Building upon his previous empirical critiques, Tom Slee explains how sharing economy companies have used feel-good rhetoric to mask illiberal and irresponsible business models.
-- Chris Jay Hoofnagle, faculty director, Berkeley Center for Law & Technology
The Sharing Economy frames its critics as Luddites, bureaucrats and rent-seekers, but Tom Slee is none of these. A thoughtful technologist, Slee paints a well-researched picture of companies that have built up massive market valuations by externalising their costs and sidestepping regulations designed to protect consumers. This book is clear-eyed and important.
-- Sue Gardner, former executive director of the Wikimedia Foundation
Superbly argued Slee points out, rightly, that his arguments are not about whether he or his readers actually use these services there is no contradiction in taking an Uber home from a party while wishing the company were better behaved. Only the law can force it to be so.
-- Steven Poole * The Guardian *
Tom Slees essential new book shows that the sharing economy has very little to do with sharing. Slee uses wit, clarity, and facts to demolish the self-serving mythologies of Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and figure out what Uber, Amazon and their kind are really up to.
-- Henry Farrell, co-chair, Social Science Research Councils Digital Culture Initiative; professor of political science and international affairs, George Washington University
A smart and searing critique of a business that people are only just beginning to think about in a serious way.
* The Spectator *
'Lucid and rigorous Slee dismantles the facade of the sharing economy, revealinghidden and often troubling truths ...If you want to understand how internet businesses reallyoperate,Whats Yours Is Mineis the place to start.
-- Nicholas Carr, author of
The ShallowsLaser-sharpinsights about the real impact of popular start-ups on ourlivelihoods and communities Required reading foranyone interested in technology and economic justice.
-- Astra Taylor, author of
The Peoples PlatformSlee is an extremely well-informed skeptic who presents a satisfyingly blistering critique of high techs disingenuous equating of sharing with profiteering.
* Counterpunch *
Slee is not blind to the benefits the sharing economy has brought to consumers but thinks the adverse consequences are important and often ignored This intelligent, thoughtful book will appeal to those interested in an analysis of the sharing economy. STARRED REVIEW
* Library Journal *
