Thoughts on Evgeny Morozov’s “The Meme Hustler”

Here it is, if you’re interested: http://hfoss-fossrit.rhcloud.com/static/books/evgenymorozov-thememehustler.html

Published 2013

This article is entitled “The Meme Hustler,” and it’s all about Tim O’Reilly, founder and CEO of O’Reilly Media.  The articles serves to analyze O’Reilly through the lens of his published work.  Morozov tears deep into O’Reilly, as he attempts to show that O’Reilly is actually a bit of a self-perpetuating monster with flawed ideals and too much power.

The Good

• Clear and consistent voice, an easy read.  Not super-academic or dry.
• Stays focused on picking apart O’Reilly’s actual words instead of simply attacking him out of opinion
• Provides context by mentioning the people around O’Reilly (friends, foes, and influences), like Richard Stallman and Alfred Korzybski

The Bad

• Progresses chronologically and conceptually, which can be confusing
• Ends abruptly
• Not a clear indication of a specific point to be made other than “This guy is kind of awful”

I’m still wondering…

1. What does Tim O’Reilly think of this article?
2. Just how much influence does he realistically have in government and politics?
3. Who is O’Reilly’s main, current opposition?  Is there an anti-O’Reilly with a similar amount of power?

What I think…

I liked this article.  It stuck to the facts, and Morozov is clear about exactly what he doesn’t like.  Every section of paragraphs serves to show something clear and focused, with plenty of quotations from the man himself.  Morozov thinks that O’Reilly is a bit of a madman, but in Morozov’s defense, O’Reilly isn’t doing himself any favors.

Morozov attacks his topic from multiple angles, and while I would have love a better organizational scheme for these angles, they are there nonetheless.  I learned about O’Reilly’s philosophical roots, his vast self-marketing resources, and examples of self-contradiction abound.  Clearly, this author has done his homework.  Actually, he does talk about that a bit in the author’s notes at the bottom of the page.

Anyway, I wouldn’t take this article as the definitive guide to Tim O’Reilly.  Everyone has bias of course.  What I will say is that Evgeny Morozov has done a wonderful job of saying his piece without sounding like an angry, bitter old man with a grudge.  Even if you disagree, and you totally love Tim O’Reilly, give it a read first and be salty later.

5/5 for doing your homework and delivering an enjoyable read.  Good job, Mr. Morozov.

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