| Editor Review 1 |
The scholarly discipline of Bullshit Studies has blossomed in the last several years, fertilized by a number of critical works on the subject and the growing importance of the issue across a wide range of professions. Now, best-selling author and lifelong practitioner Stanley Bing enters the field with a comprehensive look at the many attractive jobs now available to those who are serious about their bullshit and prepared to dedicate their working life to it. What, Bing inquires, do a feng shui consultant, new media executive, wine steward, department store greeter, and Vice President of the United States have in common? What, too, are the actual duties performed by a McKinsey consultant? Other than sitting around making people nervous? Could that possibly be his core function? Likewise, what does an aromatherapist actually do, per se? Sniff things and rub them on people, for big fragrant bucks? Is that all? The answer in all cases is "Yes." They all have bullshit jobs. These few, of course, are just the beginning. Across the length and breadth of this shrinking globe, skillful bullshit artists have secured pleasant, lucrative employment, and are enjoying themselves more than you are. In virtually every occupation, from Advertising to Yoga Franchising, lucky individuals who "work" in these coveted positions enjoy the best lives imaginable -- they are paid well, they rarely break a sweat, and their professions are highly respected, because nobody really knows what they do. At once funny, useful, and tolerably philosophical, this groundbreaking work takes a close look at 100 bullshit jobs -- the money they bring with them, the actual tasks and activities involved (if any), and famous and successful examples of each position, who will provide the neophyte with inspiration. Most crucially, Bing goes on to offer what others so far have not--a clear, concise strategy to help job-seekers at every level reach for that brass ring, knowing full well that it may be attached to the nose of a bull. |
| Customer Review 2 |
Rating:
3
Summary:
Could have been so much more...
Detailed:
This book is in so many ways a gem. Someone needed to get out and talk about how so many jobs in our world today are more about image than about substance. However, Bing decided to turn a wonderful look into the inner workings of the most BS laden jobs ever and turned it into a political platform to rant against right wingers.
Full disclosure, I am a blogger and I had the rare opportunity to become a radio talk show host a few years ago. Two of the jobs in this book were "Blogger" and "Right Wing Radio Talk Show Host." I actually agree with Bing, trying to fill 3 hours of radio time a day involves a surprising amount of BS and I think all radio talk show hosts have various levels of BS in their broadcast.
But it's not just limited to right wing talk show hosts, there are plenty of left wing talk show hosts who are just as bad. I like Ed Schultz and Alan Colmes, but Janeane Garafalo and Wendy Wilde are shrill BSers of the worst sort. I accept Bing is not a right winger, but this book would have been so much more had he been fair and objective. I guess I might be a bit unfair to him but every chance he had at taking deserving shots at both right and left wingers he focused on the right.
Also, Bing wasted time on BS BS jobs. At one point he made the point that being the Yeti was a BS job. That's a little sophomoric even for me.
The book never attempted to delve deep into the subject of BS nor did it try to focus on what exactly made a job full of "it." These were quick summaries and not very insightful. I must say though, Bing is a very good writer and is naturally funny. I had a hard time putting this book down and I would sincerely encourage others to read it despite my criticisms.
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| Customer Review 3 |
Rating:
4
Summary:
Good Idea
Detailed:
This book is a great idea-- it shows that there are plenty of jobs out there for the taking if you have a little creativity, and preferably a good sense of humor. Also check out "Odd Jobs: 101 Ways to Make an Extra Buck." It's similar, but has practical tips and advice on getting all sorts of non-nine-to-five jobs, including the good, the bad, and the really bizarre types of employment available. Either book makes a fun graduation gift.
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| Customer Review 5 |
Rating:
2
Summary:
Funny but a fluff book
Detailed:
I got this book to really learn something (no laughing :)) but it was just a funny read, and not much substance to it. I could not really follow the logic in a lot of places, and I had trouble explaining exactly what the book is about, although I liked the last very last 3 pages. Funny light-reading, if you have the time....
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