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Freedom Is Blogging in Your Underwear
Think of it a wee love letter to the blog. As everything and everybody gets swallowed up by Facebook, Google+ and other death stars, remember the importance of having one's own piece of real estate to call one's own...
128 pages, Hardcover
First published April 26, 2012
11 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 27, 2012
I love Hugh MacLeod's work. I own five of his images, both his previous books and used his "Failure Is My Muse" print as the centerpiece of my TEDx presentation. In short, I am a Gaping Void fan.
But not of this book.
I'm not sure if I was expecting something more, or if the content was just...light, but this book feels like a trinket. You know how some authors make stickers and posters that they then give away to people when they buy their book?
Now, light on content means that the writing part of the book felt lacking. Hugh peppers the book with plenty of illustrations I've never seen, so it's not that the book offered me nothing, it just didn't feel like enough. I expect more of Hugh.
Yes, I'm nitpicking. Yes, I'm okay with that. There's nothing wrong with setting high expectations for someone you're a fan of and help to support financially. If I didn't care, or felt that he didn't, I wouldn't be a fan.
If you're already a Gaping Void fan, buy the book. You'll like it.
If you're not a Gaping Void fan, don't start with this one. His previous two are far better.
Oh, and keep buying his art. It's amazing.
But not of this book.
I'm not sure if I was expecting something more, or if the content was just...light, but this book feels like a trinket. You know how some authors make stickers and posters that they then give away to people when they buy their book?
Now, light on content means that the writing part of the book felt lacking. Hugh peppers the book with plenty of illustrations I've never seen, so it's not that the book offered me nothing, it just didn't feel like enough. I expect more of Hugh.
Yes, I'm nitpicking. Yes, I'm okay with that. There's nothing wrong with setting high expectations for someone you're a fan of and help to support financially. If I didn't care, or felt that he didn't, I wouldn't be a fan.
If you're already a Gaping Void fan, buy the book. You'll like it.
If you're not a Gaping Void fan, don't start with this one. His previous two are far better.
Oh, and keep buying his art. It's amazing.
August 3, 2024
El internet ha cambiado mucho desde que escribieron este libro, pero el principio central sigue siendo el mismo: ten tu propio sitio, se dueño de tu contenido y no dejes de ser tu mismo.
El internet sólo está ahí para hacerte visible, el resto del trabajo duro sigues teniendo que hacerlo tú
El internet sólo está ahí para hacerte visible, el resto del trabajo duro sigues teniendo que hacerlo tú
September 26, 2018
Can’t believe this can be called a book.
December 13, 2025
A very short read - 30 to 40 mins max.
About using internet to benefit us.
Felt like a bookish version of - “just do it ✔️”
About using internet to benefit us.
Felt like a bookish version of - “just do it ✔️”
August 11, 2012
I give it one point for the only page I found remotely interesting, which states that the Internet is a revolution as profound as the Industrial revolution, the French revolution, the Russian revolution, and the Chinese revolution - but BETTER, since it lacks “the usual horrors of barricades being stormed, monarchs being decapitated, peasants starving by the millions.” Instead you get a lot of uploaded pictures of cats.
Nothing else in this book sparked my interest; the cartoons were nearly all cliché, irrelevant, or disagreeable. The artwork is done in scribbly, amateur style.
The writing made me guffaw. This book is made up primarily of “duh” information, such as ,”The internet is a miracle; everything you need to know and everybody you need to talk to are right there, a simple click away. No traveling thousands of miles to talk to somebody. No schlepping down to the library just to find something out. No not knowing where the good Chinese restaurants are. No having to get on the freeway in order to go buy something. It’s a miracle… it allows us to share knowledge, allows us to share learning - one of the most important forms of human interaction - faster and cheaper and easier than anything else that came before.”
WOW, THANK YOU SO MUCH; I actually picked up a this book on blogging because I didn’t understand how the internet works, and now I never have to leave my house or read an actual book again, because I’ve finally found a more efficient way of living!
Macleod actually begins a sentence (on page 102) with “Obviously,” and admits a few pages later, “Telling people how great the Internet is is easy. Everybody knows that already.” Soooooooooooo, this entire book could have been written by anybody and contains no new information. At least you admit it.
Personally, I read books and look at art to gain new insight. As “an acclaimed cartoonist and blogger of gapingvoid.com”, I expected more from Hugh MacLeod.
Nothing else in this book sparked my interest; the cartoons were nearly all cliché, irrelevant, or disagreeable. The artwork is done in scribbly, amateur style.
The writing made me guffaw. This book is made up primarily of “duh” information, such as ,”The internet is a miracle; everything you need to know and everybody you need to talk to are right there, a simple click away. No traveling thousands of miles to talk to somebody. No schlepping down to the library just to find something out. No not knowing where the good Chinese restaurants are. No having to get on the freeway in order to go buy something. It’s a miracle… it allows us to share knowledge, allows us to share learning - one of the most important forms of human interaction - faster and cheaper and easier than anything else that came before.”
WOW, THANK YOU SO MUCH; I actually picked up a this book on blogging because I didn’t understand how the internet works, and now I never have to leave my house or read an actual book again, because I’ve finally found a more efficient way of living!
Macleod actually begins a sentence (on page 102) with “Obviously,” and admits a few pages later, “Telling people how great the Internet is is easy. Everybody knows that already.” Soooooooooooo, this entire book could have been written by anybody and contains no new information. At least you admit it.
Personally, I read books and look at art to gain new insight. As “an acclaimed cartoonist and blogger of gapingvoid.com”, I expected more from Hugh MacLeod.
May 28, 2012
I only have myself to blame.
Having been a fan of Hugh for years, reading his daily emails consistently and being a blogger myself, I should have known that a book about blogging isn´t a smart thing in the first place!
So that was a sign.
But I missed it. So I went out and purchased it on amazon the day it came out, yes I´m that much of a fan.
And now, only half way through the book I feel completely cheated! What a fucking waste of my money. I would have felt fine if the book had cost me $0.99 or even $4.99 but I paid $14.94 which in today´s world of ebooks is a hell of a lot of money.
And it´s not just the fact that one third of the 117 pages are completely blank and that another third has a drawing in extremely small size on it (he could at least enlarged the drawings so they were full screen on my iPAD), the biggest disappointment is that the content is so pathetically lean and lacks any great insights.
And now I´m even wondering why I should finish it. The only reason to do so is that it will probably only take me 5 more minutes.
And let´s face it, that´s the worst reason to finish any book!
One advice for new readers to Hugh, buy "Ignore Everybody" because I still think that is one of the best books released in the last 5 years.
And to Hugh I´d like to say the same thing as I´d like to tell Seth Godin: just because you can release a book every year, doesn´t mean you should.
Having been a fan of Hugh for years, reading his daily emails consistently and being a blogger myself, I should have known that a book about blogging isn´t a smart thing in the first place!
So that was a sign.
But I missed it. So I went out and purchased it on amazon the day it came out, yes I´m that much of a fan.
And now, only half way through the book I feel completely cheated! What a fucking waste of my money. I would have felt fine if the book had cost me $0.99 or even $4.99 but I paid $14.94 which in today´s world of ebooks is a hell of a lot of money.
And it´s not just the fact that one third of the 117 pages are completely blank and that another third has a drawing in extremely small size on it (he could at least enlarged the drawings so they were full screen on my iPAD), the biggest disappointment is that the content is so pathetically lean and lacks any great insights.
And now I´m even wondering why I should finish it. The only reason to do so is that it will probably only take me 5 more minutes.
And let´s face it, that´s the worst reason to finish any book!
One advice for new readers to Hugh, buy "Ignore Everybody" because I still think that is one of the best books released in the last 5 years.
And to Hugh I´d like to say the same thing as I´d like to tell Seth Godin: just because you can release a book every year, doesn´t mean you should.
July 4, 2012
Awhile back I was in the library glancing over their section where they put they're new or up and coming novels when I saw this one. Since I'm a blogger I just thought this book would offer me a few chuckles.
Unfortunately this book was not amusing, entertaining or witty as I had hoped it would be. In fact I actually had to force myself to continue reading this itty bitty 128 page book. Throughout the whole book I was waiting for the author to be witty but instead I was met with a mish mash of comics and nonsensical ramblings about the authors life here and there. Plus I was still waiting to see how this book related to blogging at all really.
Not once did I ever get a true sense that the author was a blogger until he mentioned it in the text. If he hadn't I would never have known. As for the little comic sketches that he included I thought they were poor drawn but maybe that's his style I don't know but I did not see the point of any of them and thought they added nothing to the book.
Overall, I don't really think the book had any purpose really. I mean it was just a bunch of rambling so I never really got the point of it and that in itself was my biggest irritant. I would not recommend this one to anyone but if you do want to read it, borrow it from your library first.
Unfortunately this book was not amusing, entertaining or witty as I had hoped it would be. In fact I actually had to force myself to continue reading this itty bitty 128 page book. Throughout the whole book I was waiting for the author to be witty but instead I was met with a mish mash of comics and nonsensical ramblings about the authors life here and there. Plus I was still waiting to see how this book related to blogging at all really.
Not once did I ever get a true sense that the author was a blogger until he mentioned it in the text. If he hadn't I would never have known. As for the little comic sketches that he included I thought they were poor drawn but maybe that's his style I don't know but I did not see the point of any of them and thought they added nothing to the book.
Overall, I don't really think the book had any purpose really. I mean it was just a bunch of rambling so I never really got the point of it and that in itself was my biggest irritant. I would not recommend this one to anyone but if you do want to read it, borrow it from your library first.
February 26, 2016
Love this guy...I'll see if I can sneak it in this year.
SO I could not sleep last night and ended up picking this book up as one I could read in fits and starts. You know nothing too deeply engaging that you could not just stop when you wanted to. Well by 2:30 AM I finished up my latest MacLeod book.
Loved it. Hugh has a great sense of humor and an interesting slant. Freedom is something I always have struggled with....always been playing with someone else's idea, or money, or time. Needing to have a meeting to plan our next meeting, never being fully capable of getting the powers that be to understand why their idea will/won't work, or cost 10x what they are willing to spend. That is bondage in 2012. So time to be free.....
....and make sure to knock incase I'm working. ;-)
SO I could not sleep last night and ended up picking this book up as one I could read in fits and starts. You know nothing too deeply engaging that you could not just stop when you wanted to. Well by 2:30 AM I finished up my latest MacLeod book.
Loved it. Hugh has a great sense of humor and an interesting slant. Freedom is something I always have struggled with....always been playing with someone else's idea, or money, or time. Needing to have a meeting to plan our next meeting, never being fully capable of getting the powers that be to understand why their idea will/won't work, or cost 10x what they are willing to spend. That is bondage in 2012. So time to be free.....
....and make sure to knock incase I'm working. ;-)
May 31, 2012
I like all of Hugh MacLeod's books, but this one my least favorite of his first three. His first two books ("How to Be Creative" and "Evil Plans") I DEVOURED. I rushed to buy them on the day they were released, and couldn't put them down until I'd read through them (twice!), and gave copies of them as gifts. That's a tough act to follow. There's nothing "wrong" with this book -- it is still Hugh's unique and illustrative insight into entrepreneurial inspiration -- I simply liked his other book better. Looking forward to book number FOUR!
July 19, 2012
I have been a subscriber to the gapingvoid blog for a long time, and I really like Hugh's "cartoons drawn on the backs of business cards."
This book wasn't as entertaining as "Ignore Everybody" but it had the same irreverent, motivational feel. I liked his twist at the end where he said he tricked the reader, but it didn't really feel like a trick. Hugh has a knack for pointing out the obvious in way that makes you glad he told you.
This book wasn't as entertaining as "Ignore Everybody" but it had the same irreverent, motivational feel. I liked his twist at the end where he said he tricked the reader, but it didn't really feel like a trick. Hugh has a knack for pointing out the obvious in way that makes you glad he told you.
March 11, 2013
I'm a huge fan of Hugh and I'm always on top of his latest blog rants or books. I love his way of combining thought-provoking cartoons with wisdom, irony and humor. His first two books - Ignore Everybody and Evil Plans - are great pieces of art and I always go to them in search of inspiration.
But this one has been a bitter disappointment. It lacks substance, it's mellow and has failed to capture my interest.
But this one has been a bitter disappointment. It lacks substance, it's mellow and has failed to capture my interest.
January 29, 2015
*2.5*
I read this book because I was in both a reading AND blogging AND writing slump and I wanted something to bring me out of it. It sort of did, but meh... The writing wasn't exactly beautiful, the photos were EXTREMELY abstract, and it was a bit repetitive. However, it did keep me entertained and I read it in one quick sitting. If you are a blogger or like art, this book may be for you. Otherwise, I don't think that you shoudl give this one a go.
I read this book because I was in both a reading AND blogging AND writing slump and I wanted something to bring me out of it. It sort of did, but meh... The writing wasn't exactly beautiful, the photos were EXTREMELY abstract, and it was a bit repetitive. However, it did keep me entertained and I read it in one quick sitting. If you are a blogger or like art, this book may be for you. Otherwise, I don't think that you shoudl give this one a go.
April 28, 2012
Huge fan of Hugh. Ignore Everybody is one of my favorites books. His daily email is a highlight of my day. With that said, I didn't get a lot out of this book. Maybe it's because I already believe in the basic premise so much. Like the other reviewer said, read it for the pictures. It's still an enjoyable, brief read, but I was hoping for more.
May 21, 2012
This funny book is about freedom, creativity, the Internet and the new world of work. This is a very fast read of about 120 pages with many drawings (which some are a little strange, but art is art). Nonetheless, it is an interesting read, particularly if you are blogging or have interests in new media.
July 22, 2012
Holy cow, this one only took about 12 minutes to read! (That's a *bit* of an exaggeration but it really is prolly only an hourlong read at best.) In any case, I enjoy Hugh's work - I did recently purchase one of his cartoons, after all - but found this one a bit on the underwhelming side. There just wasn't enough new material for me. I did, however, enjoy all the drawings. :)
January 5, 2013
If you've seen gapingvoid.com you probably already love Hugh MacLeod. Unfortunately this book has some good basic advice but the cartoons just didn't have the zing I was expecting. Subscribe to his blog - skip this book.
Simultaneously published on my Book Blog
Top Hat Reviews
Simultaneously published on my Book Blog
Top Hat Reviews
September 4, 2012
Ce qu'il y a de meilleur dans ce livre c'est le titre. Suivi de près par quelques réflexions intéressantes. Pour le reste, je croyais que j'en aurais plus pour mon argent. Au moins, c'est une lecture rapide.
June 17, 2012
Short book. A bit lightweight. Was expecting more from Hugh McLeod... I was most triggered by some of the cartoons in the book.
Examples:
"Hate is just a word for somebody you love but no longer believe in"
and
"Stress is the price you pay for having no talent"
Examples:
"Hate is just a word for somebody you love but no longer believe in"
and
"Stress is the price you pay for having no talent"
May 7, 2016
It was a book I definitely needed as newbie in the blogosphere wherein I share my works as a writer and a photographer. Motivated me a lot! A good read for anyone who'se out there to join the blogosphere.
April 30, 2014
This book was silly.
June 27, 2024
The definitive guide and bible for creative people about the internet.
January 12, 2013
Extremely inspiring, gratitude and action provoking, wonderful, easy and quick read. Totally worth your time if you are an artist, and even if you are not. Loved it.
February 7, 2015
Not Hugh's best work, I've been a fan for some time but this book did not fit in with his other works...
March 3, 2013
A small and entertaining book. Lots of Hugh's trademark cartoons but don't expect it to shake your world.
March 5, 2013
Good to read a nice book which deals with the internet and how one can unleash the freedom from within. Easy quick read with cartoons.
June 11, 2013
A good quick read. Hugh takes the time to share with us his views on why we should use the Internet to exercise our creativity, discover our purpose and live life.
July 30, 2013
Waste of time
October 14, 2013
It was boring and it did not say nothing new. The Internet is great. Yeah and...?!
May 18, 2014
i like this, as much as I like the other book Ignore Everybody.
January 21, 2015
Love this review to come!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews