Disrupted Book Reviews

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A great example of how out-of-touch with the real world journalists are. Lyons comes across as a pompous and naive jerk—one who, like most journalists, has an inflated sense of self-importance. He does make some good points about SV’s culture, but overall thus book is a “look how low a man of my esteem had to stoop to get material for this book”.

the real TRUTH behind most silicon valley start-ups. Excellent read - really ripping and most should burn right through it, like tech start-ups burn through VC investment capital! Lyons gives a great first person account on this, often hilarious, but also delves a bit deeper with some background from business news of the last decade in tech, where the truth is, they are _not_ there to make some "insanely great" product or service, nor benefit their customers, employees and shareholders. NO. They are there to make tons of money for a cherished few: the initial business founders and the VCs/Angel investors who got in early. Everyone else: employees, shareholders, customers, are but chaff that shall not dissuade from the Almighty marketing message to drive the stock price up beyond any sane valuation. And also the "frat house" culture they willingly cultivate at these start-ups that often foster ageism, sexism and casual racism in the name of "culture fit." A great & sobering read, and quite funny too (when you're not crying over either your jo

A great read. What could so easily have been just a rant against new tech companies by someone from an 'older' industry becomes a superb and accurate read in Dan's hands. Well written and entertaining.

Profoundly Disturbing. Disrupted is profoundly disturbing. This should be a must read for everyone who prefers reality over fantasy.

Very Accurate. A great read. For those of you over 45, a great description on why these startups don’t want you… and why you don’t want them.

Mean spirited and not illuminating. I’ll be honest and admit that I didn’t finish this book, which is rare, because I almost always finish books. Maybe the last chapter is great, but I’ll never know, because I got tired of reading Lyons making fun of his former company and co workers. Yes, they are ridiculous, and yes, the company seems absurd, but making fun of them is like shooting fish in a barrel. SHow some insight, Dan, and probe a little into the culture of startups, and not just make fun of the people who work for them. Why are these people like that? Does having an ingrained culture ultimately good or bad for a company? I would have liked some perpective, instead of pages and pages of mean-spirited criticism.

Funny, informative, and a bit one-sided. I'm an older guy that has spent much of my career in tech as well and much of what Lyons says of the culture holds true. His story allowed me to laugh at the ridiculous truths and identify sadly with the lack of diversity, ageism, and group think examples. One thought that endured for me, however, is that Lyons intentionally decided to worship at the altar in tech and then immediately admonished the believers within... For me, it had him coming off equally as a truth teller and a sour career pro who willingly took a lesser role that then caused him to resent the ambitious "20-somethings" he was surrounded by when they didn't pay homage. Lyons is intelligent and hilarious in his delivery which makes you root for him more than fault him. That said, there's no doubt, he also expresses a level of reverse ageism in his assessments of people whom obviously bring some level (however debatable) to HubSpot. Overall, the book is a fantastic read for anyone and especially for those of us who have experienced these split personality cultures in tech with start ups who in some respects ARE making the world better, and simultaneously ARE ALSO filled with cult'ish, followers, ivy frat boys and sorority girls who haven't paid traditional dues and believe they have invented the wheel. As a tech career professional, I suggest, if you are open you accept the reality while looking for the good in all people, you're highly unlikely to have an experience like Dan Lyons. In-fact, you're much more likely to enjoy it, make some money, and have a laugh in the process. Great book!

Entertaining, Worth Reading. A funny and insightful look into some startup environments. I do think Dan was horribly mismatched, and honestly shouldn’t have been hired. It was a bad choice of thinking they would convert his hard-copy old-school editor skills into leading a content factory of volume-based, no-substance, mini-blog, low-value stuff they put out. There are plenty of people over 45 that thrive in startup environments, many startups are founded by people over 45, and to take this as “proof” no one wants older staff is untrue. What is true is no one wants cranky 40-something resistant-to-change employee minded people is more accurate. But he does provide a very entertaining vantage point of what goes on at some startups, and it is comical.

Loved This Lived It. Over 60 and have worked in IT and for software startups -- this is 100 percent accurate on the spot what it's like being 'older' trying to survive in the technical world. Laughed lots and loved this book.

Laugh out loud funny, cringeworthy insightful. I haven't laughed this hard at a book in a long time, if ever. If you work in technology, invest in technology stocks or hold a management position anywhere, this is a must read. The marriage of HubSpot and Dan for 2 years was something I will always be thankful for.

An important book on the new bubble economy. Best business book of the year. Maybe the decade. Honest, insightful, funny and sobering. Hits the mark on raising all the issues associated with the latest generation of Internet startups.

Disrupted by Dan Lyons. Great book! Fun, insightful, and scary. Dan Lyons account of doing time in the amoral but "awesome" tech start up world is an eye opening account of having to work with the general ignorance and self entitled mindset of today's millennials and Generation Xer's who through blind inexperience somehow think they're so special and deserving and that they actually think they know what they're doing! At the same time these people have been tasked with running a company and managing coworkers who actually have lives, feelings, and real responsibilities. The informative ironies of this crazy field abound in this story. Anyone who has worked in the "new technology" industry (industry?- a misnomer for sure) will enjoy this book and anyone who endeavors to be a part it will be duly forewarned.

Great Read!!!. I heard about this book on a episode of Traigulation hosted by Leo LePorte. After hearing his interview with Dan and enjoying that, I figured what the heck. About 20 minutes into the book, I realized how much his experience was similar to one that I had as well. I more than enjoyed this book and wish there was more out there by Mr. Lynons. It wasn’t just the connection with his experience - he has a way of writing and telling a story that draws you in. If I could give this book 6 stars I would, definitley worth a ready or a listen.

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