Josh Bernoff is vice president and principal analyst at Forester Research. His landmark book on social media, Groundswell, has a special place on our bookshelves. We're also big fans of his blog, bernoff.com.
Device You Would Never Give Up?
I could give any of them up. I try to love people, not machines.
Your Favorite Software Application?
A great application (browsers, word processors) work so well you fail to notice it. How can something you don't notice be a "favorite?"
Blog You Read Most Frequently?
Seth Godin's blog. It transcends blog-hood into some zen other space.
Social Media Tool You Actually Use?
Wikis. Whenever possible.
Favorite Business Book(s)?
The Laws of Simplicity, by John Maeda. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. Neither of which is a business book, per se.
Favorite Newspaper(s)?
It would be the Wall St. Journal with the Boston Globe's sports page -- if only such a chimera existed.
Person That Inspires You?
My father - who showed how to balance pride in your work with honesty and love. Bill Bluestein, the quintessential technology analyst, to whom Groundswell is dedicated. Isaac Asimov, who never stopped writing about everything. Regrettably, of these three, only my father survives.
Who Was Your Best Manager? Why?
My first boss, Dena Brody, combined patience, sensitivity, and business sense. She's still a good friend.
Your First "Real" Job?
Technical writer for Software Arts, the company that created VisiCalc. Yes, I am that old.
Where Do You Do Your Best Thinking?
In bed.
What Do You Most Value In Employees/Colleagues?
Non-linear thinking and a sense of humor. Oh, those are the same, aren't they?
What Would You Like To Be The World's Best At?
Writing that makes you go "Hmmm . . . "