So I buy this book. The following one, to be specific:
Actually, when I see the title, I'm a little surprised it's not already on my shelves (but I didn't actually check). So I order it; it arrives; I scan through the contents and read the beginnings and ends of the chapters (a standard practice of mine when I'm reading this sort of material). All along I'm thinking, "jeez, I wish I would have had this when it first became available" (back in 2002). I'm thinking this because it includes all these great things that I'm believing I had to piece together on my own in the intervening years. Not my work exactly, but very close.
Still, it's not at the top of the read list, so it's going to have to wait (I'm reading Generation Me and Crowd of One at the moment -- what a combination!).
I put it on the shelf, and as I'm walking away my eye spots a book with a similar cover design. This one, however, is clearly a used book. Yes, it's true. I already own, and had apparently already read, "Building Virtual Communities". It had to be a long while ago -- probably all the way back in 2002. But I had completely forgotten.
Nevertheless, it's clear the book has influenced my thinking -- if not in detail, at least in terms of providing a foundation. All I have to say is thanks to the authors of "Building Virtual Communities".
I console myself by believing my behavior is less theft and more silent -- in fact hidden -- partner.