Consultants Books

In Bare Knuckles and Back Rooms: My Life in American Politics, Ed Rollins details his careers as a Political Operative learning the trade from California Democratic Speaker Jess Unruh, his philosophical transformation into a conservative Republican, alignment with the Reagan revolution and his time as a Senior White House Staffer and heavyweight Political Consultant.

Rollins delivers this in a entertaining and salty style that seems appropriate given the blue collar background he repeatedly mentions in the book.

Any political junkie will find this a great book, although many of the "saints" of Washington DC are not always shown in the most favorable light.

Rollins gives his take on his time as Political Director of the Reagan White House, and Campaign Manager of Reagan's re-election campaign in 1984. He tells of his break with George Bush (41), when Rollins led the efforts of Presidential Candidate Jack Kemp, who according to Rollins was a more fitting heir to Reagan's crown.

The chaos of the Perot 1992 campaign, controversy of the New Jersey Governor's race in 1993 and Rollins' self-described "redemption" with George Nethercutt's upset of Speaker Tom Foley in 1994, as well as other campaigns give the reader a great insight as to the experiences one may have working as a high level political operative.

Rollins, often a controversial figure, does not pull punches. He gives his open opinions of many well known and respected figures in national politics.

This book is definitely a keeper.

Being a political operative seems like a glamorous profession. While there certainly are perks -- there are an equal number of disadvantages to this career choice. Rollins' depiction of what it's like to be a campaign manager is the truest I've read. It's not always a glamorous lifestyle. Even the best campaigns are full of fast food, headaches and heartaches (now there's a title)! Rollins does a great job of telling "the real" story of being a campaign manager...the good, the bad, and the ugly...

I would love to hear Ed Rollins opinions concerning the present President Bush. His book descibes the problems with the first Prsident Bush adminastration (such as putting a higher price on staff and administrators with blind loyalty to those who knew what they were doing)
Rollins book was very funny and a nice peek at the inside of political campaigns. He was very honest in the way he dealt his stories of former Presidents Nixon and Reagan. he did not try to gloss over the failings of either presidency or try to sugar coat anything. He explained his admiration of both Reagan and Nixon, and making a reasonable explaination for liking Richard Nixon can't be easy in a time when even the Republican party tries to forget him. But Ed Rollins does so in a manner which make sit possible to see that there was another side to the man.

Bare Knuckles and Back Rooms is political consultant Ed Rollins' journey as a political strategist in American politics. First of all you have to read this book just to receive the insight on Ross Perot and his insanity. I read this book awhile ago when I was in High School and laughed for hours about Perot. Also I love just hearing about the day to day operations of a political campaigns. If you are interested in politics or political campaigns this book is a must read and has to be in your library.

Rollins covers working with President Ronald Reagan, Ross Perot, Christie Todd Whitman, Michael Huffington (another great wild chapter) and George Nethercutt. Read this book if you want to hear a great story about Frank Sinatra from the Reagan campaign. It is a great window into the workings and thought of the Reagan administration as well. Another great political consultant read was "Bad Boy" about the late Lee Atwater, this one might even be better. If you are a Democrat or Republican this will be a great laugh and amazing insight. You will not be able to put this book down, and once you finish you will go through serious withdrawls which may include chills, shakes, or foaming at the mouth.

I am a self confessed Democrat and even I loved this book. The author is as about as right leaning as they come, but that did nothing to diminish the enjoyment any political junkie would get from the book regardless of what side of the spectrum you are on. The author has been involved in Republican politics sense the Nixon administration and in this book he givens a well written, interesting and humorous account of what he has been a part of. I would not call this book a kiss and tell, but he does give you the facts in a straight up manner, regardless if it makes his clients or himself look bad.

I found the time he spent on the Reagan and Perot campaigns the most interesting. The Reagan campaign because he really lays out the best way to run a campaign. This section of the book could almost be used as a how to tutorial on how to win a race. I found the Perot campaign info interesting for the exact opposite of the Reagan section. This guy was a flake and the author captures every odd, weird and down right stupid thing that happened. The author also talks about his relationship with the first President Bush and lets just say it is very eye opening. Everything he says about the father can be seen in the son today. His main point is that the Bush family feels loyalty is the most important trait a person can have and if you cross that line you will be paying for it for years.

I enjoyed the fact that the author did not spend exorbitant amounts of time on his pre political history or his family situation, just enough to set the stage. I may be unique in this regard so if you are looking for an in depth view into his family this is not the book for you. Overall I really liked the book. It read fast and it is so interesting I just did not want to put it down. I read a lot of political books and this ranks up there as at least one of the more entertaining. If you are interested in the campaign process or the Reagan and Bush years then I would recommend this book regardless of your party affiliation.

If you work in SQL 2000 and do any administration then you are going to love this book. It does not get in depth as some other books but everything is easy to find and you do not have to search hundreds of pages to figure out what you need to find.

Although I've been working in SQL since 6.5 this book still comes in handy when I need to do something that I haven't done in awhile or need to confirm something.

It is a very good book to have for reference. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for answers to SQL Server 2000. It gives good detail on configuration and tuning and it also explains how to set up SQL Mail, which I couldn't find in some books I have read. I pretty much use this book every day on the job.

A lot of SQL Server books give you the same information included already in Books Online. SQL Server 2000 Administrator's Pocket Consultant is an excellent complement for Books Online, TechNet and MSDN. It covers similar topics, but it digs in where necessary, provides best practices, tips to the internal operations, explaining how SQL Server actually works, with unique information only available in this book.

I always want to know how things work because it helps me to understand the behaviour of a system. In many cases if you don't know how things work it could drive you to some misunderstandings. Here is where SQL Server Pocket Consultant helps out and Stanek has excellent teaching skills.

The book is very compact and full of information. It's all in the details. Chapter 2 "Configuring and Tuning" is a real gem. It helped so much with server and database tuning. Chapter 5 "SQL Server Security" is excellent on the security details. Chapter 7 provides deep detail of DTS and BCP. The final part of the book is the best, in my opinion. It covers performance, maintenance and optimization.

The book's small size makes it easy to take with you where ever you go and its good enough that you'll want to. Overall excellent guide ot sql server.

This good and concise sqlserver administration reference manual has a complete online version on microsoft.com/technet.

I haven't found a better book for sql admins. This book is extremely informative. I worked for a year with SQL 7 and have been studying and working with SQL Server 2000 for a year and a half. I passed Exam 70-228 in large part due to what I learned from this book. If you are looking for a how-to book that shows just exactly how to accomplish tasks associated with creating and maintaining SQL 2000 this book is for you. This is an excellent book if you want to understand how SQL Server 2000 works as well.

The book starts off great with 7 common myths of SAP consulting.

The best way to kick off an SAP career is with the Big 4 (KPMG, Deloitte, Ernst, and PWC). Leading consulting firms such as Accenture, IBM, and of course, SAP are also good places to start.

The author has a chapter devoted secifically for those startig out on SAP. Here are the things SAP employers are looking ordered by their relative importance.

1)R/3 Implementation experience
2)R/2 Implementation experience.
3)Consulting Experience
4)Bachelor's degree
5)Relevent industry or management experience (such as Oracle or JAVA).
6)Communication and interpersonal skills
7)SAP certifications (bummer this ranks so low)
8)Experience as SAP trainer or user
9)Higher education degrees such as MBA.

Here are other tidbits:

1)It appears ABAP programming is the least "hot" field in SAP since it is also the most outsourceable and SAP is moving towards JAVA.
2)References count more in SAP circles than most since there are many "fake" SAP resumes out there. Also, SAP community is a tight knit community where both your technical and personal reputation is exchanged freely and widely.
3)SAP project managers, while in demand, rarely become high earning independent contractors. Some SAP modules are hotter than others, but it is constantly changing. The book states the HR module expertise is in high demand (in 2002).
4)Having Big 4 consulting experience can pay big dividends as independent SAP consultant.
5)The future of SAP career looks promising, although its peak heyday may have passed.

The main issue with this book is that it is already 6 years old. Due to the rapidly changing climate of the SAP industry, it is safe to say much of the information contained in this book is dated. Much of it, however, still remain valid.

I found the book to be very helpful with a lot of good information. I was very pleased with the format of the book, and the practical information it provided. I would highly recommend it for those starting out in SAP consulting to get some helpful information and tips.

This is a great book for those looking for an SAP career. Jon goes through all the steps and he even provides a bit of humor! The book is a bit dated, but the information is still relevant and invaluable! Great source for the junior consultants!

After reading the many wonderful reviews here, I decided to get this book. Honestly, the material was disappointing. Sure, Jon Reed explains what it takes to be a good consultant, but fails to mention how.

I guess, if you're THINKING about making the leap to SAP, this book does give you a very good idea on what to expect. But if you're currently practicing SAP, forget about this book. There's nothing here that you don't already know. There was one chapter though, that did provide something new to me. SAP contracting. Jon Reed explains when to go into contracting, the pros and cons, and even analyzes (with examples) the lifes of some contractors.

Jon Reed undoubtly knows a lot about SAP. But unfortunately this book does not do him justice and does not capture the wealth of information he obviously has. I would've liked a book that explores a typical SAP project environment. How to deal with your team mates, with your clients? The best way of getting information from clients. If you're looking for this sort of information, look elsewhere as it is not here in this book. Other than that, as I said...a good introduction to someone trying to get into SAP.

This book is easy to read and has a fun style. It shows the authors' sense of humor in conveying the potentially "dry" information and with the use of colorful anecdotes.

I found the book to have timeless wisdom about what it takes to succeed as an SAP
consultant, and look at it from both the advantages and disadvantages of
independent consulting versus salaried consulting. The book includes case studies of consultants in transition and how they weighed their priorities and made effective career decisions.

Realizing that SAP information can become stale rapidly, the authors built in a "longevity resource" where readers can access a free website to get Jon Reed's latest career advice and market information.

The greatest benefit is that these guys don't seem to be consumed by their egos. I've emailed Jon with a question I had after reading the book, and he was very responsive.

Charles Akin

Developing the skill to conduct workshops and seminars requires a lot of time and effort, but it can lead to an exciting professional life and eventually pay huge dividends. Learning to gain an audience's rapt attention takes dedication and practice, but giving a seminar or workshop is a very effective way to sell your product, service or expertise. Robert L. Jolles offers tips for translating your special knowledge into a seminar or workshop presentation, from organizing your material to getting the right coaching to handling challenging characters from the audience. getAbstract recommends this useful guide; it's a quick course in Professional Skills 101.

Robert Jolles has written a very readable and practical book on the ins and outs, the do's and don'ts of running seminars. He knows of what he speaks, as he has substantial scar tissue as a trainer for Xerox and as a self-employed training consultant. He has directed numerous "train the trainer" courses. Jolles has wit and insight and can help you avoid some common mistakes.

Much of the book, particularly toward the end, deals with the unique setting of corporate trainers and those who train other trainers. Personally, I found this less useful. Those looking for business advice on how to run and market seminars may also be disappointed, since that is not a focus of Jolle's book.

Worth perhaps the price of the book alone is Jolle's advice on how to go about writing a book. One of his early central ideas is that becoming an author of the book is nearly essential for establishing credibility for running your own seminars, workshops, and some of our business. He offers practical and excellent tips that have worked for him in being able to write a book and establish solid credibility.

If you are involved in delivering training programs, either in-house in a corporate setting or as an individual entrepreneur, this book is essential reading!

Robert Jolles describes all of the steps in running your own workshops and seminars or working in the training department. Writing your own book. Developing a process of training that helps the trainer and the audience. Visual aid management. Trainee evaluation. All of the steps are in a simple, easy to read book. There are also parts of the book that will help develop and improve skills for sales professionals.

The book is practical, clear and well written. The writer is clearly very experienced in the field. I like his matter of fact approach with a dry sense of humour.

I bought this book hoping to learn one new thing - I don't want 'tricks' or 'secrets' and I don't need to impress anyone - just facilitate seminars which are effective and enjoyable for the participants. I searched for an idea, process or new way of thinking that I could use, modify and apply in my own work. Sadly, it wasn't there for me. The style and content is not consistent with the title. The style is over-confident - the "know-it-all" style, characteristic of some American texts. The author presenting his opinions as fact. There's no doubt, no alternatives, just do it my way and it will be 'right'. Apart from this approach, some of the content is unhelpful at best. For example his comments (opinions) on how to prepare and use visuals in presentations reiterates the worst habits - more bullet points! As the title suggests the author is writing for people who already know something about this well-worn subject, I would have appreciated buying something more original, less emphatic and better written. I regret buying it.

This book is just what it says, a handy guide that you can carry around in your bag for when you need to check where something is, or look up the syntax of something that has slipped your mind, and you don't have time to waste trying to find that stuff on the internet, or in help (when it is likely not there), or any of that. Occasionally useful.

This is a good little book that has helped me out most of the time. It doesn't have every answer that one would think (or expect), but for a book that small, it's great that it covers the basics.

This is with out question the most valuable book for day to day use that an NT Server administrator can keep with them. For all those times you find yourself trying to remember that little used admin applet or procedure, you will find it here. Microsoft Press has done a great job in compiling this guide. Here's to hoping they print one for all of their products.

This Windows NT Server 4.0 Administrators Pocket Consultant has been a constant companion and has never let me down. For beginners and intermediate LAN Administrators, this book covers 4 main areas: LAN Administration Fundamentals, User Administration, Data Administration and Network Administration. In the era of Windows 2000 Server and XP, this book seems a little anachronistic, outdated and obsolete - its not.

With the wide user base of both Windows NT 4.0 Server and Workstation, it is a most valuable resource. Aimed at high-level users, this book will not be your guide to Kernel and file level troubleshooting - it is not an MCSE reviewer. It will give you a broad overview of networking and will deal extensively with users and resources. I give it five stars for its logical progression. After dealing with why you even need a network, the Pocket Consultant focuses on User Administration and the relation to the Data/Resources. NT is robust not because it crashes less but "sharing" is a really easy method to get users to what they need and fast.

Depending on the configuration of you shop - if you have a high turnover, the printing and network optimization comes in handy. If you have a fairly static staff, the user administration is helpful for user management - as individuals and as `groups'. I found the information on Chapter 10 - sharing files, directories and drives - helpful to understand the key differences between the two. Moreover, there was a few key things that I felt this book missed - the power of the Administrator to manage user machines as the Administrator of the Workstation. Within this framework lies the power of the NT network - a much missed topic in this book. Notwithstanding, I still give handbook a true five stars.

Miguel Llora

I read the wonderful reviews this book got and ran to the store to buy it. I run a small school district network and had several real world issue's I was looking for resolution to before purchasing it . . . this book did not help with one.

This might be an OK book to learn the basics (thus the 2 stars), but it has no troubleshooting tips or advanced network issues that gave me any real world help.

Several hours, 3 NT4 books and 2 cell phone calls from my wife asking where I was later, I left with the Windows NT4 Administrators Survival Guide.

These other reviews must have been written by the authors relatives!

Smart and insightful, this book describes, step by step how to achieve the kind of success most dream of but few accomplish.

Selina Maitreya has written a no nonsense book that outlines the basic requirements for achieving success in one of the most competitive businesses around. Her approach is not only to achieve business and creative success, but to achieve some spiritual enlightenment along the way. In other words, she wants you to make money and create fabulous images, but says that those things do not make us happy without a deeper understanding of ourselves creatively.

The point she makes in the end is, she can give you all the advice in the world but you have to make it happen on your own. She makes that clear with anecdotal success stories of some of her most determined clients who work through difficult times and personal tragedies, not necessarily to reach success beyond their wildest dreams, but to launch their business and begin to find clients who give them the work they dreamed of.

I am re-reading this book again. This book is more than some repeated advice, but it is a book that encourages you to succeed.
I enjoyed the chapters on vision more than any of them. So many books on the business of photography attempt to drown you with negative doubtful comments that you ready to quit before you begin.
Selina on the other hand delivers a honest look at the world of commercial photography, but filters it through a message of positive encouragement and strong faith.

Tim Skipper
Vision Photo Image
www.visionphotoimage.com

This book is so much more than just a "how to" guide. Selina has pointed out many areas that need to be developed if you want to be successful in this field. From Values and vision to faith and persistence there are no topics left undiscussed.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a simple guide to a very complex and confusing industry.

-David Paul Larson
www.davidpaullarson.com

I was led to this book among a few others after asking for advice about how to get in the commercial / advertising industry. Since Amazon wouldn't let me peek inside the book and I couldn't find it locally to get a closer look, I took a chance and bought it.

What a disappointment.

Within the first few pages of the book, Selina states that her book is not a "How To" book. Why then, Selina, would you slap a "HOW TO" right in the f***in' title? Perhaps to sucker in a few more sales.

This is a self-help book.

I hate self-help books.

You see, I believe that confidence and a positive outlook are acquired through specific knowledge of the industry you're in rather than the general suggestion of reconnecting with one's spirituality, something the book hammers on endlessly. Nothing inspires confidence in a photographer more than knowing exactly what to expect at a meeting with an Art Director, how to submit your book, how to price yourself competitively, how to plan a debut in the industry, etc. And besides, if reconnecting with one's spirituality is the only way to success, does that mean an atheist can never be a successful photographer? What about a Wiccan photographer? Or an agnostic photographer? The whole premise seems silly to me.

If you want a simply awesome book, buy "Advertising Photography - A Straightforward Guide to a Complex Industry" by Lou Lesko. The advice there is much more practical and very easy to read. Other books I'd suggest are "ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography" and even "Best Business Practices for Photographers" by John Harrington, although this last one is excruciatingly tedious to read through. Still, all three of these books would be far more useful to any photographer than Selina's book.

This book is aimed at professional photographers seeking assignment work from photo buyers, art directors and the like. It will be of less use to the professional shooting fine art or stock, although someone in one of the latter categories might pick up a few tips. It's also of more value to someone who's already working in the business rather then just starting out.

Maitreya, who is a marketing consultant to assignment photographers, provides a series of essays that are more inspirational then instructive. For example, she tells the assignment photographer that in today's marketplace he or she must provide the client with value and attempts to explain what value is. Perhaps it's my business background, but I always thought that assignment photographers had to provide value if they wanted business, but maybe most don't realize that, or at the very least had never considered that deeply.

The author seems to move from the practical side to the spiritual side. For example, early in the book she tells the photographer that he must have a book (the phrase photographers use to describe the portfolio submitted to customers as part of the effort to influence the client to hire them) that will show the client how hiring the photographer will yield images that enhance the client's campaign. That means showing the client work that is the essence of the photographer, even at the risk of it not being consistent with the client's vision. The author believes that, if the portfolio is essential (my words, not hers) and the photographer keeps marketing, eventually he or she will be successful. She doesn't give many specifics about preparing such a book, perhaps because she has already covered that ground in an earlier book, "Portfolios That Sell: Professional Techniques for Presenting and Marketing Your Photographs".

At the spiritual end she talks of developing faith in oneself, and using affirmations that will reinforce one's faith. Even though it sounds a bit mystical, I think that psychologists agree on the importance and usefulness of such things in marketing.

Whether the author's approach will help the assignment photographer is not clear to me. I'm not an assignment photographer, but I think some of her points make sense even in fine arts photography. Whether the author's message will make sense to the particular assignment photographer, and whether she will convince him or her to try the suggestions, will ultimately depend on the personality of the photographer. On the other hand, for the assignment photographer who is interested in improving his business, this book might provide the necessary inspiration and, even if it does not, there is little to be lost in time or money in considering the author's approach.

Christy Lowry's loving tribute, PAM, is a deeply spiritual journey with many facets. She was blessed, within mere days of her beloved daughter's death, by a clear vision of the child's spirital entrance into Heaven. God's Holy Spirit was inextricable intertwined throughout the course of Christy's grief work, as well as that of other family and friends. Christy's own spirit of steadfast faithh and hope inspires readers -- especially the bereaved -- to embrace the possibilities for joy and new strength as outgrowths of tragedy and despair.
--Dr. Cheron J. Mayhall, author of "The Bridge Is Love: A Journey Through Grief to Joy After the Death of a Child (2006)

Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (1/06)

When I first read the book's cover, telling the true story of a family's dealing with the loss of a 13 year old daughter/sister I simply didn't know if I COULD read the entire story. I was expecting a story of horror, sorrow, and pain. Instead, what I got was a story of faith, love, and in the end, happiness. While some sadness was evident in the beginning of the story, losing a child is traumatic and painful for anyone, it didn't take long to realize this was not a book about death, but about LIFE.

Christy Lowry tells the story of losing her daughter to a pedestrian accident on her first day back to school. At the young and tender age of 13 she was taken from her life here on earth and brought into what many of us have no clue about and so many more of us fear because of ignorance and inability to accept the truths of our Christian teaching.

The story telling doesn't dwell on the sadness of the family and the loss they incurred here on earth but, instead, focuses on the family realizing that their daughter was not only quickly and easily accepted into the gates of heaven but would be there waiting with open arms for a grand meeting with them at another time.

While I must admit I was at first very skeptical about the author's, lets say "sanity", ... it made me begin a discussion with others of my faith. What I came to find was that I didn't truly disbelieve what the author was saying, actually quite the opposite - I actually welcomed the ideas and concepts. What I found, instead, was that I wasn't really 100% sure of my own faith and belief that God would present himself and his ways to us so blatantly. What I loved most about the book was the fact that Lowry backed up her writings and why she felt things were happening the way they were, with excerpts from the Bible. I read the book the first time, ignoring these little end notes but after sitting back and wondering if it couldn't help my ability to believe... I re-read the book using the end notes to help me along. It made a world of difference.

The book itself says it is recommended for those who have experienced loss themselves but I'm not so sure that's the only audience that needs to be targeted. The style of writing is one that, while it shares the experiences of the family and their interceptions with God and his many angels, it also allows the reader to stop and consider their own thoughts on the subject of death and grief. I think anyone with even a general consensus of God himself should read it. It will bring you to grips with many concepts that you may have otherwise ignored or not even bothered to consider. It may also make you question your own faith and ability to accept some things about it. Question if your faith is as strong as it could be and delve into learning more about Life after Death.

My absolute favorite part of the book was found at the very beginning. A poem by Colleen Hitchcock called Ascension. It touched me so much so that I asked my own family to make sure they used it at my own departure here on earth. Part of the short poem is below...
"And if I go,
while you're still here...
Know that I live on,
vibrating to a different measure
-- behind a thin veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me,
so you must have faith." ...

It made me feel a sense of well-being that I could offer those words to my loved ones at the time of my own death because they mean so very much when you read them in the poem's entirety.

What did I get from this book? A sense of completion. A sense of understanding. Hopefully a sense of God's own love and plan for us all. I would recommend it not only to those who have recently experienced death of a loved one, but anyone who could use a little help in bringing their faith back into perspective and strengthening their trust in God.

My heart goes out to the author of the book but not in sympathy because I didn't feel a sense of sadness while reading the book. Contrary to my initial belief that I would be overwhelmed with sadness, I was overwhelmed with a sense of calm and acceptance. My heart goes out to them for their loss but more so for the fact that they must wait until they are called to be with their maker also. I find comfort in the fact that they know and realize that their daughter is now so much happier and taken care of, beyond words.

Christy Lowry shares deeply moving spiritual experiences which enabled her to cope with the death of her beloved teenage daughter. Grief is replaced by joy and abundant love. One finishes the book knowing that hope, strength and comfort are available to all who struggle with the loss of someone dear and to all who endure any other personal trial.

"PAM" is a literary work that is real and true to grief, but draws so heavily from the spiritual aspects of birth, life, and death, one can't help but feel uplifted as they read it. Christy Lowry's writing style evokes strong imagery that reaches spiritual and emotional places of the heart and soul that are seldom touched by the written word. This literary work is without a doubt a labor of love written from the heart of someone who has been through traumatic loss and used it to find a deeper meaning in life.

Christy Lawry lost her much adored and only daughter, Pamela Joy, in a tragic accident several years ago. No one can read Pam and Christy's story and not be moved. No parents can read it and not wonder how they would cope if faced with a similar loss. Ms. Lawry, gives her readers the gift of allowing them into the heart and mind of a bereaved parent. A talented writer, she expresses her thoughts, ideas, and hard-to-articulate experiences with grace, clarity, and a deep, sustaining faith in a higher power. Despite the profound sadness inherent in this true story, there is a marvelous sense of joy, hope, and comfort for anyone who has lost a loved one, especially for those who have suffered the loss of a child.

Remarkable Work: Insightful- Practical- Focused- It took me to a new level of understanding. I recommend it to anyone doing business on the internet...

Most of these reviews are frankly doctored. This book is not nearly a 5-star book...its tenets are largely rehashed and repackaged "standard" business wisdom, much of which becomes heavily diluted (at best) when dealing with e-business models. It also does not offer any true insights on the uniqueness of Internet-oriented business (and which most of us have found out the hard way, if not at least partially by common sense), let alone any "definitive blueprint" for succeeeding in designing and running one. It's all just fluff.

Do yourself a favor and pass this book by; there's a plethora of consulting, design, and internet development-oriented books that will fill the bill several times better than this one purports to. Review doctoring is nothing new to most experienced Internet consumers now; and this listing falls so obviously in that category that it's frankly embarrassing (and disgusting). But you don't have to believe me...if nothing else, buying this book will at least get you a "funny cover" with a t-shirt-worthy geek icon (ahem), if not the info you seek.

Pass.

While many of the references in this book are certainly somewhat dated (originally published in '97 - a lot has happened on the Internet since then), The Geek's Guide is still a bulls eye, on-target business guide for web designers, especially those just getting started. If you're a new web designer or web programmer you'll quickly learn what you need to know to succeed.

The fact that it was written before the dotbomb era means that you're getting solid advice free of the bubble hype that crashed the stock market and put almost every dot com company out of business - and left many self employed web designers scrambling to find paying clients.

I wouldn't worry too much about the fact that you won't even find the phrase "business model" in the book (at least I couldn't find it.) Most internet business models (except of course, good old Amazon!) turned out to be either illegal stock frauds run by con artists or the same as legitimate old fashioned bricks and mortar business models. And we all know that today, it is the bricks and mortar companies that have the most work and the most money for web designers.

So I say, grab this book now, even if you can only get a used copy.

This book is very comprehensive and touches on points of business that the creative artist ignores.....The tips on marketing/advertising are invaluable!! The 'cold-call' concept is elevated to reality in this book. Many designers/web developers do not have a clue to expand business beyond the ol' word-of mouth....This book makes networking an attainable goal! Another asset is the readability of this book. I read it cover-to-cover in about 2 days. You do not have to have a degree in marketing or accounting to grasp the concepts. It is about time that someone came up with a 'Business' book from a marketing perspective! I am so glad that I found this book.....before it was too late!!!

With the Geek's Guide, Schmidt proves to the world that he has the'write' stuff. Schmidt has a knack for focusing on the most important aspects of any topic.

In terms of content, this book is jam packed with highly tailored and specific information crucial to sustaining a successful and profitable web development business. Although the book's focus is on web development business start-ups, anyone who is looking to strike out on their own in any field would find this book useful. Furthermore, potential clients of web development firms may find much of the information in the book useful when dealing with internet businesses and negotiating the creation of their own site.

The writing style of the book is very clear and concise and Schmidt leaves no room for misunderstanding in his prose. There is absolutely no internet hype or marketing spin in this book, nor are you treated to a dry, textbook or computer manual treatment of how to run a business. Personally, I found Schmidt's geek humor (there is one remark at the end of each chapter) to be well, in a word, geeky.

From an organizational standpoint, Schmidt gets you in the right frame of mind to run your own business by the end of the first chapter. Whereas most home-business books would devote all of their chapters to Freudian self-analysis (ridiculous intropspective and self-assessment questions), finding a good location for a business, and choosing the best form of business, Schmidt takes you through all of that in one balanced chapter. You will also get some very good ideas on how to build a good, winning, effective, and professional team.

His second chapter tells you in brutal realism just how your customers will look at you, and how you should carry yourself around them (still another chapter tells you exactly how to deal with your client's misconceptions and false expectations of the internet to your advantage). Four more chapters are devoted to making that all important, life-sustaining sale- from finding customers, planning and making the sales pitch, closing the sale and ultimately to writing up a contract. He wraps up the book with a chapter on growing the business and attaches a modest business plan in an appendix.

Schmidt earns my respect because he tells you upfront to obtain good legal and accounting help long before you launch your venture. Yet, the real value in this book is the way Schmidt lays out setting your rates and making certain that you get paid in two understandable chapters. If you are looking to get on the web with your own business in a big way, forget all of those other books and start reading this one today!

One might be tempted to pass this book up for a couple of reasons.First it was published in 2001,so it must be out of date.Second,with a title like this it must be some Redneck book;and a waste of time for astute political junkies,regardless of stripe,to be bothered with.If you feel that way,you're going to miss one of the best chances you will get to find out where GW came from,and what chances he thought he had in winning against Gore.This book is written from the inside view of those who put together Bush's campaign as well as the character of the man who totally surprised the pundits by winning over Gore, who was believed to have the election all wrapped up.It will also show you that Bush's opponents still believe in their own biasas over reality ,and lost again in 2004.
In the book it is clear that Bush's team put things together and it was a guiding principle not to use polls to make policy.We have seen this principle adheared to through his first term and continuing into his second term.Voters respect a President that knows where he wants to go,is open about his intentions,stays the course in spite of continual sniping from opponents,and does what is right and lets the losers play the poll game.The presidents in the past who followed that principle have won the support of electors of both parties.Just a brief aside from the book;look at what is going on in the media today,filled with polls showing how great things are for the Democrats and how nobody agrees with Bush.It seems that they still haven't figured it out that it is not debates and polls that win, but trust and who the voters believe who will best lead the nation,uphold the laws and lend respect to the office of The President of the United States.
Another thing that comes through in this book is the respect Bush's team had for Gore,s organization but they decided to give it a fair fight.The one thing that you don't see is a deep hatred the left wing has for Bush mirrored to their opponents.
In the last election,it was clear that Bush certainly didn't win the debates,but then again,the people were voting for a President ,not a debate winner.
I Strongly recommend this book for a good insight into Bush and you'll see he has remained true to his principles.Even if you have disagreements with him,you know his intentions and where he stands.Most of all,he will give the job his best and the office the respect it deserves.If other people and countries have a problem with that;so be it!I just wish my country would see what a great friend the US has been instead of looking to the UN and EU all the time.The chant we get here from the left-wing liberals and socialists is "Oh,we like America,It's just Bush we hate."Most of them are so deluded they even believe it.

The author comes right out and tells you that he is a big supporter of president Bush. Given that he worked on the 2000 Bush presidential campaign, that comment is not too surprising and given the wink-wink objectivity that some authors try to insert into these type of books, it was a bit refreshing. This book delivers exactly what it is selling, an insiders account from the 2000 Bush presidential campaign that is humorous, biting and pro Bush. The author was part of the team that put together the television ads. One of the reasons this book is so good is that this author makes a living getting peoples attention with, partially, words. The book is sharp and crisp, there are no parts that really lag. He keeps the story moving at a nice pace and finds ways to make even room service ordering interesting.

I think the two most interesting parts of the book for me detailed how the campaign and Bush dealt with the debates and the view of the Gore team from the opposing bench. I found the detail of how Bush prepared for the debates to be insightful, especially now that he has been in office for four years. Plus all the nit picking rules that go into the actual debate set up are well worth your time (one has thoughts of Koran peace treaty negotiations). I thought the other section of the book that was not only humorous, but also very telling was the comments on how the Bush team thought Gore was doing. The Bush team, as well as almost political junky in American, just could not understand how Gore could let a huge lead in the polls and all the history, economic prosperity and peace advantages he had slip away. Gore's mistakes are detailed in the book and it really goes to show you how a bad team can make all the difference in a campaign.

Overall I liked the book. It is not a complete view of the campaign, only the view from the Bush team. It does not really cover the recount drama and could not be used as the end all be all of year 2000 campaign books. But what is does do is entertain the reader and give him or her a few insights. I think the only negative I could find in the book was the author kind of let his hair down on the last few pages and took a number of shots at all things Democratic. It seamed like some sour grapes at the end and the book would have ended just as well without it. Then again I would assume this was a little preaching to the choir from the author. If you are a huge fan of president Bush then this book will be a nice read for you. If you are a rabid Gore supporter then I would suggest looking else where.

Heard the taped version of THE BIG ENCHILADA by
Stuart Stevens, a top aide for George W. Bush's presidential
campaign . . . l very much enjoyed it--despite having thought
that I was overdosed on information on what took place . . . little did I know!

Stevens presents a real insider's look at what actually happened
during both the campaign and infamous recount . . . I found
myself laughing out loud many times, most often at Gore's
ineptitude.

One such example comes to mind: Stevens and other top Bush aides find themselves puzzling over Gore's demand that no cameras be placed behind him during the debate. "It's so his bald spot won't show," Stevens finally realizes. Everyone chuckles.

I also liked reading about the preparation for the Bush/Gore debates . . . it was interesting to find out how the Bush team had somebody "pretend" to be Gore . . . at one time, this individual wanders over to Bush and tries to stare him down . . . a bemused Bush comments, "Is he
really going to do that?"

If you're a political junkie, this is a MUST read. But it should also be enjoyable reading for anybody interested in marketing, history and even humor.

Most people view politics like an enema: an unpleasant but occasionally necessary procedure to make the system function properly. It is easy to forget there are people, some quite gifted, who derive actual pleasure from campaigns. These technocrats, whether they be James Carville or author Stuart Stevens, sometimes prove as intriguing as the people they try to elect. In The Big Enchilada, Stevens explains how the hired guns can be just as jaded as everyone else and still excel and take great pride in their chosen profession.

The Big Enchilada is witty, surprisingly raunchy, and insightful. There have been few books written about the actual 2000 presidential campaign. The Big Enchilada focuses primarily on the propaganda war and the other nuts and bolts work that preceded the Tallahassee train wreck. As a result, the reader gets a feel for the loyalty George W. Bush inspired among his campaign advisers, spin doctors, and media consultants. From the moment political guru Karl Rove diagrams the Bush campaign on a napkin until Vice President Al Gore makes his second concession speech, media consultant Stevens explains how an insular, Austin-based organization triumphed over an incumbent's heir apparent in a time of peace and prosperity.

Stevens is at his best when he describes absurd people and moments, such as the demand by the oft-hapless Gore campaign that no cameras be placed behind their candidate's bald head. The author also lays bear the rank hypocrisy of Senator John McCain, who ran on a campaign finance reform platform yet shook down political contributions from the very people over whom he had oversight.

The weakest aspect of the book is Stevens' unflagging loyalty to George W. Bush. In the author's eyes, now-President Bush could do and did no wrong. It would have been nice to see some of the president's dirty laundry without a lame apologia. Also, some of the author's one-liners fall flat although that is the exception rather than the rule.

The people who dedicate themselves to public service and who play the hardball of politics make democracy work. Stevens shows why there is no dearth of hired guns and foot soldiers in the battles that make the system work.

Wow! No matter what your political bent, this book is a quirky peak into the political subculture of presidential campaigns. Althought this book appears to be 100% political, the story really revolves around the stressful, intense, and humerous life of political marketing. It's also a great biography of George W. Bush. It reinforces the notion that Bush is really a genuine guy. What he lacks in political saviness, he definitely makes up in sincerity and honesty! Well written book deserves a read!

This is the 18th book in the Midnight Louie series. I'm not sure how I got behind on it--I absolutely love these books. But the good news is, now I'm not having to wait so long between books.

The mystery in this one really raises the emotional stakes. Magician Max, in his undercover work to infiltrate the Synth, has to steal a jeweled scepter on display in an exhibition for which Temple has been hired to do PR. Also, a dead body is found hanging at the site, and Max is the prime suspect, leading police Lt. Molina to renege on her promise to Temple to stop investigating Max.

Ex-priest Matt, meanwhile, sensing the rift between Max and Temple, gets serious about pursuing her, and just to keep things from being too easy, Temple's romance novelist aunt Kit moves in with her for a while... and, boggling Temple's mind, begins dating the oldest Fontana brother.

This series is one very long story, one I'm pretty sure will be wrapped up tidily by the time we get to Z, unlike some other series I won't mention.

The emotions in Cat in a Quicksilver Caper are even more intense than usual--or maybe they're just more of a focus here. Max is being torn horribly between his duty and his love for Temple. He feels very strongly the importance of his work, and fears, not unreasonably, that he may lose her before it's finished. Matt's dilemma is different, but no less intense. Since he left the priesthood but not the church, it's an important issue with him to do what's right. He has some insightful conversations on the subject; as does Temple, who also consults a religious professional for advice on dealing with him.

The mystery also tugs at the emotions, particularly the second death, which Max tries, but is unable to prevent. So add some extra guilt in there as well.

And of course, there's Midnight Louie, working with his daughter Midnight Louise, the Cloaked Conjuror's big cats, and Shangri-La's sinister Siamese Hyacinth, who has a friendly body double.

And oh, yeah. Molina has a stalker, and she thinks it's Max.

One thing that's had Carole Nelson Douglas on my must-buy list for almost 10 years is that she writes in such different styles, but they're all wonderful.

This was on a gift list for a person who has read all the other books in this series and enjoyed them. I bought it knowing that it would be a perfect gift. It is light reading, interesting, and amusing.

Nah, more like Agatha Christie clad in a snazzy pair of Stuart Weitzman stilettos ...

Another classic romp through the Strip with Temple and Louie! From the Max/Matt question to Molina's stalker, the ongoing "myth-arc" elements of the book are fun as always; the mystery du jour is a little lighter than normal but look for a classic whodunit moment.

My one issue: Temple, you are not meant to be a blonde!

The series has been going since 1992. I've been reading it since then and may be more bothered than most that in the early volumes Matt grew up on a farm and in later ones in Chicago; that in the early volumes Temple has older brothers and sisters, while in the later ones only older brothers. Ah, well. Not everyone is a historian. Someday, perhaps, a continuity specialist can take a hand before there are new reprints.

The recent volumes have been pleasant entertainment. This one is more. It's worth the price of the whole book just for the chapter in which Temple, who has managed the unlikely achievement of "falling away" from Unitarian Universalism simply by dint of not going to church feels a need to consult a "religious professional" and hies herself off to the Las Vegas strip mall storefront incarnation of the denomination. It is priceless social commentary.

In other words, there's a lot more substance to this book than to the several prior ones in the series. It makes me very anxious to see what will be occuring in the remaining nine volumes (cat in r through z).

I would remark to Ms. Douglas that since I'm past retirement age, I would appreciate it if the next nine could appear on a schedule that permits me to read them before it's too late :)

I have to admit, I'm reading this series more as one gigantic, 27-chapter book rather than as a bunch of individual books. It makes waiting for the next chapter a real pain in the neck. Still, as long as Ms. Douglas keeps me interested, I'll keep devouring each chapter as long as she keeps writing them (in the case of the last three books, that's meant buying them as soon as they hit the shelves - or even pre-ordering them).

Yes, it is a gigantic romance novel, cleverly disguised as a series of mystery novels; but there is overall mystery in the "romance" part of the deal, as well. Douglas has gotten us deeper and deeper into both, with murders and mayhem intertwined with the main characters so that each chapter can be enjoyed on its own, but OH, it's so much better when one has read every chapter so far!

In this chapter, intrepid PR rep Temple Barr has taken on a brand-new job as the public relations represenative to the newest, flashiest Strip attraction, the opening of the museum at the New Millenium Hotel, where the jewels of the last Czars will be on display, along with an aerial magic show featuring both foes and friends (or, at least, neutral acquaintances). Temple's still being pulled in many ways by love interests Max (the somewhat shady but heroic former magician, the counterterrorist who is trying to infiltrate the insidious guild of magicians, the Sith) and Matt (former Catholic priest who is now ready to take the dive into the sexual, secular world - and will do so with no one but Temple); but she always has the impressive short, dark, and handsome Midnight Louie, her steady feline friend, who always watches her back and makes sure she - and those around her - stay safe.

Louie has his own problems this time out. He's still dealing with his maybe-daughter Louise, his partner in Midnight Inc. Investigations, and the curare-clawed Siamese Hyacinth. Now Hyacinth has a lovely Siamese body double with eyes for Louie (fortunately for Louie, his own Persian girlfriend the Divine Yvette is not on the scene this book), plus the Big Cat buddies in the magic show. Louie has plenty to keep him busy, right down to life-saving of friend and foe alike.

I think, though, Ms. Douglas needs to take a vacation to Vegas to update herself. She has done an admirable job of starting the series in 1992 and, while only about two years of book time have gone by, Vegas has flexed and grown and changed around the characters so it is the Vegas of 2006 - and the way Vegas changes, that does take some work. However, in this book mention is made of how the Cloaked Conjurer, the fictional character Douglas based loosely on similar masked "magician revealers" in this world, is the only magician working with big cats in Vegas since Siegfried & Roy went dark. That's not true - both Dirk Arthur at the Tropicana and Rick Thomas at the Stardust do their magic show with big cats (including those distinctive white tigers). Also, the last two books have made a big deal about how "everything" at the Bellagio requires a second mortgage in order to dine - also out of date. The Bellagio is still pretty snazzy, but there are several restaurants the "common man" can eat at for a reasonable-to-moderately expensive price (it's the Wynn you need to sell your children to eat at, now).

But despite my own love of Vegas, and occasional problems with the desert descriptions (I'm a Southwest native), I still love the stories, and I really enjoyed the heck out of this current chapter. I can't give away the shocks and surprises, of course, but I will say the final chapters had me almost screaming aloud in amazement. But I've followed these characters through thick and thin; I'll still be around NINE years from now when we finally see "Z." ("Cat in a Zebra Stripe"? Who knows!)