27A – Reading Reflection No. 3

1) What was the general theme or argument of the book?

The text I read for this assignment was Makers: The New Industrial Revolution by Chris Anderson. The general theme of the book basically encases a predicted perspective of the potential of the digital economy in the near future, focusing on how the power of digital commerce and the Internet will allow for a democratization of entrepreneurs and will ease the flow of ideas, businesses, etc., ultimately increasing the competition for corporations.

2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?

I think this book has a lot of relevance to what we learned or are learning in ENT3003, given the course has provided a number of exercises aimed at developing business ideas and identifying all aspects of business towards making the product or service a reality, which is in return preparation for a future which Anderson predicts to be an entrepreneurial paradise in which the Internet, low-cost factories and devices such as 3D printers will facilitate small business and entrepreneurial success.

3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?

I think a good exercise derived from aspects read in this book would be to prepare a business idea within the hypothetical future model of economies suggested by the author. This implies a facilitated network, facilitated means of production, and increased competition. Maybe completing the same exercises we carried out in the course but within this New Industrial Age guideline, so that one may be more prepared or have an advantage point with regards to executing their business plan.

4) What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations?

The biggest surprise that I took from the book is when Chris Anderson suggested that more and more people would simply volunteer in the development of products for the simple joy or passion gained from it. I wouldn’t exactly agree with this prediction, as it is arguably ever more difficult to make a living, but this is my personal opinion completely based on the present situation of the economy. I do believe there is more opportunity than ever, but relative to living conditions and debts that most people encounter, I don’t see a time that people would put effort into developing a business if they are not getting any physical benefits out of it (unless it be for a non-profit).