Reading Reflection No. 2

This reading reflection is on the book "Makers: The New Industrial Revolution"

1) What was the general theme or argument of the book?

The general theme of the book is examining the modern day industrial revolution. It examines todays "makers" and what it takes to be a "maker" and entrepreneur. It also compares the opportunity we have today compared to the opportunity of our ancestors.

2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?

The book connected and enhanced what I am learning in ENT 3003 by giving a different perspective on what it's like to be an entrepreneur today. The book does this by explaining all of the technological advances and resources we have today that we did not have in the past. It explains in detail how these advances and resources give everyday people a chance to more easily, more safely, and more cost efficiently begin a business venture. The book provides specific details and great examples.

3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?

If I had to design and exercise for this class it would be to find a product or service created within the last ten years and to find out how it was funded, how it is produced, how it is marketed, and so forth. From reading this book I realize that there are so many different ways to do all of these essential parts of making something and it is important to take a look at how a successful product or service has come about to understand better the process of starting something new in this day and age.

4) What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations? 

The biggest surprise was what I read about funding. I already understood how kickstarter and gofundme work but I didn't realize how incredible they are until reading this book. They allow for a "maker" to be funded without selling a portion of their idea to a venture capitalist, they don't have the high risk of taking out a large bank loan, and instill a sense of ownership from the investors which leads to more word-of-mouth marketing and other forms of free advertisement. These websites allow for people with awesome ideas to get funding and get their word out without loosing partial ownership of their idea or loosing their house because of a failed attempt at starting something new.