"Makers" Book Review

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Chris Anderson has done a wonderful job in creating room for the "Do It Yourself" (DIY) Movement in the tangible, atom-based economy, which he points out is much larger than the world of online marketing. Anderson argues that the Maker Movement is picking up speed with today's digital resources and furthermore, he gives it a space to flourish. The basics of Anderson's premise include 1) the digital use of DIY to create product designs, 2) getting social feedback/crowdsourcing, and 3) sending designs to small manufacturing companies that can produce and customize based on your project's demand.

Anderson's ideas are big and as he walks you through the different things to consider while becoming a Maker/entrepreneur, his ideas become more and more convincing through his narrative. His personal experiences and experimentation in the Maker Movement is rather inspiring and does not seem too far-fetched. His understanding and research in the modern economy we interact with gives great context to where the Maker Movement fits and how it can be effective. I especially found it fascinating that through simple technologies found online and within computer software can create something remarkable that can then be actually produced in the real world.

The Maker Movement is depicted as inherently social. Anderson emphasizes through his personal and practical experiences, the success that has come from what may have been before deemed "hobbyists." These amateurs have come together to create something that is not virtual at all and has given them the experience of experts.

I loved this book and was hooked from the beginning. The practical applications of Anderson's theory of the Maker Movement is inspirational and is seemingly attainable. I enjoyed applying his theoretical concepts to different companies and finding amazement in the success stories of real-life examples. Although I have never had any dreams of pursuing entrepreneurial feats, I feel this book has given me inspiration to be a creator and make something meaningful. I'm definitely convinced that digital DIY, social collaboration, and customized manufacturing services will change the way we do business in the future.