David: When does the book drop? me: not quite sure yet, probably not for another 8 months David: aww David: I still ain't read Cole's book. Is it worth it? me: Cole? me: Juan Cole? David: Cole Stryker David: http://www.amazon.com/Epic-Win-Anonymous-4chan-Conquered/dp/1590207106 this'n me: haven't read it David: fair 'nuff. I'd not heard of the guy before the book was announced, I've no idea his connection or insight. David: but I'm very curious nonetheless. There's no doubt that Anonymous has earned a place in history, and I'm anxious to see how it comes to be understood. me: I don't think he has any particular insight me: I'd wager that it should be understood as an early incarnation of something else that will prove more viable David: I wouldn't expect so, but I don't wanna judge before I read it. David: I agree completely David: did you see this yet - http://bollier.org/blog/challenging-vilification-anonymous#.T44fqohFBg8.facebook. me: nope David: From the sounds of it, the discussion of Anonymous' value and alignment is reaching the political elites David: which is good, since all they'd heard about it so far was vague 'they're like al queda but on the internet' nonsense David: which neglects the key difference - they kill people, anonymous doesn't. David: (I am inclined to concede that both groups are non-hierarchical and distributed, though I concede I'm no expert in al queda) David: http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/137382/yochai-benkler/hacks-of-valor?page=show David: when FA is running pro-anon stories, there's a real shift in the tide