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Not the best guide for growing an online community 
I have been in business for over 23 years and have had an online community for 11 years now. I bought this book because of the title, "Smart start-ups, how entrepreneurs and corporations can profit by starting online communities". I was disappointed when I found this book to be about what the author considers online communities and mobile-phone based communities. It seems more of a history of social networks, online clubs, and offline clubs. I did not find anything of real value to me or to help me grow my online community. This reads more like a text book and has some information that isn't relative to the topic, such as descriptions of the different people who may join an online community such as "artists" or "collaborative crowds".
I did see many good reviews for this book, so it must have helped some people, but it wasn't for me, did not catch my attention and I was bored when reading this book, there was just to much "stuff" that didn't pertain to what I was looking for in having a better online community.
ESSENTIAL FOR ANY ONLINE BUSINESS! 
I read the book before starting our business and it is honestly the most beneficial book that I've read. It really teaches you how to add value to your business and create barriers for entry. David's message and style are all based on high values and ethics and he teaches you the right way to run a business.
I can't recommend enough this book to any young aspiring entrepreneur. It's definitely a MUST HAVE. All the way from the beginning to the end.
An exceptional book for 2010, the age of the online communities!
By far the most inspiring book I have read this year. This book is the bible for social networking entrepreneurs and business people who are highly considering to tap into the online communities to enhance their traditional brick n mortar business, as virtually everything is heading towards the direction of mobile and online communities. The author addresses various sectors that will eventually make a footing into the online communities from legal, hospitality to insurance. I recommend this book not only to entrepreneurs but also managers of companies across various sectors who need to start considering how to place their business more towards this phenomenal growth of online communities in order to stay abreast and survive in this evolving age of the online communities.
Buy a copy for yourself, for a friend, or even your boss!
Great perspective for creating internet business
I read this book after reading Silver's book "The Social Network Business Plan" twice. Both book are great tools for developing a web business that can grow rich outside of advertising. Silver gives reader 20-30 ideas that could be implemented in under three months and profitable in less than a year. He describes business models that can be implemented on any website and also provides a valuable reading list for understanding the basics of Web 2.0. Smart Start-Ups: How Entrepreneurs and Corporations Can Profit by Starting Online CommunitiesThe Social Network Business Plan: 18 Strategies That Will Create Great Wealth
Who wants to be a millionaire?
I am surprised this book was written in 2007. It is so current today. With Facebook and Twitter taking over the social media, who will come on next. After you read David's book, it might just be you. I totally agree with his theories that Web 2.0 can make you a fortune.
Take what you know, or love and build a social community around it. Don't have any of your own ideas, READ THE BOOK! David gives you hundreds of ideas and methods for making money and to test your method a chart to success. If all else fails just reverse the formula and build your business plan.
Facebook will shatter soon into millions of pieces and you might just own one of those pieces. Be sure to read David Silver's other book The Social Network Business Plan: 18 Strategies That Will Create Great Wealth
SEE YOU AT THE TOP. I AM ON MY WAY!
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