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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Reading the Comments summary
Joseph M. Reagle Jr.
Likers, Haters and Manipulators at the Bottom of the Web
15 mins
Brief summary
"Reading the Comments" by Joseph M. Reagle Jr. is a thought-provoking book that examines the culture of online commenting, its history, and its impact on society. It offers insights into the psychology behind why people leave comments and the consequences that arise from this type of communication.
Table of Contents
Reading the Comments
Summary of 6 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 6
People love offering commentary and the internet has given the opinionated free rein.
Thanks to the internet, online commentary is booming. Users can convey their opinions in many different ways, from awarding stars to writing in-depth reviews.
But our passion for commenting wasn’t born online. It has precedent in history.
Take the Michelin guide. Established in the early twentieth century, the guide not only helped drivers navigate highways safely, but was also the first to offer a star-based rating system for hotels, gas stations and other services along the way.
Consider, too, printed book reviews. As unprecedented numbers of books and articles were published following the Enlightenment period, periodicals such as London’s Monthly Review and the New York Times Book Review cropped up to assist readers in deciding which books they should be reading.
While experts penned these early guides and reviews, other review platforms that allow anybody to share a thought or opinion have been around for decades.
The Zagat Survey, for example, leveraged the wisdom of the crowd to rate the quality of restaurants, hotels and even music. Founded in 1979, Zagat reviews were a hit long before Yelp!
When you share your opinion about another person’s work, however, you also offer a form of commentary: it’s called giving feedback. We’ll explore the implications of this sort of commentary in the online world in the next blink.
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What is Reading the Comments about?
Reading the Comments (2015) delves into the social phenomenon of online commentary. These blinks explore how online commenting became the force it is and examine commenting’s positive and negative influence on communication at large. Importantly, these blinks encourage you to think about the implications of online comments for the modern internet user.
Reading the Comments Review
Reading the Comments (2015) explores the intriguing world of online comments and why we can't help but read them. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- It delves into the psychological motivations behind leaving comments, shedding light on the human desire for connection and validation in the digital age.
- Through fascinating case studies and interviews, the book uncovers the impact of comments on individuals, communities, and even politics.
- With its thought-provoking analysis and insightful commentary, it challenges our assumptions and encourages a deeper understanding of online communication.
Best quote from Reading the Comments
We live invested in an electronic information environment that is quite imperceptible to us as water is to fish. –Marshal McLuhan, media theorist
—Joseph M. Reagle Jr.
Who should read Reading the Comments?
- Readers fascinated by online commentary
- People keen to learn about new modes of communication
- Students majoring in communication studies
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Reading the Comments FAQs
What is the main message of Reading the Comments?
The main message of Reading the Comments is to understand the social dynamics and impact of online commenting.
How long does it take to read Reading the Comments?
The reading time for Reading the Comments varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Reading the Comments a good book? Is it worth reading?
Reading the Comments offers valuable insights into online communication. It is definitely worth reading for anyone interested in the topic.
Who is the author of Reading the Comments?
The author of Reading the Comments is Joseph M. Reagle Jr.
What to read after Reading the Comments?
If you're wondering what to read next after Reading the Comments, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do by Amy Morin
- 10 Days to Faster Reading by The Princeton Language Institute and Abby Marks Beale
- The Big Disconnect by Catherine Steiner-Adair
- Deep Work by Cal Newport
- Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan
- The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
- Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
- Purple Cow by Seth Godin
- The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
- The Fear Factor by Abigail Marsh