Hatching Twitter

By: Nick Bilton

Narrated by: Daniel May

Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's Summary

Since 2006, Twitter has grown from 100 obsessive users to more than 500 million today - over 32 million of those in the UK alone. But how did such a radical transformation happen in just five years, and what does it mean for business, politics and the internet?

With unprecedented access to some of the major players in this unique drama, acclaimed New York Times business and technology columnist Nick Bilton chronicles the key figures who helped build the company, and who ultimately struggled to manage the influence and power they had been handed.

A business story like no other, it will shock, inspire and expose. Or, in 140 characters, 'The Twitter Story: How a company built on betrayal & battles for power became a multibillion dollar business & accidentally changed the world.

©2013 Nick Bilton (P)2013 Penguin Group USA

Gripping story

The book is a very schocking account of the events of a service that changed the world. It is well narrated and keeps you gripped. The blue bird that made sharing news so easy and accessible to all to create a level stage for everyone is actually built on upheaval of betrayals and corporate coups. Shocking story!!!

Intriguing & dramatic

I enjoyed this book more than I expected. The history of Twitter and the insights into the startup were well researched and collated in this book. Normally it takes me a while to get through non-fiction books, but I was as drawn into this book as much as any fiction books I've enjoyed.

The random walk that payed off

Any additional comments?

Very interesting to see the winding path of chance, circumstances, personalities and how exponential growth and fame can change or bring out different sides in people and groups. Very good and entertaining story!

Rivetting

What made the experience of listening to Hatching Twitter the most enjoyable?

This was a fascinating read. I feel so bad for Noah Glass, and I wonder if Jack Dorsey is really as horrible a human being as he is portrayed as?

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

More interesting than I'd anticipated

Having been hugely impressed with Nick Bilton's latest book - American Kingpin - I decided to read his previous book, albeit that the subject of Twitter didn't seem that exciting. In fact, the Twitter story is gripping not just because of the characters and boardroom dramas that Bilton brings to life so brilliantly, but also because Twitter is a key example of the businesses that are transforming our world. Perhaps it is another side effect of QE, but it takes my breath away to see a business losing millions of dollars a year to actually pay for a service that it gives free to its users, making zero revenue yet fighting off investors who want to give it more money (and own part...even Al Gore).

Unfortunately, the narrative stops in 2012 (the book was published in 2013) before the Twitter IPO, when skies were blue and the company was projected to be worth £100 billion in the near future. For the story since - valuation at $18b at the time of the IPO (November 2013) and the subsequent slide to $10b today, you have to Google for yourself. The book cries out for a new edition with an epilogue, though maybe this would be starting to paint a Forth Bridge for Bilton.

Narration. Professional. Good co-ordination of stops with shortish chapters.

very interesting and fascinating

it tells you a lot about people, money, power, friendship and startups. very interesting. suggested

Brilliant

Where does Hatching Twitter rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best audiobooks of listened to.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Biz - for his fun, animal loving and loyalty.

Which character – as performed by Daniel May – was your favourite?

Jack

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Ev got ousted.

Any additional comments?

Sensationally well researched and documented story about the history of Twitter.

Stop acting out the dialogue...

What did you like best about Hatching Twitter? What did you like least?

It's a fascinating story of a company that, despite the initial naysayers and the criticisms of those who don't get it, has become ubiquitous. It's one of undoubted naiveté, of harnessing tech in the service of social idealism, of money becoming all-consuming for some and of the petulance of egos that were all too ready to develop their own god complexes.

The book is overwritten, with far too much overly florid descriptions where it's just the writer going for a self-indulgent meander. Keep to the spirit of Twitter and make it considerably more succinct.

But that fades into – relative – insignificance for me when it comes to the narrator's acting out of dialogue with different voices that sound like also-rans from a Nick Jr series. It really takes me out of the story and was unnecessary.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hatching Twitter?

The various boardroom intrigues. Russian President Medvedev's near-disasterous first tweet.

Would you be willing to try another one of Daniel May’s performances?

No. Sorry. The different voices were a bad call. I don't know if it's the narrator's or the producer's decision, but it worked as a disservice to the book.

Did Hatching Twitter inspire you to do anything?

I'm waiting to see if/when Jack Dorsey gets ousted again.

Whether it is real or not. Its worth a read

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you want to take some parts with a pinch of salt, I still believe the book has a great story and does provide some interesting insights into the founding and launching of Twitter. If you are a fan of Twitter I recommend getting this book.

Understanding the failings of Twitter

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Great story - understanding the start-up culture through to IPO...The history of Twitter helps you fully understand their current leadership and cultural issues.

Captivating

Someone recommended me this book a while ago. I read the first two chapters and was put off. I questioned his taste in books.

However, I randomly picked it up again and to my pleasant surprise the story picked up. It was captivating! It felt like a movie. I think I owe him an apology.

Pulp!

Would you try another book written by Nick Bilton or narrated by Daniel May?

This book is all about moaning little children, emotional unstable personalities. In other words it is from begin till the end unworthy. It seems to tell more about the negativisme of the author.It is impossible that Twitter would have arrived the company it is, with such a bunch of unstable little children.I started the book out of interest in what inspired and moved the creators of Twitter. An interest in the business. I haven't found any of that. For all positive thinking people: don't waste a minute of your attention to this book.Just gossipy people may like it.What publisher could be so foolish to publish such pulp?

What could Nick Bilton have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

An author chooses the setting: this was just about emotionally adrift silly mentals.That is not a way to write; it is the author who chooses to write that way.

You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?

pure waste of time and attention for anybody with a proper interest in the Twitter company

2 of 4 people found this review helpful

My favorite book for quiet long time.

Would you consider the audio edition of Hatching Twitter to be better than the print version?

No, I love audio books. I listen to audiobooks while driving, cooking, biking walking....

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hatching Twitter?

Visit of Russian president at Twitter office.

What about Daniel May’s performance did you like?

Yes, was very good. I like when the voices of different persons change slightly but it must be a subtle change. Daniel does this perfectly.

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

Yes, like never before when I finished this book (while driving) I just did not start next book of turn on the music, I was just digesting the story. Like in cinema after good movie people stay seated so did I.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful