Dated Material
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*****
James Gavitt says:
I was also confused by the choice between the two books and contacted someone at the Influence at Work organization. He replied, "Although both books are based on Dr. Cialdini's years of research into the Six Principles of Influence, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion is an older edition. There are more updated references, more recent examples and more current stores in Influence: Science & Practice. Generally, Influence: Science and Practice is a more complete discussion of the topic. We do not recommend purchasing both books."
*****
I wish I had read this comment before purchasing this book. I am frankly amazed that there are current multistar reviews for a work so badly in need of updating. I'm only about 50 pages in and have already read about 10 cent Cokes, overpriced $1 candy bars, Hare Krishna in airports, and a new organization called Amway. Suffice it to say that this detracts seriously from the material, especially when a major premise so far is that people are giving the Krishna money because they feel the inborn need to reciprocate a gift (flower, booklet, whatever) rather than hoping a token dollar will geet the creeps off of their backs. I refer to this situation as the "giving the wolves a scrap of meat to fight over in the hopes that they stop following you" reaction. I know not a single person who ever felt compelled to "reciprocate" when a gift of less-than-zero value was forced upon them by beggars, but know several who hoped a token gift would buy them peace.
I can't remember which review of the newer book convinced me to start with this one, but I'll be sure to comment on it when I do. I'll be buying the other, newer book and donating this one to my local library.