Without Their Permission

How the 21st Century Will Be Made, Not Managed

By: Alexis Ohanian

Narrated by: Alexis Ohanian

Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's Summary

Audie Award Finalist, Business/Educational, 2014

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 audiobook, 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 60 other tech startups. Without Their Permission is his personal guidebook as to how other aspiring entrepreneurs can follow in his footsteps.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying referenc4e material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2013 Alexis Ohanian (P)2013 Hachette Audio

Best Non-Fiction of 2014

What did you love best about Without Their Permission?

Inspiring. Energizing. Educational. Practical and really freakin' funny.I loved the self-narration by the author. I usually hate authors trying to be narrators but Alexis is a pro. And he's a guy by the way. :)

What other book might you compare Without Their Permission to and why?

What Would Google Do? by Jeff Jarvis, which was my Best Non-Fiction of 2013.It brings you into the mindset of Google looking at the world. Similarly I can now see the world from Alexis' point of view.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, the great pace kept me interested. A great mix of:Theory (democratization of media via the internet), Practical (His experience with Reddit and other tech startups he advises), andHumor (at every turn he keeps the stories vivid with self-deprecation).

Any additional comments?

Would have been a 5-5-5 start review but gave 5-5-4 because he could have skipped some of the self-praise he gives his companies. It seemed like someone was making him include sales plugs.

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.

Buy this audio book!

Would you consider the audio edition of Without Their Permission to be better than the print version?

Of sure, Alexis sounds like a hot rich girl, but she's actually the founder of reddit and a cool guy. The text and the delivery are excellent. It's a rare book that captivates this 46 year old software engineer and his 12-year-old fashionista daughter. Alexis, if you're listening, I have a pitch for you, over coffee, in SOMA....

Good narrative shallow insights

I liked the story and by no means I say was not insightful yet I expected a more impactful entrepreneurial story and more detail into how they designed and founded Reddit.

What a fantastic listen!

From one proud Armenian to another, thanks for a wonderful listen. Thank you Alexis, well done!

Not a lot of substance

This book was like a cross between a press a release a college essay, cringey metaphors and all. Alexis tries to get the reader excited about the power of the Internet without giving any particularly detailed insight into the founding stories of his ventures—just some empty, colorful, humble-braggy anecdotes here and there, and plenty of platitudes about breaking the mold. The biggest flaw, though, is that the book essentially is trying to convince the reader of the power of the Internet when a) a person who would buy this is likely already someone who believes in that, and b) if they didn’t, this isn’t going to convince them. I was hoping for a lot more.

Loved it!

Alexis is an engaging speaker that commands your attention. A lot of inspiration for all of us with an entrepreneurial spirit. What are you waiting for? Read it, be an activist, and change the world.

Alexis Ohanian is brilliant

Superior BOOK and more than exceptional NARRATOR..

Please let me know if you have any more works by him...

Great book

Public acknowledgement of affection for this book. Thanks Alexis, you may now accept responsibility for my future success.

Half-auto Bio (Alexis) and half-bio of Reddit

Would you listen to Without Their Permission again? Why?

No but I would read again my notes. I try not to repeat authors but it was a very good book!

What did you like best about this story?

how a startup is born and grows to be acquired.

Which scene was your favorite?

there are several good moments, I also enjoyed learning about internet activism and rights.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

? The forum? (similar to facebook's movie "the social network").

Any additional comments?

A very good read for anyone interested in venture capital, silicon valley, Reddit, entrepreneurship (focused on tech).