Treat a product or service like a human or computer virus, contends online promotion specialist Seth Godin, and it just might become one. In Unleashing the Ideavirus, Godin describes ways to set any viable commercial concept loose among those who are most likely to catch it--and then stand aside as these recipients become infected and pass it on to others who might do the same. "The future belongs to marketers who establish a foundation and process where interested people can market to each other," he writes. "Ignite consumer networks and then get out of the way and let them talk."

Godin believes that a solid idea is the best route to success in the new century, but one "that just sits there is worthless." Through the magic of "word of mouse," however, the Internet offers a unique opportunity for interested individuals to transmit ideas quickly and easily to others of like mind. Taking up where his previous book Permission Marketing left off, Godin explains in great detail how ideaviruses have been launched by companies such as Napster, Blue Mountain Arts, GeoCities, and Hotmail. He also describes "sneezers" (influential people who spread them), "hives" (populations most willing to receive them), and "smoothness" (the ease with which sneezers can transmit them throughout a hive). In all, an infectious and highly recommended read. --Howard Rothman

Treat a product or service like a human or computer virus, contends online promotion specialist Seth Godin, and it just might become one. In Unleashing the Ideavirus, Godin describes ways to set any viable commercial concept loose among those who are most likely to catch it--and then stand aside as these recipients become infected and pass it on to others who might do the same. "The future belongs to marketers who establish a foundation and process where interested people can market to each other," he writes. "Ignite consumer networks and then get out of the way and let them talk."Godin believes that a solid idea is the best route to success in the new century, but one "that just sits there is worthless." Through the magic of "word of mouse," however, the Internet offers a unique opportunity for interested individuals to transmit ideas quickly and easily to others of like mind. Taking up where his previous book Permission Marketing left off, Godin explains in great detail how ideaviruses have been launched by companies such as Napster, Blue Mountain Arts, GeoCities, and Hotmail. He also describes "sneezers" (influential people who spread them), "hives" (populations most willing to receive them), and "smoothness" (the ease with which sneezers can transmit them throughout a hive). In all, an infectious and highly recommended read. --Howard Rothman

Nutshell review - Another good book by Godin. Easy to read, insightful, good ideas and makes you think. Worth reading.

Starting my own dot com ([...]) for the first time (as opposed to running traditional bricks and mortar businesses as I'd done in the past) I knew I had to read as much of Seth's work as I possibly could. Unleashing the Idea Virus was right at the top of my list. Seth yet again spells out simple easy to understand ideas illustrated with fabulous examples. Yes - the book is a little out of date now with its references - but it's also pretty fun seeing which of Seth's predictions have come true! I'd recommend the read for any business owner or marketer looking for the answers to the question "how can I get people talking about my business without laying out a mint on traditional interruption advertising"
Kirsty Dunphey, Author Retired at 27, If I can do it anyone can

Book came on time, was in perfect shape and it was a at a great low price.

This book is one of the first "Viral Marketing" books that later spread the hot topics of "Viral Marketing", "Word Of Mouth Marketing" and "Buzzmarketing". Seth Godin was there before many others were and was spreading ideas that others later realized and jumped onto.

Seth was a marketing Genius behind some of the success of Yahoo's early growth and has since gone on to write some of the most successful books on marketing.

This book is one of my favorites to read and re-read giving insight into the hows and whys of viral marketing. Due to the fast paced changes in our society, some of the examples may seem outdated since they involve companies in the early dot com era, but the messages are just as powerful and are not lessened in any way.

---*** THE BOTTOM LINE ***---
1. an easy, comfortable read.
2. this book came before many of the the "viral marketing", "word of mouth" books that tell the same things - learn from one of the original sources.
3. If you like general marketing books, this is a MUST have for your collection.

A very brilliant book. An open window on the markenting of the new century.