The Cult of the Amateur by Andrew Keen

I just finished reading The Cult of the Amateur.  I have to admit, it is going to take some time to digest and think through. Therefore, I will have to get back with you for the review.

However, I will leave you with this thought. Andrew Keen has put a great deal of thought into this book and while some of what he is saying rings of resistance to the inevitable change, his warning's about the consequences of an unprofessional media should not be discarded lightly.

Additionally, while I was poking around Mr. Keen's blog, I can across a well-thought debate that Andrew had with Emily Bell at the Guardian Unlimited.  Ms Bell easily thwarted Andrew's best attacks and he readily admits that Ms Bell won the debate.  More exactly, Andrew states, "...[S]he outwitted me and then took me to the cleaners"  For all of you scared bloggers at Amazon who insist on trashing Mr. Keen and The Cult of the Amateur, I think this speaks volumes about Andrew Keen and the work that he does.  At a minimum, Andrew has the integrity to admit when he has been bested and better yet, the self-confidence to let us see for ourselves how it happened.

For anyone interested in a good read about a topic that is near-and-dear to many of our hearts, The Cult of the Amateur is a must read book.

Take care and enjoy...

John