Silicon Snake Oil - Hardcover

This work aims to expose the myths and disappointing realities of the Internet and information superhighway. The book: argues that electronic data transfer can be slow, less reliable and more expensive than communication by phone, fax and even post; believes that discussion groups, lauded for providing access to information and diverse opinions, are in fact hotbeds of rumour, where conversations often degenerate into the "rude, offensive and tasteless" and where technical questions often elicit inaccurate answers; and warns that business and commercial transactions on the Internet can be highly risky (how wise is it to give your credit card number to a stranger whose only identification is "bizness@nocturnal-aviation.com").