 |
|
You can all guess exactly what the Software Developer's Internet Directory looks like before I even describe it -- an introductory section that duplicates basic information about the Internet found in hundreds of other sources, followed by nearly 600 mind-numbing pages of alphabetically listed files, libraries, FTP sites, Web and gopher servers, and newsgroups. Short excerpts from Internet FAQs and the infamous Jargon File are interspersed throughout the book in an attempt to keep the reader awake. (Interestingly, in spite of the almost unimaginable wealth of free material the authors had to draw from, factoids are replicated throughout the book -- e.g. "deep magic" is defined in the same words on page 367 and 399.)
I have two basic problems with Internet books of this type. First, due to the rapid evolution of the Web and the somewhat ephemeral nature of most Internet resources, printed Internet directories and catalogs are inevitably outdated even before they make it through the editing, printing, and distribution pipeline (see for example the discussion of Microsoft Network on pages 4-5). Second, they seem almost by definition to be designed to fleece innocent Internet newbies; an experienced Internet user will immediately turn to Archie or Alta Vista when in need of a specific file or resource, not a printed directory.
About the best thing you can say for the Software Developer's Internet Directory is that the authors both have reputations for reliability and their intentions (if not those of the publisher) were probably honorable. The usefulness and comprehensiveness of the book seems dubious at best, judging by the resource listings I spot-checked for programming topics I am personally very familiar with (Java and Forth). Kyle and Brown are trying to perpetuate an obsolete book genre in an on-line world characterized by near-instantaneous global search facilities and a high churn rate. They need to find themselves a new shtick.
-- Ray Duncan
| Readability |  |
| Originality | |
| Organization | |
| Accuracy | |
| Consistency | |
| Depth | |
| Timeliness | |
| Editing | |
| Design | |
| Overall Value | |
Explanation of ERCB rating scale: No stars = unacceptable, 1 Star = marginal, 2 Stars = average, 3 Stars = above average, 4 Stars = exceptional.