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Joel on Software: Anecdotes

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Re: Joel on Software: Anecdotes

#62

Post by gjm11 »

KWD wrote: post #44

From his quote of Kakutani: "Much of what Mr. Gladwell has to say about superstars is little more than common sense" This is what has always bothered me Gladwell's writings, and when I see someone list 'Blink' as one of their favorite books it pretty much tells me they are someone of little substance. Gladwell is simply a formula writer (and his speeches follow a similar format) and I find it amazing he has extended…

I haven't read any of Gladwell's books, so can't comment on how formulaic he is; but I wouldn't be in the least surprised if being a "formula writer" were an advantage in becoming popular.

Re: Joel on Software: Anecdotes

#63

Post by rodrigo »

mattmaroon wrote: post #55
markessien wrote: post #34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What writing then would you say was similar enough to Gladwells to be in the same genre, but better in your opinion?

Michael Pollan.

Thanks for the lead. For me, this is what makes HN great (and make Slashdot great, o'right not as great as back in the day), smart, brigth, curious people sharing knowledge. Thanks again.

Re: Joel on Software: Anecdotes

#64

Post by andreyf »

jimbokun wrote: post #57
DaniFong wrote: post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

There are many theories that Gladwell's book ties together, and there's some pretty serious data on each of them. I know three, and all of this book I've read are excerpts. Each of his books includes a reading list and citations, and I don't think this will be any different. In particular, page 10 of Flynn's book is worth reading. It is not merely Gladwell's hypothesis. Terman et. al's studies of gifted children ( ht…

I believe in one of his interviews (the New Yorker?) Gladwell kind of sheepishly admitted that people think he's a genius while really he's just packaging up other people's work with a more engaging presentation.

he's just packaging up other people's work with a more engaging presentation

Since it's pretty so rare to find someone who both (1) spends the time to find and understands that work, and (2) has the literary ability to engagingly present it, by some definitions, that can be considered genius.

Re: Joel on Software: Anecdotes

#65

Post by mattmaroon »

rodrigo wrote: post #63
mattmaroon wrote: post #55

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Michael Pollan.

Thanks for the lead. For me, this is what makes HN great (and make Slashdot great, o'right not as great as back in the day), smart, brigth, curious people sharing knowledge. Thanks again.

Any time. Both In Defense of Food and The Omnivore's Dilemma are great. My wife also swears by The Botany of Desire but I haven't read it yet.
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