were just a few of my own takeaways:
1) An emphasis on fearlessness to take risks
2) There is no rigid formula to anything, and that's exhilarating & does justice to innovative thinking, instead of invalidating one's unique factors that impact unique trajectories
3) In a new era in which things can change in a drop of the hat, flexibility, adaptability, and the confidence/open-mindedness to embrace change, is key
4) As an only child who struggled with weight issues, had a mom with cancer during my teenage years, endured my mom's hospitalization a week before my college graduation, and currently have family members in the hospital, I am very happy to see Ohanian's success (that given context makes it that much more compelling) & will support all his projects & rejoice at the successes
If the specific business plans & funding strategies weren't disclosed for a reader's liking, why not just ask Ohanian to write another book? I'll buy that as well.
I personally liked the balance of gravitas with self-effacing humor, that it was helpful without being pedantic, and appeal to efficiency, ie. that it's a 5 hour read from NY-SF, a route that many like-minded people often take ; )
I also appreciate, and find it endearing that Ohanian names his girlfriend as his muse and the inspiration behind the mascot. It lays down the context (and door) to his reasoning. To compartmentalize by thinking "This has nothing to do with business", is ignoring the fact that we are all susceptible to external influences & its ideas. Plus, how many books give credit to a girlfriend? Not many, to my knowledge. I believe details really do make a difference in the perception of a business & does impact a consumer's willingness to embrace the product or service. At a time when it is easy to be overwhelmed by a saturation of products & services, I appreciate the details. Same goes for business cards.
While no tech expert & with no plans (yet) to create a startup, these were just a few of my own takeaways:
1) An emphasis on fearlessness to take risks
2) There is no rigid formula to anything, and that's exhilarating & does justice to innovative thinking, instead of invalidating one's unique factors that impact unique trajectories
3) In a new era in which things can change in a drop of the hat, flexibility, adaptability, and the confidence/open-mindedness to embrace change, is key
4) As an only child who struggled with weight issues, had a mom with cancer during my teenage years, endured my mom's hospitalization a week before my college graduation, and currently have family members in the hospital, I am very happy to see Ohanian's success (that given context makes it that much more compelling) & will support all his projects & rejoice at the successes
If the specific business plans & funding strategies weren't disclosed for a reader's liking, why not just ask Ohanian to write another book? I'll buy that as well.
I personally liked the balance of gravitas with self-effacing humor, that it was helpful without being pedantic, and appeal to efficiency, ie. that it's a 5 hour read from NY-SF, a route that many like-minded people often take ; )
December 10, 2013
This is a light read. It is not intense. It comes across like a conversation with Alexis. I think many people were hoping for a clear cut path of lists and bullet points to plot out how to do "X".
Instead this is far from this. What I took away from this book is more of the style and personality of Alexis that has allowed him to be successful.
As always I took down notes into Evernote that I found interesting and tried to convert the ideas to the platform of education.
Reading many reviews online I think that had Alexis crafted a plan on how to live without permission would go against the grain of the essence of the book. The idea is go for it and had he laid out a plan, then you would have received permission.
Here are some key parts of the book that stood out to me.
1. Global connectivity is not just changing the way we do business, it is changing the way we think of value.
This holds true even more so after watching the 60 Minutes segment on Amazon.com and Amazon Air and their drones.
2. You have go to be willing to disrupt and be disrupted.
We have to remember that once we make statement people will disagree. This is what causes a lot of fear in people. We have to be strong and believe in our change.
3. These three questions are perfect for education and the classroom. When we talk with students about their work/projects these are great conversation pieces to have.
1. Why is your idea something that people want?
2. How will you sell it to your intended audience?
3. How you will do this better than your competitors?
4. When I find myself doing something that I know the normal person is not doing, then I know I am on to something.
In education we cannot all be alike. Teachers must develop projects and learning opportunities for students to shine and students must embrace the chance to celebrate who they are. We don't need test taking robots. We need innovators and creators. Time to celebrate the disruptors.
5. "The only advice that I can give that I guarantee is true is that you will never succeed unless you try. Just please start. You don't need anyone's permission."
This is my mantra for life. Ask for forgiveness, not permission.
6. Here is the thing about ideas: ideas are worthless. Execution is everything.
This is something I am working on along with helping educators and students. We must begin to act. Talking is no longer enough. Discover, develop, and dive in to make ideas happen.
I liked this book. After reading this book I really want to meet Alexis. I would love to have him on my podcast. I look forward to following his journey. The book is one you can read quickly and take away some key tips. Don't expect a game changer and don't expect specific strategies. That is for you to develop and create!
- See more at: http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com...
Instead this is far from this. What I took away from this book is more of the style and personality of Alexis that has allowed him to be successful.
As always I took down notes into Evernote that I found interesting and tried to convert the ideas to the platform of education.
Reading many reviews online I think that had Alexis crafted a plan on how to live without permission would go against the grain of the essence of the book. The idea is go for it and had he laid out a plan, then you would have received permission.
Here are some key parts of the book that stood out to me.
1. Global connectivity is not just changing the way we do business, it is changing the way we think of value.
This holds true even more so after watching the 60 Minutes segment on Amazon.com and Amazon Air and their drones.
2. You have go to be willing to disrupt and be disrupted.
We have to remember that once we make statement people will disagree. This is what causes a lot of fear in people. We have to be strong and believe in our change.
3. These three questions are perfect for education and the classroom. When we talk with students about their work/projects these are great conversation pieces to have.
1. Why is your idea something that people want?
2. How will you sell it to your intended audience?
3. How you will do this better than your competitors?
4. When I find myself doing something that I know the normal person is not doing, then I know I am on to something.
In education we cannot all be alike. Teachers must develop projects and learning opportunities for students to shine and students must embrace the chance to celebrate who they are. We don't need test taking robots. We need innovators and creators. Time to celebrate the disruptors.
5. "The only advice that I can give that I guarantee is true is that you will never succeed unless you try. Just please start. You don't need anyone's permission."
This is my mantra for life. Ask for forgiveness, not permission.
6. Here is the thing about ideas: ideas are worthless. Execution is everything.
This is something I am working on along with helping educators and students. We must begin to act. Talking is no longer enough. Discover, develop, and dive in to make ideas happen.
I liked this book. After reading this book I really want to meet Alexis. I would love to have him on my podcast. I look forward to following his journey. The book is one you can read quickly and take away some key tips. Don't expect a game changer and don't expect specific strategies. That is for you to develop and create!
- See more at: http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com...
March 11, 2015
I really like and respect the author, as his voice sounds so much like my father's as I grew up, particularly in figuring out the newness of the computer (the dot com thing? I don't know for sure).
I particularly got this impression from the very beginning: "Above all, I hope you'll carry this blueprint, and the optimism inherent in it, with you long after you put this book down." (page 5 of this Hachette Book Group edition)
After all, my father is an elementary music teacher, so of course he says things like that to all his students (and I was actually a student of his in fifth grade), so Ohanian's emphasis on the optimism in this text really echoes the optimism of teaching elementary school kids music all day, besides this whole book being a 90's-era guide to opening up your own website, which is something he liked to toy with in his spare time back then. (These days, he spends his spare time playing rock music with his Irish buddies, as will especially be highlighted next week...)
The tone of this book, however, strongly reflects the "Get rich quick!" entrepreneurial ideology which really stresses me out, which is what really dropped me from active participation in my Economics class and what may have a little to do with my current spasmodic state.
(Typically I claim that the reason I dropped Macroeconomics is that I was taking too many credits, but I could equally have dropped Ancient Chinese History and benefited from the decision just as much, perhaps even more since then I'd have more practice thinking economically, but no: I decided to explore the history of China in hopes I could visit that country next year, which was the case! Profit - though I probably should have stuck with economics for long-term benefit, over the short-term benefit of international travel… but now I can study economics more than Chinese and it should be just fine!)
The reason I stopped now was that he even writes something akin to I don't even know why you're still reading this since I already put the necessities at the beginning, so I skipped ahead a little bit to see that all that's left are basically only pictures of the breadpig that he uses as his mascot for the logo of Reddit, which he explained was a perversion of "read it" that perhaps a girlfriend suggested over Reditt and his trip to Washington, which I already did to visit a close friend besides conduct slight political matters such as vouch for equality no matter what you can actually do in comparison with everyone else.
So, if you want to get business ideas from the history of an Internet startup, learn names of the monumental figures of turn-of-the-millennia American life, "make the world suck less" or be otherwise entertained by a college guy, then pick this book up: it's a quick read you can pick up and put down whenever you want.
I particularly got this impression from the very beginning: "Above all, I hope you'll carry this blueprint, and the optimism inherent in it, with you long after you put this book down." (page 5 of this Hachette Book Group edition)
After all, my father is an elementary music teacher, so of course he says things like that to all his students (and I was actually a student of his in fifth grade), so Ohanian's emphasis on the optimism in this text really echoes the optimism of teaching elementary school kids music all day, besides this whole book being a 90's-era guide to opening up your own website, which is something he liked to toy with in his spare time back then. (These days, he spends his spare time playing rock music with his Irish buddies, as will especially be highlighted next week...)
The tone of this book, however, strongly reflects the "Get rich quick!" entrepreneurial ideology which really stresses me out, which is what really dropped me from active participation in my Economics class and what may have a little to do with my current spasmodic state.
(Typically I claim that the reason I dropped Macroeconomics is that I was taking too many credits, but I could equally have dropped Ancient Chinese History and benefited from the decision just as much, perhaps even more since then I'd have more practice thinking economically, but no: I decided to explore the history of China in hopes I could visit that country next year, which was the case! Profit - though I probably should have stuck with economics for long-term benefit, over the short-term benefit of international travel… but now I can study economics more than Chinese and it should be just fine!)
The reason I stopped now was that he even writes something akin to I don't even know why you're still reading this since I already put the necessities at the beginning, so I skipped ahead a little bit to see that all that's left are basically only pictures of the breadpig that he uses as his mascot for the logo of Reddit, which he explained was a perversion of "read it" that perhaps a girlfriend suggested over Reditt and his trip to Washington, which I already did to visit a close friend besides conduct slight political matters such as vouch for equality no matter what you can actually do in comparison with everyone else.
So, if you want to get business ideas from the history of an Internet startup, learn names of the monumental figures of turn-of-the-millennia American life, "make the world suck less" or be otherwise entertained by a college guy, then pick this book up: it's a quick read you can pick up and put down whenever you want.
April 12, 2019
2.5 stars.
Ohanian split the book into thirds, the first being about his history as an entrepreneur (mostly Reddit, a bit of Hipmunk too), the second third a series of high level takeaways on starting and growing a company (plus some bits on fundraising) and the third, a smattering of what makes the internetgreat interesting to say the least with a kind of haphazard "letter from the future" piece as a doorstop. I bought a physical copy, hoping there'd be enough meat to come back to. I do have dog eared pages, but almost entirely n the middle third. It's written like a collection of Reddit posts. It has about the depth of some of them too. YMMV. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Ohanian split the book into thirds, the first being about his history as an entrepreneur (mostly Reddit, a bit of Hipmunk too), the second third a series of high level takeaways on starting and growing a company (plus some bits on fundraising) and the third, a smattering of what makes the internet
March 7, 2014
Alexis Ohanian
Without their permission
one third auto biography, one third startup investment advice, and one third diatribe about internet freedom.
Every website has a story, and every story has characters that define it. Alexis is a co-founder of reddit, an unlikely winner in the user-generated news and content hub in the interweb space.
Alexis covers who he is, how he grew up, and other auto-biographical insights leading up to the acquisition of his website: Reddit.
He continues to educate us on these incubations hubs that join startups and investors into business ventures. Alexis has invested in many startups, and has some cliche, yet important info on the fundamentals of a good startup... Which I believe were flexibility and adaptibility (otherwise technology).
His startup investment playthrough is informative, albeit, a basic overview, of an otherwise legally intensive process. Nonetheless, this info is great for internet entrepreneurs.
Alexis continues with his battle-cry pursuit into appealing SOPA and PIPA, which according to him, was an attack on internet freedom. Or perhaps the freedom to pirate anything, and everything. Nonetheless, he makes a great point of how Music/movie labels simply milk artists for their creativity, and leave them with scraps under the pretense of lawyer jargon.
Ultimately, Alexis concludes that we should use the internet 'to make the world suck less'. I agree. Create things are add value to the world (is porn one of those added-value endeavors?). In particular, 3rd-world countries are a great place for minds to create tools that make their world suck less.
Oh, and 'Without Their Permission' simply means, create something on the internet, without getting the validation and unnecessary approval from others. Just create, and see how it goes.
Without their permission
one third auto biography, one third startup investment advice, and one third diatribe about internet freedom.
Every website has a story, and every story has characters that define it. Alexis is a co-founder of reddit, an unlikely winner in the user-generated news and content hub in the interweb space.
Alexis covers who he is, how he grew up, and other auto-biographical insights leading up to the acquisition of his website: Reddit.
He continues to educate us on these incubations hubs that join startups and investors into business ventures. Alexis has invested in many startups, and has some cliche, yet important info on the fundamentals of a good startup... Which I believe were flexibility and adaptibility (otherwise technology).
His startup investment playthrough is informative, albeit, a basic overview, of an otherwise legally intensive process. Nonetheless, this info is great for internet entrepreneurs.
Alexis continues with his battle-cry pursuit into appealing SOPA and PIPA, which according to him, was an attack on internet freedom. Or perhaps the freedom to pirate anything, and everything. Nonetheless, he makes a great point of how Music/movie labels simply milk artists for their creativity, and leave them with scraps under the pretense of lawyer jargon.
Ultimately, Alexis concludes that we should use the internet 'to make the world suck less'. I agree. Create things are add value to the world (is porn one of those added-value endeavors?). In particular, 3rd-world countries are a great place for minds to create tools that make their world suck less.
Oh, and 'Without Their Permission' simply means, create something on the internet, without getting the validation and unnecessary approval from others. Just create, and see how it goes.
April 28, 2021
After reading this book i’ve realized how much i’ve underestimated the power of the internet. I mean, yes, i use the internet every day but it’s because wi-fi/data is so accessible on a regular basis that i haven’t realized how deeply it’s been ingrained in my daily routine. If the internet were to stop working tmr bruh i wouldn’t know how to act 😭
This book revolves around the power one can wield with only two things: 1) access to internet and 2) a domain. It goes on to highlight the importance of creating something people want or don’t realize they need - in Ohanian’s case, it was a site that allowed user access to the most sought after updates on particular subtopics (reddit). This book goes into detail about the value behind connections and how, with the progression of the digital age, the free publicity from a product going viral is just as impactful as networking itself.
There was just so much to absorb in this book esp bc i’m unfamiliar w the field of start-ups and programming and entrepreneurs (public speaking makes me nervous, i have a love-hate relationship w our home internet router, and i usually msg my bf re: anything programming related e.g. the contents of this book lol) but i still enjoyed this read as an overall introduction to the topic. I read this through the tpl but i’m tempted to buy myself a physical copy tbh.
tldr; A great introductory read to the digital age where internet access, a domain, and a good idea are the keys to success. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in start-ups and programming and making something out of nothing through the magical interwebz.
This book revolves around the power one can wield with only two things: 1) access to internet and 2) a domain. It goes on to highlight the importance of creating something people want or don’t realize they need - in Ohanian’s case, it was a site that allowed user access to the most sought after updates on particular subtopics (reddit). This book goes into detail about the value behind connections and how, with the progression of the digital age, the free publicity from a product going viral is just as impactful as networking itself.
There was just so much to absorb in this book esp bc i’m unfamiliar w the field of start-ups and programming and entrepreneurs (public speaking makes me nervous, i have a love-hate relationship w our home internet router, and i usually msg my bf re: anything programming related e.g. the contents of this book lol) but i still enjoyed this read as an overall introduction to the topic. I read this through the tpl but i’m tempted to buy myself a physical copy tbh.
tldr; A great introductory read to the digital age where internet access, a domain, and a good idea are the keys to success. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in start-ups and programming and making something out of nothing through the magical interwebz.
May 31, 2019
Alexis Ohanian is the most relatable entrepreneur in the whole internet business. His background is the most down to earth that us normal people can connect to him. His father worked in a ticket agency, his mother was an illegal immigrant. He was a geek boy, loved playing video games and went to the commerce school in UVA. He wasn't a genius coder, he even drew the first Reddit mascot on Paint. He is one human being who deals with grief, loss of his mother, his entire life. The biggest quality of Ohanian that I admire so much was his ability to focus, his enthusiasm and his determination.
In his debut book, Without Thier Permission, illustrates not only the extraordinary story of what made his becoming and Reddit, but also his advice on starting a startup and how to make the world suck less, especially the internet world. It didn't take me that long to finish this book and it saved me a ton of time to learn how to build a startup and understanding of this industry. I am especially enlighted to read about how he created Raddit from scratch. I am launching a startup myself so this book is really a handyman for me whenever I need. He also shows case the success stories and possibilities of many startups such as Kickstarter. Then story of his protest against SOPA/PIPA which I had no idea what it was about and how it could destroy our privacy and freedom.
This book is such an outstanding gem in the middle of a large pool with too many options to read. It is genius, hilarious and honest. Million thanks to Ohanian for sharing such a personal and intimate story with us.
In his debut book, Without Thier Permission, illustrates not only the extraordinary story of what made his becoming and Reddit, but also his advice on starting a startup and how to make the world suck less, especially the internet world. It didn't take me that long to finish this book and it saved me a ton of time to learn how to build a startup and understanding of this industry. I am especially enlighted to read about how he created Raddit from scratch. I am launching a startup myself so this book is really a handyman for me whenever I need. He also shows case the success stories and possibilities of many startups such as Kickstarter. Then story of his protest against SOPA/PIPA which I had no idea what it was about and how it could destroy our privacy and freedom.
This book is such an outstanding gem in the middle of a large pool with too many options to read. It is genius, hilarious and honest. Million thanks to Ohanian for sharing such a personal and intimate story with us.
February 2, 2014
Bought this after his campus talk because hey, why not get something signed by the co-founder of reddit? The back of the cover notes that it should be about a 5 hour read (or about the length of a flight from New York to San Francisco, assuming it's direct and without weird layovers). Many parts of it were similar to the tour, so if you go to the free talk, you get the gist. The first third is the founding of reddit (rising from the failure of MMM! as an idea), the middle a quickie "Start-up MBA" guide for start-up founders, and the last third a "Hey, look at all the cool stuff the internet's done in the last decade!"
As I'm not really interested in forming a product or making a company, I found the first and last thirds the most compelling. I'm sure the advice is sound (and some of it can be applied to pursuing my graduate studies), but as a redditor and internet user the other two were more relevant. Other goodreads reviewers complain about the diatribe against SOPA and PIPA at the end- I assume you are the incumbents, those that don't realize what a powerful, equalizing tool the web is.
Very quick read, slightly fluffy but with chewy content.
As I'm not really interested in forming a product or making a company, I found the first and last thirds the most compelling. I'm sure the advice is sound (and some of it can be applied to pursuing my graduate studies), but as a redditor and internet user the other two were more relevant. Other goodreads reviewers complain about the diatribe against SOPA and PIPA at the end- I assume you are the incumbents, those that don't realize what a powerful, equalizing tool the web is.
Very quick read, slightly fluffy but with chewy content.
May 25, 2015
His experiences starting up companies, crowd-sourcing funds, etc. are all good materials to read and understand. What especially stands out is the section on startup growth period tips. The book writing skills, unfortunately are decidedly second rate. There is a lack of coherence. Some stories are told for no apparent purpose to support a bigger narrative. If you as a reader want to learn insight from reading (at least that's why I picked this book), then you felt that at least half of the material could be nipped to make a much more informative book. (What was the part about him inviting his girlfriends friends for a surprise happy b-day chant on the airplane? Other than a shameless plug, what's the moral?)
As an aside, I'm initially sold about reddit. After a relatively extensive test drive, I felt the site to be far less interesting than, say, quora. It is still a minimally viably product, I guess. But, the overall trend of easier innovation on the web is a real one, even though the stories and in particular the book itself are not high quality reflections of some important lessons that could be learned.
As an aside, I'm initially sold about reddit. After a relatively extensive test drive, I felt the site to be far less interesting than, say, quora. It is still a minimally viably product, I guess. But, the overall trend of easier innovation on the web is a real one, even though the stories and in particular the book itself are not high quality reflections of some important lessons that could be learned.
October 24, 2013
While this was an entertaining and informative read, I felt that certain concepts and ideas were missing or underdeveloped.
I was surprised that there was no mention of Masters of Doom: How Two Guys Created an Empire and Transformed Pop Culture, the book that Alexis claimed in a blog-post "inspired the birth of Reddit". It would've been interesting to learn how a book about Doom and Quake creators John Carmack and John Romero motivated Alexis to create a web community like Reddit.
Alexis offers some great business and entrepreneurial insight, but doesn't really touch on the mechanics of building an online business. I found myself looking for commentary or at least some input from Reddit and Hipmunk co-founder Steve Huffman. His perspective, as a web developer, would've been a welcome addition to the story.
I was surprised that there was no mention of Masters of Doom: How Two Guys Created an Empire and Transformed Pop Culture, the book that Alexis claimed in a blog-post "inspired the birth of Reddit". It would've been interesting to learn how a book about Doom and Quake creators John Carmack and John Romero motivated Alexis to create a web community like Reddit.
Alexis offers some great business and entrepreneurial insight, but doesn't really touch on the mechanics of building an online business. I found myself looking for commentary or at least some input from Reddit and Hipmunk co-founder Steve Huffman. His perspective, as a web developer, would've been a welcome addition to the story.
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