I've just finished `Me and my web shadow - how to manage your reputation Online' Antony Mayfield's first voyage into the world of book authoring. Well, his first in terms of hard copy books, he has already written many articles and eBooks.
The first thing that strikes you about the book is its size; a handy guide-sized book that shouts `practical learning tool'.
This assumption proves to be correct as you begin to read, and Antony starts by stating the book's purpose; `Me and My Web Shadow is intended as a guide to understanding how to look after your web presence on the web: what the web says about you and what it tells people when they come looking for you.'
He goes on to confirm that he wrote the book for his `friends, family and colleagues who need to know more about how the web works and how they fit in as individuals', which I think could relate to almost anyone, although he adds a caveat of `if you think you're an expert in the web already, there may not be much here for you.'
However, whoever you are and whatever level of understanding you are at in terms of the web and or Internet (see page 4) I promise you will get something out of this book.
So what of the structure? Well, the book is written for the web (no surprise considering the author and subject matter) meaning it's separated into useful parts that you can dip in and out of as a reference or guide. I know my copy is covered in Post-its for later re-visiting.
However, a boring Haynes manual this is not, and the first few chapters showcase Antony's easily digestible writing style and conversational narrative, which is perfectly exampled making the pages fly by. This makes the book seem more of a friendly tutor than a stuffy manual.
The book begins by charting the Internet's journey and overviewing the web's beginnings. This is perhaps one of the most palatable summaries I've seen, pulling together the back stories through to the communications revolution that we are part of and often don't appreciate, or the `fog of revolution' as Antony refers to it, as well as the theory of communications online.
Antony then moves onto managing your web shadow, with practical planning tips, before going into the business of set up and management advice for digital living, with reference sections on key social media tools and social networks, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and blogging. These practical sections offer just enough detail to be usable without getting too dull or techie, and perhaps most importantly without scaring away the novice or uninitiated. I only wish I'd had this book when I was starting out.
Me and My Web Shadow: How to Manage Your Reputation OnlineI hope we'll be seeing more of Antony's writing and insight, evidence of which can be found in the conclusion section, bringing the connected nature of the web into clear focus.
In summary, the book is a real triumph, a practical yet informative and entertaining debut. Furthermore, this is not the end of Web Shadows, as updates will be launched online and in true social media style, conversation around the subject is only just beginning.
So, if you are looking for a book that combines real world advice with insight on the origins, theories and wonderment of the web, written by an experienced social media consultant that advises brands of all types on their online strategies, including some of the biggest multi-nationals, then this is the book for you.
Antony's passion for the web, and practical understanding of its inner workings, combined with his appreciation of the opportunities it presents and the possibilities for the future make this an intriguing window to reputation online.
