Here, as discussed, is the proposal for an absolutely fascinating behind-the-curtain glimpse at the notorious-and apparently fearless-'hacktivist' collective known as Anonymous. The targets for Anonymous's particular brand of outlaw activism-all part of their global campaign against injustices and abuses in the realm of freedom of speech and freedom of information-have included (so far) foreign governments (Egypt, Libya, Tunisia), major corporations (Sony, Visa, MasterCard), sanctimonious 'religious' organizations (the Church of Scientology, the Westboro Baptist Church) and powerful governmental agencies (FBI, CIA, NATO). Nobody, apparently, is off-limits.
As Kevin Mitnick's current New York Times bestseller Ghost in the Wires has demonstrated, there is a real fascination out there with the culture of hacking and the internet. Gregg Housh and Barrett Brown, the authors of ANONYMOUS: Tales from Inside the Accidental Cyberwar-and the two most visible public figures known to be associated with Anonymous (both of whom have provided invaluable access & insight regarding the modus operandi of Anonymous to reporters hungry to make sense of it)-take Mitnick one step further, showing how that culture can be harnessed as an engine for social change. Even when (as is often the case for Anons) the "engine for social change" rhetoric is really just a terrific excuse to indulge in some weaponized chaos...
And therein lies the magnificent contradiction of this culture. Patriotic vigilantism? Animal House pranksterism? Both? Whatever the true alchemic mix is, it's a wild and fascinating ride, laid bare here for the first time.
Call me when you've read this, OK?
-Dan
Dan Conaway
Literary Agent
Writers House
(212) 696-3825