Book Description
Most men would do almost anything to overcome their three primary problems in relationships with women. Communication, Sex and Money has solid solutions for all three! Complete with everyday examples, readers will learn to defeat difficulties and create a satisfying, peace-filled, long-lasting marriage.
Customer Reviews:
Real Help in the Real World.......2002-10-26
Ed Cole has written a great book for men. 90% of the problems in marriage come from these 3 areas, Communication, sex, and money. This book helped me work through some of the legacy left to me by an unsaved father. My wife is gratefull that I read and applied this book.
Triad of Truth.......2002-09-23
Three areas which provide unique discussions between couples - communication, sex, and money. And whether you agree with Cole or not is besides the point. Take the shopping cart approach and use what you can and compare it with the biblical account. You won't be sorry you did. This book - you'll either love it or hate it. There's no middle ground with Edwin, because he puts it straight. Highly recommended!
Simple, common sense approach to real life issues.......1998-12-12
Edwin Louis Cole not only explains how and why we often get ourselves into relationships that don't work, but what to do about it to restore and maintain your relationships to a healthy balance.
It changed my view of my mate & my life........1998-08-26
Edwin Louis Cole has a down to earth, humorous, hit home style of writing that I was not surprised to find out that what he wrote was true and many of the points have worked for me in creating the lasting relationship I have always wanted. God Bless him for "Communicating about Sex and Money", it has changed my life!
Bible-based advise.......1998-01-07
Author is the founder and president of "Christian Men's Network". Content of the book is heavily quoted from various Bibles.
Book Description
This serves as the curriculum to the book, Communication, Sex and Money. This powerful study provides solid solutions with everyday examples that will help create a satisfying, peaceful, long-lasting marriage. If you have struggled with communication, sex or money, this curriculum holds your answer.
Customer Reviews:
search.......2007-10-18
this book is addressing and answering many problems my wife and I had with no success at getting by the problems,now we are divorced.All of ED COle's publications are excellent, why not they are Holy Spirit inspired to adress the point the Holy Spirit wants to touch in each of us.
This is by far the best book I've read on relationship.......2007-01-23
This is a great book about relationship. It talks about the role of the men in relationship. The book explains the reason why men don't understand women. This book helps men to understand their role as men as well as understand women. This is an enlightening book on relationship. Men if you want your relationship to change, if you want a difference in your marriage, finances, sex life and communication, then buy this book. Ladies, if you want to know your role on how to be treated by men then that is the right book for you. This is a book for everyone to read. The revelation in this book about Adam and Eve will astound you. Change your life, change your mindset and your relationship and buy this book for yourself and others.
Book Description
In 1959, twenty-nine-year-old Berry Gordy, who had already given up on his dream to be a champion boxer, borrowed eight hundred dollars from his family and started a record company. A run-down bungalow sandwiched between a funeral home and a beauty shop in a poor Detroit neighborhood served as his headquarters. The building’s entrance was adorned with a large sign that improbably boasted “Hitsville U.S.A.” The kitchen served as the control room, the garage became the two-track studio, the living room was reserved for bookkeeping, and sales were handled in the dining room. Soon word spread that any youngster with a streak of talent should visit the only record label that Detroit had seen in years. The company’s name was Motown.
Motown cuts through decades of unsubstantiated rumors and speculation to tell the true behind-the-scenes narrative of America’s most exciting musical dynasty. It follows the company and its amazing roster of stars from the tumultuous growth years in Detroit, to the drama and intrigue of Hollywood in the 1970s, to resurgence in 2002.
Set against the civil rights movement, the decay of America’s northern industrial cities, and the social upheaval of the 1960s, Motown is a tale of the incredible entrepreneurship of Berry Gordy. But it also features the moving stories of kids from Detroit’s inner-city projects who achieved remarkable success and then, in many cases, found themselves fighting the demons that so often come with stardom—drugs, jealousy, sexual indulgence, greed, and uncontrollable ambition.
Motown features an extraordinary cast of characters, including Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and Stevie Wonder. They are presented as they lived and worked: a clan of friends, lovers, competitors, and sometimes vicious foes. Motown reveals how the hopes and dreams of each affected the lives of the others and illustrates why this singular story is a made-in-America Greek tragedy, the rise and fall of a supremely talented yet completely dysfunctional extended family.
Based on numerous original interviews and extensive documentation, Motown benefits particularly from the thousands of pages of files crammed into the basement of downtown Detroit’s Wayne County Courthouse. Those court records provide the unofficial—and hitherto largely untold—history of Motown and its stars, since almost every relationship between departing singers, songwriters, producers, and the label ended up in litigation.
From its peaks in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when Motown controlled the pop charts and its stars were sought after even by the Beatles, through the inexorable slide caused by their failure to handle their stardom, Motown is a riveting and troubling look inside a music label that provided the unofficial soundtrack to an entire generation.
From the Hardcover edition.
Download Description
Is there any truth to the rumor that the Mafia grabbed control of Motown after Berry Gordy ran afoul of violent loan sharks? Which Motown star had a violent fight with Gordy on the day JFK was assassinated?
Here is the book that answers these and other questions about the Motown nobody knows:
- Which Motown diva was almost run down by a station wagon after a blowout with a rival?
- How did Hollywood and the film industry sink Motown's film business after the tremendous promise of Lady Sings the Blues?
- What famous star hid from Gordy that he was the father of her first child?
- What was the secret scheme one former executive says the company developed to steal millions of dollars in "suitcases of cash" from artists and songwriters?
- Was the death of the Temptations' Paul Williams by a single gunshot a suicide, as ruled by coroners, or a murder to silence him, as suspected by some colleagues?
Customer Reviews:
Thank God I didn't buy this for myself!.......2007-07-24
This book was nothing more than a collection of excerpts from other peoples (auto)biographies.That's it. Since he was unable to obtain interviews with any of the subjects,perhaps the author thought that putting in court documents would give the book some credibility....uh, no!
I'm happy that I didn't spend the money to buy it in its Hardcover edition(it was a gift), though I have to live with it collecting dust in my cellar!
Well written and informative.......2007-06-23
I see from a number of reviewers for this book that one of the complaints is that this book is a rehash of the same information available elsewhere - ie. legal documents, books from other authors, etc.
Well, many of the books cited as reference are no longer available. Legal documents might be available for public viewing - if you have the time and resources to do your own investigation. I think the author did an excellent job of compiling the information and presenting it in an enjoyable to read format.
I read this book and "The Motown Music Machine" at the same time. Though the other book might be considered more authoritative based on the authors personal experience within Motown, I don't believe that it tells the full story. Afterall, how can one man know all about the business and employees? He can't, which makes Mr Posner's book that much more interesting. It's told from an overall perspective with input from many sources.
Many readers have seen the information in this book in other books or articles. Well I haven't and I enjoyed reading about it in one handy, convenient place.
Concise chronological account.......2005-12-04
For someone who has not read any other book on Motown, this book is provides a tremendous insight into the mega corporation: it's rise, power, entertainers, unsavory practices, lawsuits, legalities and the end of Motown.
Chronological timeframe
What you get here is a complete timeframe from the "Hitsville" building, the upstart of performers, the maintenance, the drugs, alcohol, bickering of performers and executive staff. There is an insight and understanding how the music industry works, how songs are selected for "hits"; We are educated on the distribution of records and its practices. It seems clear that if a record company was not gypping entertainers, something was not done right.
Lawsuits, battles, downfalls
Also explained is how and when entertainers and staff deflected to other companies. We are given a clear explanation of the struggles within the Supremes and the birth of the supergroup, The Jackson 5, the rise and fall of Marvin Gaye, success of Stevie Wonder, Berry Gordy's bond with Smokey Robinson of the Miracles, infighting, lawsuits, etc., etc.
Much is written about the love affair of Diana Ross and Berry Gordy, and her bitter relationship with other Motown performers.
The book also details the trials and tribulations of the 25th Anniversary Television show, where Michael Jackson performed the moon walk and made history.
Motown movies
It's clear that when Berry Gordy had a quest for the movie business, it would ultimately lead to neglecting the music business.
What about the SOUND of Motown
I did have one question: The Funk Brothers - the sound of Motown! There is almost nothing on the Funk Brothers.
Although receiving negative reviews for what readers called "many mistakes", I don't care if so and so had this hit first before such and such hit, or so and so went to bed with so and so instead of so and so.... I don't care if details aren't precise! A hundred years from now, I won't remember anyhow, better make that 5 minutes from now.
What mattered is that I was given a complete and chonological timeframe about the legacy of Motown. I had not read another book, and may not read another book. Simple as that!...MzRizz
A Clip Job.......2005-10-29
Mostly compiled from the work of other writers, this Motown history is notable for Posner's use of old legal files to detail the many lawsuits against Berry Gordy and the Motown label by stars who later became disgruntled. A better writer when he takes on assassinations (JFK and MLK), Posner is out of his depth when writing about music. He lacks a certain appreciation for how these songs changed American pop culture. Still, the book is useful if you haven't read any others, and could be revelatory for the younger generation unfamiliar with the various Motown stars and their early days.
I have read this before!!!!!!.......2005-04-14
I say that as a title because while reading the book I felt like I was re-reading other books that I have read before on Motown. It was almost quoted word for word in many stories which made it difficult to keep my interest. I enjoyed parts of it because I am always interested in new information that I didn't know which is what I though the book would reveal. I love finding out information on business practices and how a company became successful. The section on the royalties, sales and payments was by far the most interesting to me. Overall Gerald Posner didn't do a bad job, I just think that the story has been told so many times by so many people that it is really hard to come up with anything new or original without referencing previously published material. From a die hard Motown fan and I would dare to call myself a self proclaimed Motown historian the book also had questionable facts. However, someone else who doesn't know the history of the company as much as I do may find it good reading. Before you take it at face value I suggest you do some cross referencing and basically do your homework regarding the facts in this book.
Customer Reviews:
A Resource for A Successful Marriage.......2004-12-23
Ask anyone who has been married for more than a few months and they'll tell you without hesitation how much work it is -- hard work. In the fairytales and movies, the audience is offered images of happily ever after, roses, picket fences and things of this nature. However, in the real world, it's simply not possible to be this way every single minute of every single day, especially when sharing your life with another person, and one of the opposite sex.
Dr. David F. Stephens, a newspaper advice columnist billed as "The Relationship Coach" has taken questions received from his readers and responds to them using biblical answers which are backed with scriptures and easy to understand terminology. From questions on communication, to adultery, to dealing with others in your close and extended family, and even covering financial issues, there is a range of scenarios for everyone. He also covers more intimate things such as getting the romance back in your marriage and offers a guide to aid in getting things back on track.
ASK THE MARRIAGE COUNSELOR is a resource for a successful marriage, or even for those considering marriage. In just the first third of the book, I learned many things I wish I had known, but am grateful to come across them and have the opportunity to share them as well as this book with my husband. My only issue with the book is the repetitive nature of some of the answers. While I realize these questions were pulled from actual questions answered in his advice column, some time could've been spent cleaning the entire book to take away some of that repetitiveness, merge questions, and things of this nature. Fortunately, it doesn't take away from the strength of this book and the recommendation I'd give for all couples to check it out, add it to your nightstand, and study it, as it'll give both of you a view on things you may not have had. Marriage is hard work, but with love and the right tools, you are better armed to succeed.
Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers
Average customer rating:
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Communication, Sex and Money
Manufacturer: Edwin Louis Cole
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
ASIN: B000IAOMEW |
Product Description
Four audio tape series.
Average customer rating:
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Death, Sex & Money: A Newspaper Insider Tells All
Michael Young
Manufacturer: Melbourne University Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Communications
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General
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General
| Sociology
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ASIN: 0522853447 |
Book Description
Based on first-hand experience on how a newspaper functions on a daily basis, this insider’s account offers a glimpse into the frenetic world of newspaper journalism. From frenzied days—such as September 11 or the death of Princess Diana—to the truisms that drive circulation, this title places readers in the shoes of a journalist on the news-gathering trail. Answers to commonly asked questions associated with working in journalism, such as Who makes the decision to publish a particular story? Why are some stories covered and others ignored? and What does the editor-in-chief do, and how does this role affect the editor? are included.
Average customer rating:
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Communication, Sex, and Money
Manufacturer: Harrison House, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 9997742214 |
Book Description
Find out from an industry veteran exactly what you need to do to become a game designer, tester, artist, producer, programmer, writer, soundtrack composer, videographer, or sales/marketing professional. You’ll get full-spectrum coverage of positions available within the game industry as well as details on how a game is created--from start to finish--and much more.
Customer Reviews:
Must Have for Everyone Interested in Game Design.......2007-05-24
This book is a perfect edition for anyone who wants to know how a game industry works, inside and out. Between talking about game design docs in depth, going through each job and what you need for it, and the indexes in the back that give you links to get you on your way, I reccommend it to everyone who wants to be in the business.
excellent resource - slightly misleading title.......2007-04-25
This book is an excellent resource for those looking to learn about the business of making video games. Ernest Adams succeeds in becoming your trusted mentor. By the time you have finished reading this you will feel as if you can just drop by his cubicle and fire off a bunch of new questions and listen to some more war stories. The title is a bit misleading as the actual "how-to-get-a-job-in-the-industry" content is withheld until near the end. When finally delivered it seems a bit thin. Get the book anyway because the war stories, inside info, and comprehensive overviews of the numerous roles within the industry make it completely worthwhile.
For true neophytes, primary, high schoolers, college applicants. Not experienced hobbyists or graduates.......2006-02-02
My quick review of Break Into the Game Industry - How to get a job making video games by Ernest Adams.
This book is a very light read and aimed specifically at real neophytes who enjoy games and are giving a passing thought at doing something in games for a living without much knowledge of the industry. If you've grown up with the industry and are doing the indie or trying to break in thing, this isn't for you. Book can be pretty much read in one night, and for a lot of people there's a lot you can skim.
However, I would recommend this book VERY STRONGLY as a purchase for high school or even primary school children researching this as a possible career path. It pretty much covers a lot of things you need to get started *early*. Don't wait till you hit "working age" to start like I did. It's the only book out there that really targets kids and not working professionals trying to get in. It spends an entire chapter (and more) on how you should plan your education, what to look for, courses that will help etc. This stuff is good stuff, not the usual BS from "How to choose a college" guides.
There is also a very good summary of publishing contracts in there, that might be unfamiliar territory for a lot of people. Even though it wasn't new to me, I'm still photocopying it for something I can refer to if anything as a very good summary reference (I borrowed the book ).
Some of the best stuff is at the end in the appendices. There are huge lists of game companies and schools for anybody that is looking to apply at either. Book mentions that they are available at gamasutra as well but it doesn't hurt to have a hard copy. There is also the IGDA curriculum framework in there too, something which I wish my current school would have spent more time taking to heart instead of just looking at buzzwords.
Bottom line is, this is still a loaner for the most part. If you've been highly specialised in one area, this book can help catch you up from a more generalist perspective. There are some great war stories in there as well, but I can't recommend buying the book just for them. For anyone at primary school level, or looking at college this book should merit serious consideration as a purchase.
If only I had this book when I was starting out.......2004-02-28
Video Game design is a highly demanding, tireless, thankless, competative, ruthless, cuthroat profession, whose sucess stories wade in the sea of design hopefuls crushed by the neverending relentless expectations of this occupation. For those still interested, keep reading.
If you think you are ready to give this a shot, then buy this book. While nothing will prepare you for video game design like your first week of work, ( so called " Hell Week" in the industry) Adams begins to lay the foundation for the tough road ahead. If only this book had been around before, for instance when I was a gopher over at EA Sports in the early 1990's, the heyday of NHL hockey and FIFA Soccer, the so called glory days when maverick designers created their own rules, coded at the seat of their pants and got paid the big bucks. I saw it all, saw the craziness, saw the mayhem, and then saw it get even worse. I would have been better off with this book, and so would anyone.
In the past decade, things have changed. Its a travesty that there has been a "brain drain" from the video game design sector in the past couple of years. We need the best and the brightest to design the future placaters of the masses. Now they are no longer interested in the field because of the crazy hacks that have taken over, rescinded the protocol and the bucked the accountability. Buy this book now.
NOT what i thought it would be...........2003-11-02
I am an experienced computer professional, who decided to change professions, which also makes me a recent graduate of a 3D animation school(i graduated at the top of my class). I purchased this book based on mary-margaret.com's(supposedly one of the best game recruiters) recomendation AND based on the other reviews listed for this book. I really thought this book would be informative. I was WRONG. This book was a huge WASTE of money. And I am not sure that the other reviews listed for this book are even from REAL buyers... I definately do not share their opinion.
This book was basically a waste of money, because it only gives you general information that most people already know. For example on page 189 the section "How to find a Job" starts. The first paragraph is a "its not what you know, its WHO you know." section. How is that supposed to help recent graduates or professionals changing professions?
In short, this book is NOT for professionals or graduates. It might be useful to high school students, who need might need to learn how to focus their career goals towards an game career... but even then i am not sure how it would help when they get to the position of actually trying to get the job.
TOTALLY DISSATISFIED, and WISH I could get my money back! This was a highway robbery at its best.
Book Description
The risk-avoidance strategies of today's institutional leaders--tailored to investors of every size and budget
Investment pros agree: the key to successful investing is to avoid costly mistakes, and the key to avoiding mistakes is to faithfully follow a plan proven to work in all markets. The Art of Investing and Portfolio Management translates the proven techniques and strategies of institutional investing into a market-tested, six-step program that all investors can use to make better decisions, eliminate errors, and always move forward with knowledge and confidence.
Dedicating a full chapter to each step, this easy-to-follow book provides unique and valuable access to some of the world's best investment minds. It explains how investors can replace guesswork and emotion with knowledge and discipline to:
- Understand and implement today's top strategies
- Consistently make the best investment choices
- Monitor and rebalance portfolios
Customer Reviews:
GOOD FIRST READ FOR THE SERIOUS INVESTOR.......2007-05-16
A little too much sell on the importance of having a team in place (the authors are investment managers), the content is nonetheless very worthwhile and what I would consider an excellent 'first read' for anyone who's serious about learning about real investment management versus the financial entertainment that's far too prevelant on the airwaves. In the interest of full disclosure: I'm a fee-only advisor and have purchased a couple cases of this book to give away. Those who want to go further should read The Management of Investment Decisionsby Donald Trone.
A book only a Financial Planner could love........2005-08-20
While this book is generally well written and I admit
that I gleaned a few good ideas from it (as well as
reinforcing stuff I already knew about asset allocation),
ultimately it was dissappointing in that it constantly
kept steering the reader towards the conclusion that you
need a team of experts to build and manage a proper investment
portfolio. Seeing as all the authors work for an investment
consulting firm themselves, I guess this is no surprise.
But, if you have less than a million dollars to invest and/or
think you can manage without a "portfolio strategist" and
others, then perhaps this is not the best book for you.
A plethora of useful information! .......2004-10-15
My investing guru recommended that I read THE ART OF INVESTING & PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT by Ronald Cordes, Brian O'Toole and Richard Steiny, I made it a point to do so.
And I'm glad I did . . . though a bit technical in spots, there's a lot of useful information here that makes sense if you can cut through the jargon . . . in particular, I liked what the authors called their "proven" 6-step process to meet your financial goals:
Step 1: Perform financial self-analysis.
Step 2: Build an efficient portfolio.
Step 3: Bring a portfolio strategist on board.
Step 4: Implement your plan.
Step 5: Rebalance regularly.
Step 6: Track your progress.
But not only are these six steps listed, they are also described in detail . . . so I now have a better sense of what I need to do to get ahead . . . or if not that, to at least keep from falling behind.
There are many useful tidbits of information, such as the following:
Emphasize the importance of asset allocation. The world's best institutional investors recognize a fact that may surprise you:
The decision about which specific stocks, bonds, or other investments you select for your portfolio has little bearing on your returns. A much more important factor is how the dollars you invest are divided up among various types of broad asset categories-such as stocks, bonds, international investments, cash, and so on. Yet, despite its importance, few investors fully grasp the concept of asset allocation.
Wilshire's findings show that past performance is, in fact, an extremely poor predictor of future results. Of the managers that delivered top- quartile returns during the first 5-year period, just 21 percent managed to do the same during the second 5-year period. Amazingly, a full 50 percent of these managers posted bottom-quartile (i.e., the worst possible) returns.
Yet, despite the attention that's been given to asset allocation over the years, it remains one of the most misunderstood and underused components of investing. If every investor truly understood and practiced sound asset allocation strategies, no one would invest the bulk of their
retirement savings in their employer's stock, as so many workers do through their 401(k) plans. And certainly on one would make the mistake of buying a dozen different technology stocks and calling themselves well-diversified investors-a common practice during the late 1990s
that caused a staggering amount of wealth to be lost in the ensuing years.
The Book I Have Been Looking For.......2004-09-14
In my 24 years working as a financial advisor I have finally found the book I have been needing for my clients. Many times they have asked for a book about the investing process and now I have it.
This book covers very concisely, methodically, and completely the investing process of the investment pros. It covers the six basic steps of investing and provides the research and illustrations to back it up. Cordes, O'Toole, and Steiny provide questionairs to guide you through understanding your own investment needs along with the guidelines on what you should be looking for in not only investing but also the investment professionals you use. The authors give you not only the 'plus' side to each issue but also the 'negative.'
If you are an individual investor looking for a guide to teach you how to invest I would suggest you start here. It will keep you from making the mistakes that the vast majority of investors make.
If you are an investment professional, you should give this book to each of your clients before you begin working for them. It would answer many of their questions and make them an educated client.
You should buy this book.
Amazon.com
In Winners, Losers & Microsoft, two top economists punch some big holes in the government's antitrust case against the software behemoth. Stan J. Liebowitz and Stephen E. Margolis argue that government lawyers are dead wrong to say that consumers are being forced to accept inferior standards and high prices because of Microsoft's hegemony.
With some well-documented and original research, the authors conclude that Microsoft is as successful as it is for a simple reason: good products win. "Whether they are lowly mousetraps or high-tech networks, better products prevail in the marketplace. People choose what they want, and what they want survives, at least for a while," they write. The authors also challenge the economists who believe that when it comes to technology, inferior standards get locked in because of unfair corporate actions or irrational consumer behavior. Through cogent analysis, Liebowitz and Margolis tear apart the two key examples used by these other economists: the VHS videocassette format and the so-called QWERTY typewriter keyboard layout. The authors argue that those formats dominate today because they truly were as good as, if not better than, their competitors, the Beta videocassette and Dvorak keyboard. While most of the book is theoretical and aimed toward those interested in public policy and economics, Winners, Losers & Microsoft can also be an eye opener for anyone who wants to learn more about the antitrust case against the company. --Dan Ring
Book Description
Few issues in high technology are as divisive as the current debate over competition, innovation, and antitrust. Analyzing famous examples of economic “lock-in” by dominant corporations of supposedly inferior products, this book makes the case that free markets in high technology industry deliver better products to consumers, at lower prices, without government intervention. This publication's careful scholarship, well-founded hypotheses, and refutations of previously accepted theories—extending far beyond the Microsoft case—make this publication a vital piece of understanding for the future of technology and economics.
Customer Reviews:
Winners, Losers, and Microsoft.......2005-05-04
This book presents a compelling discussion of economic theory and offers scrutiny of several flawed theories of market failure with specific regard to Microsoft and the government's antitrust case against the software giant. Winners, Losers, and Microsoft gives noteworthy insight into the underlying assumptions of these deficient economic theories as well as into the perceptions used as their foundation of evidence. Leibowitz and Margolis point out crucial flaws in these theories which are widely used today by some economists. They also seek to destroy the government's evidence for Microsoft exhibiting a damaging monopoly role in the software industry. The authors' assertion is that markets cannot be oversimplified through questionable assumptions and faulty evidence in order to come to a convincing theory of market failure. Their main claim is simply that certain technologies win out over others in time because they are of superior quality.
The text begins by offering up the economic theories that are later attempted to be disproved. The main topic of contention is the fact that some economists, especially those involved in the antitrust case against Microsoft, claim that market failure is possible in new technology industries because consumers are forced into buying inferior technologies because of network effects, the notion that consumers' buying habits are heavily influenced by the number of other consumers using that product. Further detail is explained concerning a strong kind of network effect which is also claimed to lead to market failure, a standard. Another confused claim by some economists is that Microsoft's elevated position in the software industry is detrimental to competition and a case of monopolistic harm being done, disregarding the fact that Microsoft could have had the better product.
Another issue that the authors question is that economic theories of path dependence are strong support for the idea of market failure. The authors argue that there is a very real possibility that such models do not translate well to real-world situations and market processes. They go on to point out that there would be many more signs and proofs of market failure were there any validity to that theory. They explain that path dependence theories rely on evidence from past technologies that isn't reliable or even accurately reported. It is also mentioned that economics literature gives multiple inconsistent meanings to path dependence and that a system to classify path dependence at three levels is possibly appropriate. Liebowitz and Margolis define first degree path dependence as making the right predictions about the future but those decisions seeming erroneous at points along the way, but essentially no harm occurring. Second degree path dependence is described as making the wrong prediction about the future but you did so from the standpoint in which you made the right decision given the available information. Finally, third degree path dependence involves knowing that you are making the wrong or inefficient decision but still making that choice anyway. It is this third and most extreme view of path dependence that supports claims for market failure.
Past technologies that are said to prove the existence of this market failure are then discussed, including the QWERTY keyboard and the VHS video system. The QWERTY keyboard was said to be an inferior technology that was harder on the user and led to slower typing speeds. The main competitor to the QWERTY, or Universal, keyboard was the Dvorak Simplified Keyboard (DSK) that was introduced in 1936. August Dvorak claimed to have designed a keyboard that he supposedly proved was easier to learn and that reduced finger movement. The QWERTY keyboard, having been patented in 1868, was designed with the keys arranged in such a way that the typewriter for which it was designed operated the best. The main piece of evidence that economists and proponents of market failure (lock in) use to support this case as being market failure is a 1944 Navy study conducted to compare typing speeds between the two types of keyboards. This study, once carefully examined, reported flawed and incomplete data yet came to a decisive conclusion. This study was also believed to have been done by Dvorak himself, an important piece of evidence. Yet somehow this data is used consistently to this day as evidence that the allegedly inferior QWERTY keyboard should have never prevailed over the DSK. Also, most of the other body of evidence for the supposed preeminence of the DSK has proven to be based on anecdotal research and inconclusive studies.
The evidence for the superiority of Beta over VHS is another example of faulty reporting of research leading to misconceptions about the technology that is higher in quality. This text points out that the quality differences between Beta and VHS weren't as great as may have been reported and that, despite the slightly better picture quality, Beta lacked another feature (longer tape length) that most consumers wanted at the time of their heated competition and possessed attributes that weren't necessary to the average consumer (better editing and special effects functionality). Their conclusions on this matter were that market failure couldn't be said to have happened because the better product won the battle (VHS) and that maybe Beta was better suited for broadcasters and not the average home user.
The next section of the book addresses the accusations that Microsoft demonstrated injurious monopoly actions through elevating prices and impeding superior technologies from achieving market share because of lock-in network effects. The authors show evidence through software industry price data that in the markets where Microsoft achieved control of a majority of the market share that prices actually tended to decline in every case. This evidence overrules the monopolistic accusations of Microsoft elevating prices due to control of the market by network effects. It is stated from the assembled data that, in markets where Microsoft competes, consumers have seen price declines of approximately 60%. Also taken into account is the notion that tipping, the idea that market share should grow at an ever increasing rate due to its increased attractiveness to consumers, can occur in markets where there are significant network effects. In fact, where Microsoft has dominated the market it has been shown to steadily grow to that dominance and not the sudden jumps and accelerations expected from tipping.
The analysis of the spreadsheet, word processor, desktop publishing, and online services markets was intriguing because all of the criticism and accusations of Microsoft in each of these markets seems to lack any shred of evidence. The authors' contentions are based on credible economic patterns and widely accepted principles. Through examining market share (based on revenue) and product quality (based on a multitude of reviews), it is shown that there is convincing substantiation for the claims that Microsoft dominated the markets in which it had higher quality products and did not achieve significant market share when reviews showed Microsoft's product quality lacking. These conclusions contradict the accusations of lock-in due to network effects because Microsoft's product quality was consistently rated the best when it achieved a large market share, not the anecdote that Microsoft had inferior products but succeeded due to blocking competition. The authors make convincing arguments repeatedly for the fact that the best product will come out on top in a laissez-faire economy and that this is exactly what happened time and time again with Microsoft.
Following this whole discussion is the appendices of the text which offer analysis of the charges and the rulings against Microsoft by the government. There are repeated instances of the Justice Department using economists Franklin Fisher, Brian Arthur, and Garth Saloner to instill the belief of network effects, lock-in, and path dependence into the judge and jury. Disproving this evidence might have been Microsoft's best chance at saving their case considering that these theories and economic conditions are completely theoretical and have little basis in fact. Also mentioned is the fact that the Department of Justice discredited many of Microsoft's witnesses and managers, not helping the defense' dismal situation. The eventual ruling by Judge Jackson reflected the nature of Microsoft's legal defense - extremely ineffective. Jackson ruled ultimately that Microsoft was guilty of all antitrust charges brought against it but one, almost completely favoring the Department of Justice' opinion. What was the most disturbing and surprising to me was the fact that Judge Jackson implied in later interviews that he made his decision based not on the content of what the defense had to argue but on the fact that many had been discredited by their untruthfulness. Jackson also made very few changes to the government's proposed solution to the Microsoft problem because he didn't feel competent to recommend any solution himself. I think this only highlighted the fact that Judge Jackson didn't have enough knowledge or understanding of economics to rule effectively or fairly on the case, simply going by whatever the government had to recommend.
Dvorak isn't a myth........2003-08-29
It's true that no completely scientific studies have been done on Dvorak vs Qwerty, but it hardly takes a study to see that Dvorak is better. Qwerty was created before touch typing was ever dreamed of. It's no better than an alphabetic arraingement.
Anyone who touch types knows that some words are harder to type than others because you have to reach for awkward keys or one finger has to do too much work. Dvorak simply makes the common keys easier to get to and all but eliminates the need for one finger to type two letters in succesion. Just think of a word that's easy for you to type in Qwerty (e.g., flask), and consider that the majority of words you type in Dvorak feel like that. Do you believe these agenda driven jokers or your own fingers?
This isn't rocket science. I don't need a study to tell me that a layout designed for touch typing will be better than one that was designed to keep primitive machines from jamming, and I don't trust the authors of a book who will set aside common sense and ignore the obvious in their quest to prove their pet theory.
Also, I think Microsoft is a great company and we're all better off because it exists, but to deny that their OS monopoly gives them a huge advantage in the marketplace for other software products is a special kind of idiocy which can only be obtained through decades of academic isolation.
Authors do not know the computer industry.......2002-11-06
The authors are PH.D. economists, but obviously do not know how the computer industry works. I've been in the industry over 40 years and had to deal with the IBM and Microsoft monopolies. Much of the text deals with dead issues like Beta vs. VCR and QWERTY vs. Dvorak keyboards. If you are interested in these topics, the material is complete.
The rest of the book is a defense of Microsoft and tells us that Microsoft is a success because of the quality of their software. They do not mention the hundreds of bug fixes and security patches Microsoft sends out regularly. Most people in the computer business will laugh at some of the statements in this book.
Gates and Rockefeller - not so bad, huh?.......2002-10-25
When enormous companies are extremely successful it attracts a great deal of attention. Usually this attention is centered around fear. People are afraid of companies being too successful, and making too much money. The fact that Microsoft has risen to such a high status in today's market is terrifying to some people. They look at Microsoft and assume that just because they are very dominant it is a sure sign that they are going to try and drive competitors out and then raise all the prices. They accuse them of crimes such as, Predatory Pricing, Linking or Bundling, and Collusion. They do this instead of looking at the company for what it is, a very efficient, well running, machine. Many people have compared Bill Gates with John Rockefeller saying that there is not much difference. Well, if that is going to be said it should be known that even Rockefeller's most harsh critic Ida Tarbell described his company as "a marvelous example of economy." Basically Gates and Rockefeller do have something in common. They both were able to run a business very productively, efficiently and innovatively and they will both be punished for it.
When you look at the Microsoft situation you have to ask the question, who have they hurt? The answer to that question is nobody. As Stan Leibowitz and Steve Margolis state in their book, "Winners, Losers, and Microsoft," the effect that Microsoft's competitiveness has had on the market is in fact a huge reduction in prices and a great improvement of quantity and quality of computer products (Ludwig). This is the exact opposite of what a monopoly is supposed to cause. Going into more detail, it can be seen that Word processing prices were on the rise before Microsoft developed their Word program for Windows in 1989. This alone caused prices to drop from $300 in 1990 to $50 in 1997 (Ludwig). Also Microsoft had a positive effect on personal finance software when they came out with their Microsoft Money program. This caused finance software to drop from $100 in 1990 to $20 in 1991 (Ludwig). It has also been proven that during Microsoft's existence, "the cost of information processing to the consumer has plummeted so far today that it is now one hundredth of one percent of what it was in 1975." It's interesting to note that Microsoft was started in 1975.
Brilliant debunking of current antitrust law.......2002-03-21
Forget Microsoft. This book will make you doubt everything you've ever been taught about lock-in, bundling, and the ease with which market dominance can be abused.
But don't forget about Microsoft entirely--the book makes clear that the conventional wisdom about how the company achieved dominance could lead to "remedies" that would have a terrible effect on the software market as a whole--inevitably dooming winners to constant hamstringing or worse in order to enforce an artificial measure of competition.
The movie puts the lie to much that has been said about Microsoft by its critics, competitors, and even its advocates. Certainly no one connected to Microsoft has made such a devastating rebuttal of the charges against it. This book is a must-read for those interested in the outcome of that case.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Journal of Economic Issues, published by Association for Evolutionary Economics on March 1, 2000. The length of the article is 3820 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Market Failure in the New Economy.(Review) (book review)
Author: William S. Brown
Publication:
Journal of Economic Issues (Refereed)
Date: March 1, 2000
Publisher: Association for Evolutionary Economics
Volume: 34
Issue: 1
Page: 219
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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Winners and losers.(Product Support)(Questions and Answers): An article from: Computer User
Robert Stephens
Manufacturer: MSP Communications
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Book Description
This digital document is an article from Computer User, published by MSP Communications on May 1, 2000. The length of the article is 698 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Winners and losers.(Product Support)(Questions and Answers)
Author: Robert Stephens
Publication:
Computer User (Magazine/Journal)
Date: May 1, 2000
Publisher: MSP Communications
Volume: 18
Issue: 7
Page: 67
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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This digital document is an article from Atlantic Economic Journal, published by Atlantic Economic Society on December 1, 2002. The length of the article is 4874 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Winners, Losers, and Microsoft: Competition and Antitrust in High Technology.
Author: Erwin A. Blackstone
Publication:
Atlantic Economic Journal (Refereed)
Date: December 1, 2002
Publisher: Atlantic Economic Society
Volume: 30
Issue: 4
Page: 433(9)
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