Without Their Permission

How the 21st Century Will Be Made, Not Managed

By: Alexis Ohanian

Narrated by: Alexis Ohanian

As Alexis Ohanian learned when he helped to co-found the immensely popular reddit.com, the internet is the most powerful and democratic tool for disseminating information in human history. And when that power is harnessed to create new communities, technologies, businesses or charities, the results can be absolutely stunning.

In this book, Alexis will share his ideas, tips and even his own doodles about harnessing the power of the web for good, and along the way, he will share his philosophy with young entrepreneurs all over the globe.

At 29, Ohanian has come to personify the dorm-room tech entrepreneur, changing the world without asking permission. Within a couple of years of graduating from the University of Virginia, Ohanian did just that, selling reddit for millions of dollars. He's gone on to start many other companies, like hipmunk and breadpig, all while representing Y Combinator and investing in over sixty other tech startups. Without Their Permission is his personal guidebook as to how other aspiring entrepreneurs can follow in his footsteps.

2 Books in 1, Really...

The first half of this book is the story of Reddit's success, while the second half is the story of Alexis's role in defeating the SOPA and PIPA congressional bills - with some of his thoughts on the importance of an open Internet to close it out. I think this book could have been two different books, and while the content isn't what I expected, it was entertaining to listen to.

Inspiring. precise. conveying.

I love the book! definitely encourage me to start my own little internet adventure and change the world for the better.

Updated History of the Internet

If you enjoyed previous books about the history of the Internet, but hate the fact that they cut off in the mid-2000's, this book picks up to discuss the trends and biggest phenomena since then to early 2014.

Amazingly Informative and Interesting

Would you listen to Without Their Permission again? Why?

I have listened to it a few times. Each time I hear something relevant to my current situation.

What did you like best about this story?

That is is real and emotional. It is not a how to book it is a just do it book.

What does Alexis Ohanian bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Yes. Any other narrator would not have been able to deliver the story the way it is intended.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Very motivational

Any additional comments?

I hope to be emailing Alexis soon about my new startup.

Could have been shorter and equally enjoyable

I enjoyed most of the inspiring stories with worthwhile take-always. I feel the author could have devoted less time to praise himself. This is a good reminder, though, that we're not the content of our lives... Ok, I'm going too deep now, so I'll shut up.