I’ve wanted to write a book for nearly half my life, yet I had no idea how much work it would actually be when I finally got to it. This book simply wouldn’t have happened without the help, patience and understanding of many people. First and foremost is my literary agent John Pearce, who helped me transform the seed of an out-there idea into a cogent thesis. John didn’t really know what to make of my weird technology book at first, but he warmed to it quickly, and from then on there was no stopping him. While I went through the roller coaster ride that is writing—sometimes loving, sometimes hating what I’d written—John was always enthusiastic, never failing to bring me back to the right frame of mind. His temperament was shared by everyone at Westwood Creative Artists, particularly Natasha Daneman and Michael Levine, who also helped buoy the journey with occasional announcements of good news.
Of course, none of it would have been possible were it not for Nicole Pointon, an old friend from school who used to work in book publishing. Nicole pointed me in John’s direction when I asked her if she knew any good agents, and needless to say, she’s a very good judge of such things.
Putting the book together was a laborious and difficult task in that there were three very different industries to research. The scientists, engineers, inventors, company executives, analysts, professors, writers, journalists and even astronauts and porn stars are simply too numerous to thank individually, but I’m extremely appreciative of the time each gave to talk to me about their area of expertise, sometimes for hours.
A pair of companies warrant singling out, though, for being extraordinarily kind with their time: Google and Digital Playground. Tamara Micner, Dan Martin and Karen Wickre (in Toronto, Washington and Mountain View, California, respectively) helped immensely by making some key Googlers available to talk about all aspects of technology, from search engines to satellites, which helped inform and shape my thoughts about the themes covered in this book. I’d like to thank Vint Cerf, Rick Whitt, Matt Cutts, Franz Och, John Hanke and Dan Slater for sharing their knowledge, and for doing so in an open and often humorous manner.
At Digital Playground, Chris Ruth worked tirelessly to put me in touch with the right people and supplied me with one of my life’s most interesting experiences—certainly few writers can say they’ve had dinner with a gaggle of porn stars. I’d like to thank Ali Joone, Samantha Lewis and Farley Cahen for taking the time to discuss their business with me on several occasions, as well as their stars Jesse Jane and Stoya, for sharing their insights. Their views helped me see things from a different perspective and were much appreciated, despite Stoya’s saying I was “old” for making her call me on a landline.
I also owe a debt a gratitude to my employers at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, who gave me the time off I needed to work on this book. My friends and colleagues Ian Johnson and Andre Mayer each provided an invaluable edit and critique of my manuscript when it was done. Both pointed out some things that didn’t work and drew attention to some of my more annoying writing habits (which I have hopefully corrected). Alex Schultz and then Helen Reeves at Penguin also flexed their considerable editorial muscles in whipping the manuscript into shape, while Scott Steedman did an excellent job in tightening it up through his copy edit. I also must thank Jo Paul, who initially oversaw the Australian side of things for Allen & Unwin, and Sue Hines for riding the manuscript through to its conclusion. I am extremely indebted to everyone who edited the manuscript, as they helped shape the raw words I came up with into what I hope is an eminently readable book.
I must also thank my friends and family and ask their forgiveness for the neglect I was sometimes forced to visit on them. There were a number of birthday parties and social events I missed as I furiously tried to meet deadlines—I can only hope they understand, and next time I promise to organize my time better. I have to extend a special thanks to Claudette, who perhaps endured more of this than anyone. Her patience, understanding and encouragement rank her up there with the kindest of saints.
Last but not least, I must thank you, dear reader, for picking up this book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
And let’s not forget Paris Hilton, without whom none of this would have happened.