Work Matters

Hostile and Entertaining Amazon Review for The No Asshole Rule

Written by

supermoxie

in

,
0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars Typical attention seeking baby boomer, October 15, 2011
This review is from: The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't (Paperback)

Yet another selfish baby boomer sinks basic civility to get our attention. I think we have heard enough from the generation that thinks behaving like a petulant adolescent is a virtue. If he can't take the time to address us like adults, or articulate exactly what he means by 'a**hole' what's the sense in taking advice from him?
..and now that he has grabbed our attention, what do we get? fluff. Another article padded into a book, which plenty of examples of unpleasant people at work but little substance how to deal with them, or the unpleasant fact that it's often effective form of management- think of the marines for example and toughening up of mama's boys.

Of course with the baby boom generation it's all about me me me and my feelings. Spare me.

The above review just appeared on Amazon.  Sorry, the screen shot didn't work (at least for me)  but so I had to do cut and paste, you can see the original here.

When I first started writing books, I would take every negative Amazon review personally.  And I confess that when they are careful, thoughtful, and negative, they still sting.  But I have learned to enjoy, even relish, the outrageous ones.  This one certainly qualifies.  I plead guilty to being a baby boomer and to selecting — really insisting on — The No Asshole Rule title.   My favorite line in the review is "toughening up the mama's boys."   Great stuff.

P.S. It is a good time to buy this book for mama's boys.  Apparently, Amazon bought a bunch from the now-defunct Border's and you can get the No Asshole Rule paperback there for six bucks.  These bargain books produce a much lower royalty rate to authors, but are a great deal for readers.  I don't know how many they have; there was a bargain version of Good Boss, Bad Boss last week, but it sold out.  

Comments

64 responses to “Hostile and Entertaining Amazon Review for The No Asshole Rule”

  1. Kelley Eskridge Avatar
    Kelley Eskridge

    Bob, well done for posting your one-star review! You’ve just joined a distinguished and rowdy crew of authors who have decided that we can survive a stranger’s disapproval of our work, even a vehement one.
    One of science fiction’s most successful authors, John Scalzi, occasionally posts his one-star reviews and invites other writers to do the same. I thought you might enjoy knowing you’re not alone (big smile): http://whatever.scalzi.com/2008/04/29/one-star-review-roundup-part-the-first/

    Reply
  2. Kelley Eskridge Avatar
    Kelley Eskridge

    Bob, well done for posting your one-star review! You’ve just joined a distinguished and rowdy crew of authors who have decided that we can survive a stranger’s disapproval of our work, even a vehement one.
    One of science fiction’s most successful authors, John Scalzi, occasionally posts his one-star reviews and invites other writers to do the same. I thought you might enjoy knowing you’re not alone (big smile): http://whatever.scalzi.com/2008/04/29/one-star-review-roundup-part-the-first/

    Reply
  3. Kelley Eskridge Avatar
    Kelley Eskridge

    Bob, well done for posting your one-star review! You’ve just joined a distinguished and rowdy crew of authors who have decided that we can survive a stranger’s disapproval of our work, even a vehement one.
    One of science fiction’s most successful authors, John Scalzi, occasionally posts his one-star reviews and invites other writers to do the same. I thought you might enjoy knowing you’re not alone (big smile): http://whatever.scalzi.com/2008/04/29/one-star-review-roundup-part-the-first/

    Reply
  4. Kelley Eskridge Avatar
    Kelley Eskridge

    Bob, well done for posting your one-star review! You’ve just joined a distinguished and rowdy crew of authors who have decided that we can survive a stranger’s disapproval of our work, even a vehement one.
    One of science fiction’s most successful authors, John Scalzi, occasionally posts his one-star reviews and invites other writers to do the same. I thought you might enjoy knowing you’re not alone (big smile): http://whatever.scalzi.com/2008/04/29/one-star-review-roundup-part-the-first/

    Reply
  5. Kelley Eskridge Avatar
    Kelley Eskridge

    Bob, well done for posting your one-star review! You’ve just joined a distinguished and rowdy crew of authors who have decided that we can survive a stranger’s disapproval of our work, even a vehement one.
    One of science fiction’s most successful authors, John Scalzi, occasionally posts his one-star reviews and invites other writers to do the same. I thought you might enjoy knowing you’re not alone (big smile): http://whatever.scalzi.com/2008/04/29/one-star-review-roundup-part-the-first/

    Reply
  6. Kelley Eskridge Avatar
    Kelley Eskridge

    Bob, well done for posting your one-star review! You’ve just joined a distinguished and rowdy crew of authors who have decided that we can survive a stranger’s disapproval of our work, even a vehement one.
    One of science fiction’s most successful authors, John Scalzi, occasionally posts his one-star reviews and invites other writers to do the same. I thought you might enjoy knowing you’re not alone (big smile): http://whatever.scalzi.com/2008/04/29/one-star-review-roundup-part-the-first/

    Reply
  7. Kelley Eskridge Avatar
    Kelley Eskridge

    Bob, well done for posting your one-star review! You’ve just joined a distinguished and rowdy crew of authors who have decided that we can survive a stranger’s disapproval of our work, even a vehement one.
    One of science fiction’s most successful authors, John Scalzi, occasionally posts his one-star reviews and invites other writers to do the same. I thought you might enjoy knowing you’re not alone (big smile): http://whatever.scalzi.com/2008/04/29/one-star-review-roundup-part-the-first/

    Reply
  8. Kelley Eskridge Avatar
    Kelley Eskridge

    Bob, well done for posting your one-star review! You’ve just joined a distinguished and rowdy crew of authors who have decided that we can survive a stranger’s disapproval of our work, even a vehement one.
    One of science fiction’s most successful authors, John Scalzi, occasionally posts his one-star reviews and invites other writers to do the same. I thought you might enjoy knowing you’re not alone (big smile): http://whatever.scalzi.com/2008/04/29/one-star-review-roundup-part-the-first/

    Reply
  9. T.G. Avatar
    T.G.

    Hi Bob,
    I just read your TNAR book in paperback. I wish I had read your book years ago. I have mixed feelings about chapter 6 which is a strange chapter in an otherwise excellent book.
    I wonder what you think about asshole interviewers who like to play head games with job candidates. I will email you later with more details. Thanks.
    -T.G.
    New York

    Reply
  10. T.G. Avatar
    T.G.

    Hi Bob,
    I just read your TNAR book in paperback. I wish I had read your book years ago. I have mixed feelings about chapter 6 which is a strange chapter in an otherwise excellent book.
    I wonder what you think about asshole interviewers who like to play head games with job candidates. I will email you later with more details. Thanks.
    -T.G.
    New York

    Reply
  11. T.G. Avatar
    T.G.

    Hi Bob,
    I just read your TNAR book in paperback. I wish I had read your book years ago. I have mixed feelings about chapter 6 which is a strange chapter in an otherwise excellent book.
    I wonder what you think about asshole interviewers who like to play head games with job candidates. I will email you later with more details. Thanks.
    -T.G.
    New York

    Reply
  12. T.G. Avatar
    T.G.

    Hi Bob,
    I just read your TNAR book in paperback. I wish I had read your book years ago. I have mixed feelings about chapter 6 which is a strange chapter in an otherwise excellent book.
    I wonder what you think about asshole interviewers who like to play head games with job candidates. I will email you later with more details. Thanks.
    -T.G.
    New York

    Reply
  13. T.G. Avatar
    T.G.

    Hi Bob,
    I just read your TNAR book in paperback. I wish I had read your book years ago. I have mixed feelings about chapter 6 which is a strange chapter in an otherwise excellent book.
    I wonder what you think about asshole interviewers who like to play head games with job candidates. I will email you later with more details. Thanks.
    -T.G.
    New York

    Reply
  14. T.G. Avatar
    T.G.

    Hi Bob,
    I just read your TNAR book in paperback. I wish I had read your book years ago. I have mixed feelings about chapter 6 which is a strange chapter in an otherwise excellent book.
    I wonder what you think about asshole interviewers who like to play head games with job candidates. I will email you later with more details. Thanks.
    -T.G.
    New York

    Reply
  15. T.G. Avatar
    T.G.

    Hi Bob,
    I just read your TNAR book in paperback. I wish I had read your book years ago. I have mixed feelings about chapter 6 which is a strange chapter in an otherwise excellent book.
    I wonder what you think about asshole interviewers who like to play head games with job candidates. I will email you later with more details. Thanks.
    -T.G.
    New York

    Reply
  16. T.G. Avatar
    T.G.

    Hi Bob,
    I just read your TNAR book in paperback. I wish I had read your book years ago. I have mixed feelings about chapter 6 which is a strange chapter in an otherwise excellent book.
    I wonder what you think about asshole interviewers who like to play head games with job candidates. I will email you later with more details. Thanks.
    -T.G.
    New York

    Reply
  17. Bob Sutton Avatar
    Bob Sutton

    T.G.
    Thanks for the comment; I really resisted writing that chapter, but as there is pretty good evidence that, under some conditions,leaving others feeling demeaned and de-energized — and intimidated — helps individuals be seen as powerful and to get ahead (especially in I-win you lose systems), I felt compelled to talk about the evidence. Note that such behavior usually does damage to others and undermines organizational performance. And as I say, if you are winner and an asshole, you are still an asshole — and a loser to me.

    Reply
  18. Bob Sutton Avatar
    Bob Sutton

    T.G.
    Thanks for the comment; I really resisted writing that chapter, but as there is pretty good evidence that, under some conditions,leaving others feeling demeaned and de-energized — and intimidated — helps individuals be seen as powerful and to get ahead (especially in I-win you lose systems), I felt compelled to talk about the evidence. Note that such behavior usually does damage to others and undermines organizational performance. And as I say, if you are winner and an asshole, you are still an asshole — and a loser to me.

    Reply
  19. Bob Sutton Avatar
    Bob Sutton

    T.G.
    Thanks for the comment; I really resisted writing that chapter, but as there is pretty good evidence that, under some conditions,leaving others feeling demeaned and de-energized — and intimidated — helps individuals be seen as powerful and to get ahead (especially in I-win you lose systems), I felt compelled to talk about the evidence. Note that such behavior usually does damage to others and undermines organizational performance. And as I say, if you are winner and an asshole, you are still an asshole — and a loser to me.

    Reply
  20. Bob Sutton Avatar
    Bob Sutton

    T.G.
    Thanks for the comment; I really resisted writing that chapter, but as there is pretty good evidence that, under some conditions,leaving others feeling demeaned and de-energized — and intimidated — helps individuals be seen as powerful and to get ahead (especially in I-win you lose systems), I felt compelled to talk about the evidence. Note that such behavior usually does damage to others and undermines organizational performance. And as I say, if you are winner and an asshole, you are still an asshole — and a loser to me.

    Reply
  21. Bob Sutton Avatar
    Bob Sutton

    T.G.
    Thanks for the comment; I really resisted writing that chapter, but as there is pretty good evidence that, under some conditions,leaving others feeling demeaned and de-energized — and intimidated — helps individuals be seen as powerful and to get ahead (especially in I-win you lose systems), I felt compelled to talk about the evidence. Note that such behavior usually does damage to others and undermines organizational performance. And as I say, if you are winner and an asshole, you are still an asshole — and a loser to me.

    Reply
  22. Bob Sutton Avatar
    Bob Sutton

    T.G.
    Thanks for the comment; I really resisted writing that chapter, but as there is pretty good evidence that, under some conditions,leaving others feeling demeaned and de-energized — and intimidated — helps individuals be seen as powerful and to get ahead (especially in I-win you lose systems), I felt compelled to talk about the evidence. Note that such behavior usually does damage to others and undermines organizational performance. And as I say, if you are winner and an asshole, you are still an asshole — and a loser to me.

    Reply
  23. Bob Sutton Avatar
    Bob Sutton

    T.G.
    Thanks for the comment; I really resisted writing that chapter, but as there is pretty good evidence that, under some conditions,leaving others feeling demeaned and de-energized — and intimidated — helps individuals be seen as powerful and to get ahead (especially in I-win you lose systems), I felt compelled to talk about the evidence. Note that such behavior usually does damage to others and undermines organizational performance. And as I say, if you are winner and an asshole, you are still an asshole — and a loser to me.

    Reply
  24. Bob Sutton Avatar
    Bob Sutton

    T.G.
    Thanks for the comment; I really resisted writing that chapter, but as there is pretty good evidence that, under some conditions,leaving others feeling demeaned and de-energized — and intimidated — helps individuals be seen as powerful and to get ahead (especially in I-win you lose systems), I felt compelled to talk about the evidence. Note that such behavior usually does damage to others and undermines organizational performance. And as I say, if you are winner and an asshole, you are still an asshole — and a loser to me.

    Reply
  25. Bob Sutton Avatar
    Bob Sutton

    Kelley,
    Thanks for the note and the great link. Alas, I think my post reminded another writer to do her Amazon review and she put up a 2 star. Oh well…

    Reply
  26. Bob Sutton Avatar
    Bob Sutton

    Kelley,
    Thanks for the note and the great link. Alas, I think my post reminded another writer to do her Amazon review and she put up a 2 star. Oh well…

    Reply
  27. Bob Sutton Avatar
    Bob Sutton

    Kelley,
    Thanks for the note and the great link. Alas, I think my post reminded another writer to do her Amazon review and she put up a 2 star. Oh well…

    Reply
  28. Bob Sutton Avatar
    Bob Sutton

    Kelley,
    Thanks for the note and the great link. Alas, I think my post reminded another writer to do her Amazon review and she put up a 2 star. Oh well…

    Reply
  29. Bob Sutton Avatar
    Bob Sutton

    Kelley,
    Thanks for the note and the great link. Alas, I think my post reminded another writer to do her Amazon review and she put up a 2 star. Oh well…

    Reply
  30. Bob Sutton Avatar
    Bob Sutton

    Kelley,
    Thanks for the note and the great link. Alas, I think my post reminded another writer to do her Amazon review and she put up a 2 star. Oh well…

    Reply
  31. Bob Sutton Avatar
    Bob Sutton

    Kelley,
    Thanks for the note and the great link. Alas, I think my post reminded another writer to do her Amazon review and she put up a 2 star. Oh well…

    Reply
  32. Bob Sutton Avatar
    Bob Sutton

    Kelley,
    Thanks for the note and the great link. Alas, I think my post reminded another writer to do her Amazon review and she put up a 2 star. Oh well…

    Reply
  33. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    Bob,
    I found your book to be outstanding and have recommended it to others. I am trying to get the 13 owners of my firm to read it so some of them can recognize why they are driving good people away from our firm. So far, only 1 has read it but he isn’t one of the a-holes. Thanks for the great book. I refer to it often.
    Lisa

    Reply
  34. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    Bob,
    I found your book to be outstanding and have recommended it to others. I am trying to get the 13 owners of my firm to read it so some of them can recognize why they are driving good people away from our firm. So far, only 1 has read it but he isn’t one of the a-holes. Thanks for the great book. I refer to it often.
    Lisa

    Reply
  35. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    Bob,
    I found your book to be outstanding and have recommended it to others. I am trying to get the 13 owners of my firm to read it so some of them can recognize why they are driving good people away from our firm. So far, only 1 has read it but he isn’t one of the a-holes. Thanks for the great book. I refer to it often.
    Lisa

    Reply
  36. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    Bob,
    I found your book to be outstanding and have recommended it to others. I am trying to get the 13 owners of my firm to read it so some of them can recognize why they are driving good people away from our firm. So far, only 1 has read it but he isn’t one of the a-holes. Thanks for the great book. I refer to it often.
    Lisa

    Reply
  37. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    Bob,
    I found your book to be outstanding and have recommended it to others. I am trying to get the 13 owners of my firm to read it so some of them can recognize why they are driving good people away from our firm. So far, only 1 has read it but he isn’t one of the a-holes. Thanks for the great book. I refer to it often.
    Lisa

    Reply
  38. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    Bob,
    I found your book to be outstanding and have recommended it to others. I am trying to get the 13 owners of my firm to read it so some of them can recognize why they are driving good people away from our firm. So far, only 1 has read it but he isn’t one of the a-holes. Thanks for the great book. I refer to it often.
    Lisa

    Reply
  39. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    Bob,
    I found your book to be outstanding and have recommended it to others. I am trying to get the 13 owners of my firm to read it so some of them can recognize why they are driving good people away from our firm. So far, only 1 has read it but he isn’t one of the a-holes. Thanks for the great book. I refer to it often.
    Lisa

    Reply
  40. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    Bob,
    I found your book to be outstanding and have recommended it to others. I am trying to get the 13 owners of my firm to read it so some of them can recognize why they are driving good people away from our firm. So far, only 1 has read it but he isn’t one of the a-holes. Thanks for the great book. I refer to it often.
    Lisa

    Reply
  41. Andy_Kaufman Avatar
    Andy_Kaufman

    I continue to admire your transparency, Bob. There’s a short list of blogs I follow closely. Between your passion for evidence-based insights and your gifted way of putting them into words, I’m a better leader because of you.
    And BTW, thanks to you, I interviewed Steve Kramer this morning about his and Teresa’s book The Progress Principle for our podcast. Your enthusiastic endorsement of their book was the catalyst for me.
    Thanks, and keep up the great work! Here’s 5 Stars from Chicago! 🙂

    Reply
  42. Andy_Kaufman Avatar
    Andy_Kaufman

    I continue to admire your transparency, Bob. There’s a short list of blogs I follow closely. Between your passion for evidence-based insights and your gifted way of putting them into words, I’m a better leader because of you.
    And BTW, thanks to you, I interviewed Steve Kramer this morning about his and Teresa’s book The Progress Principle for our podcast. Your enthusiastic endorsement of their book was the catalyst for me.
    Thanks, and keep up the great work! Here’s 5 Stars from Chicago! 🙂

    Reply
  43. Andy_Kaufman Avatar
    Andy_Kaufman

    I continue to admire your transparency, Bob. There’s a short list of blogs I follow closely. Between your passion for evidence-based insights and your gifted way of putting them into words, I’m a better leader because of you.
    And BTW, thanks to you, I interviewed Steve Kramer this morning about his and Teresa’s book The Progress Principle for our podcast. Your enthusiastic endorsement of their book was the catalyst for me.
    Thanks, and keep up the great work! Here’s 5 Stars from Chicago! 🙂

    Reply
  44. Andy_Kaufman Avatar
    Andy_Kaufman

    I continue to admire your transparency, Bob. There’s a short list of blogs I follow closely. Between your passion for evidence-based insights and your gifted way of putting them into words, I’m a better leader because of you.
    And BTW, thanks to you, I interviewed Steve Kramer this morning about his and Teresa’s book The Progress Principle for our podcast. Your enthusiastic endorsement of their book was the catalyst for me.
    Thanks, and keep up the great work! Here’s 5 Stars from Chicago! 🙂

    Reply
  45. Andy_Kaufman Avatar
    Andy_Kaufman

    I continue to admire your transparency, Bob. There’s a short list of blogs I follow closely. Between your passion for evidence-based insights and your gifted way of putting them into words, I’m a better leader because of you.
    And BTW, thanks to you, I interviewed Steve Kramer this morning about his and Teresa’s book The Progress Principle for our podcast. Your enthusiastic endorsement of their book was the catalyst for me.
    Thanks, and keep up the great work! Here’s 5 Stars from Chicago! 🙂

    Reply
  46. Andy_Kaufman Avatar
    Andy_Kaufman

    I continue to admire your transparency, Bob. There’s a short list of blogs I follow closely. Between your passion for evidence-based insights and your gifted way of putting them into words, I’m a better leader because of you.
    And BTW, thanks to you, I interviewed Steve Kramer this morning about his and Teresa’s book The Progress Principle for our podcast. Your enthusiastic endorsement of their book was the catalyst for me.
    Thanks, and keep up the great work! Here’s 5 Stars from Chicago! 🙂

    Reply
  47. Andy_Kaufman Avatar
    Andy_Kaufman

    I continue to admire your transparency, Bob. There’s a short list of blogs I follow closely. Between your passion for evidence-based insights and your gifted way of putting them into words, I’m a better leader because of you.
    And BTW, thanks to you, I interviewed Steve Kramer this morning about his and Teresa’s book The Progress Principle for our podcast. Your enthusiastic endorsement of their book was the catalyst for me.
    Thanks, and keep up the great work! Here’s 5 Stars from Chicago! 🙂

    Reply
  48. Andy_Kaufman Avatar
    Andy_Kaufman

    I continue to admire your transparency, Bob. There’s a short list of blogs I follow closely. Between your passion for evidence-based insights and your gifted way of putting them into words, I’m a better leader because of you.
    And BTW, thanks to you, I interviewed Steve Kramer this morning about his and Teresa’s book The Progress Principle for our podcast. Your enthusiastic endorsement of their book was the catalyst for me.
    Thanks, and keep up the great work! Here’s 5 Stars from Chicago! 🙂

    Reply
  49. Denise Brouillette Avatar
    Denise Brouillette

    I’ve recommended the No Asshole Rule to so many that I’ve lost count. Now if only more leaders would demand behavior change or show them the door!

    Reply
  50. Denise Brouillette Avatar
    Denise Brouillette

    I’ve recommended the No Asshole Rule to so many that I’ve lost count. Now if only more leaders would demand behavior change or show them the door!

    Reply
  51. Denise Brouillette Avatar
    Denise Brouillette

    I’ve recommended the No Asshole Rule to so many that I’ve lost count. Now if only more leaders would demand behavior change or show them the door!

    Reply
  52. Denise Brouillette Avatar
    Denise Brouillette

    I’ve recommended the No Asshole Rule to so many that I’ve lost count. Now if only more leaders would demand behavior change or show them the door!

    Reply
  53. Denise Brouillette Avatar
    Denise Brouillette

    I’ve recommended the No Asshole Rule to so many that I’ve lost count. Now if only more leaders would demand behavior change or show them the door!

    Reply
  54. Denise Brouillette Avatar
    Denise Brouillette

    I’ve recommended the No Asshole Rule to so many that I’ve lost count. Now if only more leaders would demand behavior change or show them the door!

    Reply
  55. Denise Brouillette Avatar
    Denise Brouillette

    I’ve recommended the No Asshole Rule to so many that I’ve lost count. Now if only more leaders would demand behavior change or show them the door!

    Reply
  56. Denise Brouillette Avatar
    Denise Brouillette

    I’ve recommended the No Asshole Rule to so many that I’ve lost count. Now if only more leaders would demand behavior change or show them the door!

    Reply
  57. Susan Barrett Kelly Avatar
    Susan Barrett Kelly

    For what it’s worth, I am grateful that your voice on civility in the workplace is out there. From one boomer to another, thank you.

    Reply
  58. Susan Barrett Kelly Avatar
    Susan Barrett Kelly

    For what it’s worth, I am grateful that your voice on civility in the workplace is out there. From one boomer to another, thank you.

    Reply
  59. Susan Barrett Kelly Avatar
    Susan Barrett Kelly

    For what it’s worth, I am grateful that your voice on civility in the workplace is out there. From one boomer to another, thank you.

    Reply
  60. Susan Barrett Kelly Avatar
    Susan Barrett Kelly

    For what it’s worth, I am grateful that your voice on civility in the workplace is out there. From one boomer to another, thank you.

    Reply
  61. Susan Barrett Kelly Avatar
    Susan Barrett Kelly

    For what it’s worth, I am grateful that your voice on civility in the workplace is out there. From one boomer to another, thank you.

    Reply
  62. Susan Barrett Kelly Avatar
    Susan Barrett Kelly

    For what it’s worth, I am grateful that your voice on civility in the workplace is out there. From one boomer to another, thank you.

    Reply
  63. Susan Barrett Kelly Avatar
    Susan Barrett Kelly

    For what it’s worth, I am grateful that your voice on civility in the workplace is out there. From one boomer to another, thank you.

    Reply
  64. Susan Barrett Kelly Avatar
    Susan Barrett Kelly

    For what it’s worth, I am grateful that your voice on civility in the workplace is out there. From one boomer to another, thank you.

    Reply

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