Because I’m a huge dork, my dad saw this book lying around at work and thought I’d love it. The dork part comes in when I squealed in delight while proceeding to ditch my parents so I could read Chris Brogan’s latest book. Le sigh. How I love me some social media business-y literature!

Despite the fact that I read Brogan’s blog regularly and feel like I’m more at the 201 level, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. C-Broges is accessible, easy-to-read and has lots to say. However, since I usually write the intro to my posts last (it’s a quirky thing, don’t ask), I’ve actually listed as many cons as pros. Ignore that. The book really is excellent, but does seem a little haphazard. I haven’t (yet) read Trust Agents, co-written with Julien Smith, so I don’t know if this is Brogan’s usual style. Regardless, here’s my brief little review of Social Media 101 (damn, I need to set up some affiliate links).

Pros:

When it comes to social media, Chris Brogan reigns supreme. Seriously. As I know I’ve mentioned several times, I’m a little bit in love with him. Basically meaning the information he’s got going on is fabulous. It’s chock full of helpful information and anyone who loves his blog should read this book.

While not technically part of the book itself, Brogan has set up a post on his blog where readers can comment and provide feedback (to which Chris pretty much always responds) on the book. He writes:

If you’re here, it means you’re part of the conversation. If you’ve yet to pick up Social Media 101, it’s more like a reference book for the revolution than it is a breakthrough. I’m proud of the book. It’s comprised of some of the best of my writing from this site. I’d love for you to be part of it.

And he should be proud; if anything, the man seriously practices what he preaches.

Cons:

Navigation. Brogan says this book can be used as more of a resource guide than something you read cover to cover, but all 87 chapters come right after the other after the other. For someone who is all about ease and organization, the book could be better broken down.

This is kind of silly, but the footnotes drove me batshit crazy. I realize this book is really just an updated version of Brogan’s best blog posts, but because it’s a print book you can’t link. Meaning every single page is filled with footnotes that are really just links. My thoughts: if someone buys a book on social media, they usually know enough to understand how Google works. If they want to use a site or read a post listed in this book, just Google that shit, man. Otherwise, use endnotes. Footnotes are distracting.

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I’m finding I really love to read business and social media books, so if you guys have any recommendations, send them my way!

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