From: asteal@primus.net (Justin Petersen)
Subject: "The Watchman" by Jon Littman
Date: 1997/03/21
Message-ID: <5gtfv4$rvp@new-news.cc.brandeis.edu>#1/1
X-Deja-AN: 227215679
Distribution: brandeis
Organization: Default Usenet Organization
Newsgroups: alt.2600


Author Jon Littman has once again released a book about hackers, more
specifically, Kevin Poulsen, a.k.a. Dark Dante. Since I, (Agent Steal) am
featured in this "novel", I feel I should go on record and state that
Littman's prose once again falters in presenting the facts, and an unbiased
picture of his subjects. Disregarding the real story, Littman has chosen to
twist, slant, and lie in an attempt to make his book (in his opinion) more
interesting. It appears to simply be a ploy to create controversy and
ultimately sell more books. I suppose it also serves as a method to cover up
his lack of writing skill.

It is most unfortunate that Littman has chosen this route thus depriving the
reader of the true story. I should also point out that I am by far NOT alone
in this opinion. The vast majority of the people who know the real story,
including Kevin Poulsen, have spoken publicly about the inaccuracy of the
book. Littman's last "yarn", "The Fugitive Game", received identical
criticism from many, including the highly regarded New York Times reporter
John Markoff. It would seem that irresponsible journalism is part of Mr.
Littman's "style."

This critic gives "The Watchman" only one star and recommends picking up a
good book on Java programming instead.

Agent Steal a.k.a. Justin Petersen
asteal@primus.net