Douglas Rushkoff, the author of six previous books including Ecstasy Club, and Playing the Future, is a professor
of virtual culture at New York University.
Review
"An essential book for anyone interested in the power of media and the mechanics of deception."
--Booklist
"Important...a clear warning to Americans who are unaware of the power of words to intentionally mislead the
reader, listener, or viewer. Read this book and nobody gets hurt."
--Senator Bob Kerrey
"A scathing critique that extends far beyond cyberspace in scope... particularly strong when deconstructing
the 'postmodern' techniques of persuasion that advertisers use to reach increasingly cynical target audiences."
--Publishers Weekly
"The most disturbing book of the year. Be careful where you log on...[Rushkoff] paints a chilling picture."
--New York Post
"Bravo, Douglas Rushkoff. Not only is this book an engrossing read, but a great gift to consumers everywhere.
I didn't realize how vulnerable I was."
--David Shenk, author of DataSmog
"When Douglas Rushkoff speaks, TV executives and programmers listen."
--New York Times
Submitted by Publisher, March, 2001
Summary
Noted media pundit Douglas Rushkoff gives a devastating critique of the influence techniques behind our culture
of rampant consumerism. With a skilled analysis of how experts in the fields of marketing, advertising, retail
atmospherics, and hand-selling attempt to take away our ability to make rational decisions, Rushkoff delivers a
bracing account of why we buy what we buy, and helps us recognize when we're being treated like consumers instead
of human beings.
