Automate This: How Algorithms Took Over Our Markets, Our Jobs, and the World Paperback – August 27, 2013

Automate This is a journey into the world of anything that can be automated, from stock picking to medical diagnosis. The author, Christopher Steiner, excels in telling stories and bringing interesting anecdotes to the reader. Although focused on the trading world, the book explores topics such as automated music creation, geopolitical analysis and poker playing.Automate This is about the stories and business applications of machine learning. It’s a pleasant reading for both people in the field and others. Practitioners will find interesting applications of machine learning, although without any technical details. People outside of the field will get a feeling of what can be done with data mining algorithms.Out of the second chapter, about the history of man and algorithms, I found the book really enjoying. Steiner’s book is also telling the story of Quants moving from the finance industry to the Silicon Valley. In summary, Automate This is an excellent book about machine learning, without mentioning it (the author uses the word “automated” for machine learning). Highly advised to anyone interested in knowing how machine learning is changing our world.

Algorithms are controlling us more and more. That algorithms can do routinized tasks we already know. Now they can produce and play a symphony à la Beethoven. We are discovering that creativity entails more routines than we was expecting. In fact, all dynamics, however complex and non-linear, have linear dimensions – this is the entry for methodic formalizations. We can do that in positivist mood, reducing complexity to invariant formulae. But we can do that as methodological ability to understand a complex phenomenon by its linear approaches. It’s vey impressing that a computer can easily beat chess champions, do good music, standardize human behavior etc. There is, in the background, a hard epistemological question: the mental tendency to approach complex problems by ordering them theoretically (in logical-experimental format) (we only understand what is ordered, logic, measurable), is it a necessity, an ability, or a defect? Do we understand variation only when we discover how variation invariably varies? Algorithms may suggest it. We are more programmable than we think! Very nice book.

I kept hearing this book referenced as a must-read look at the history of machine learning and AI. It is. The author shows the evolution of AI and machine learning more specifically industry by industry. It is a wake up call and call-to-arms not to fear the change which is at any rate happening and inevitable, but embrace reality to succeed in this brave new world. One word: algorithms. I loved everything framed along an historical framework being a history enthusiast. But as an artist and working in digital marketing strategy I truly appreciated this book's message and level-setting the background of everything I'm experiencing personally and professionally.Artist or marketer or strategist = must-read.

If you don't know what an algorithm is and are afraid to ask, you should read Christopher Steiner's book `Automate This', which answers the question in terms that are easy to understand. An algorithm is a specific set of instructions for a computer or a machine to carry out. Steiner shows that algorithms are ubiquitous, and they are behind things you wouldn't expect, like the music you listen to, the prescription medicines you take, even the games you play. Algorithms are playing increasingly large roles in our lives, and it's interesting to know how these mathematical models are being applied to everyday tasks and how they might shape our future.The book opens with the story of Thomas Peterffy, one of the first people to get rich using algorithms. He is one of the major innovators in automated trading, developing algorithms that compare security factors and issue buy and sell orders whenever the market is right. This system is much more efficient than using traders in the pit, sidestepping the human element and performing Peterffy's trades at the speed of light. In 1987, Peterffy directly connected the NASDAQ terminal to his trading computer. This scheme was perfect until the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) shut down the operation, insisting that he couldn't tap directly into the NASDAQ cable, because it gave him an unfair advantage over human traders. Not wanting to lose millions of dollars, Peterffy wasted no time in making a machine that could read prices off the NASDAQ terminal using a camera, and type in orders via a machine that physically typed out commands on a keyboard. Because this technology was so new, there wasn't any way that the FTC could insist on having to get a human to type out commands.Steiner shows how Algorithms are being used to write prescriptions to overcome the limitations of human doctors. These prescriptions will be handled by IBM's `Watson', a computer famous for beating Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings. Watson now has algorithms that can `read' your expressions and determine what a patient is trying to say. By overcoming bias and easy answers, Watson can find out if a patient has a rare disease that human doctors would not normally detect.In another example, Steiner explains how Jason Brown, a guitar-playing mathematician, used algorithms and audio equipment to figure out the exact notes of the opening chord to the Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night." Until a few years ago, nobody had ever been able to figure out exactly what notes lead guitarist George Harrison was playing. Brown discovered that the recording was actually a combination of notes played simultaneously by Harrison and John Lennon on guitar, and George Martin on the piano. Now, Pandora and other music recommendation sites use the same kind of algorithms to figure out what kind of music you're likely to listen to.The information is presented in lay terms for anybody interested in data and programming, and Steiner presents entertaining and inspiring anecdotes that build the background for the algorithms. Steiner's optimism about the future of us and algorithms along with his concise explanations make the book very enjoyable to read and easy to understand. `Automate This' does a great job of explaining the uses and possible innovations for algorithms, from Wall Street to music to social media.

In Automate This, journalist Christopher Steiner, discusses the ways in which algorithms are increasingly mediating and augmenting everyday life through their deployment in a variety of industries. He makes a persuasive case, using a series of well told stories that focus on the activities of particular pioneers of creating and using algorithms. The result is an engaging and informative read that largely celebrates the development and use of algorithms and their creators, and congratulates them for finding ways to make themselves incredibly rich whilst improving the lot of mankind through better health care, financial trading, music production, a multitude of apps, etc.That said, the book suffers from a couple of troubling flaws. First, the narrative almost exclusively focuses on the development and use of algorithms in the United States, as if it’s the font of all global computing and algorithmic innovation. And second, and more problematic, is the almost total absence of any critical analysis of algorithms, the logic and rational instrumentality underpinning their use, and their wider effects on social and economic systems. Sure, the use of algorithms has its benefits, but there are also all kinds of risks and social, political and economic consequences to their use, including wide-scale economic restructuring and job losses. Occasionally Steiner acknowledges some of these risks and effects, usually in a throwaway sentence, before quickly moving on, with the suggestion that the benefits out-weigh the risks and better algorithms will address most present shortcomings. No serious attention is paid to forms of algorithmic governance or their uses in surveillance, social sorting, filtering and profiling, nor the inherent contradictions in rendering labour redundant and therefore unable to buy the goods and services algorithms create. The result is an interesting and largely optimistic book that lacks analytic depth and critical reflection. Nonetheless I have recommended it to several folk, with the warning to keep that caveat in mind.

Title of the book is a bit misleading. It is not a book about algorithms, it is a book about people who use and above all create algorithms and develop their various applications. These are not obviously two totally different stories, but decision to bring algorithms closer to the public from the perspective of their users and developers has two important consequences. The first one is that the book feels lively and engaging as it is naturally easier to follow the story of real human beings and to sympathize with their almost adventurous ups and downs. For some readers it might add flavor to the story, for others it might be irritating, it's up to individual judgment. The second consequence is that the book could gain from more direct and simple structuring of the views that the author wants to convey. That's a choice the author made: key topic suggested by the book title is introduced via case studies of some prominent algorithm pioneers in the world of finance, banking, trading etc and their stories determine the flow of narration. For a book on a subject as rigidly structured as algorithms, this kind of approach seems to be apparently in a bit of a contradiction with the subject it aims to cover. From this point of view the book is missing a more holistic approach to what algorithms as such are - that could be a good introduction to the story. Secondly, it could gain some value from a more structured view i.e. one that would be clearly dividing algorithms from their application or any other point of view as there are probably a lot of reasonable categorization opportunities. Having said that, I guess implementing my remarks could actually spoil the pleasure of reading the book as they would bring it closer to a school textbook which it was not intended to be. So it is a certain trade-off, and it still seems to be the best in the category of "popular writing on algorithms" at moment of publicizing this review at least. That's why I rate it high.And the last remark. I do write these reviews with my professional background that I cannot and don't want to escape from - marketing. And as a marketer I bet the book would gain a lot from including a marketing dedicated chapter, as algorithms together with "Big Data" will clearly shape the future of mass marketing operation routines especially in businesses like telco, banking, retail and many more. "Algorithms applications in marketing" it's an idea for the book that I hereby publically proclaim in a hope of some talented writer getting inspired.

Good overall review of algorithms and their various usages in industry today, with a particular focus on Wall Street, however very little detail on technologies used.I read this book following on from "The Great Acceleration" (which I would recommend). This book was referenced a few times in the book, but past the key points mentioned in that book, this added little value.If you're interested in automation and machine learning but not technical, this is a good overview, past that I'd look to other books to inspire you.

Very disappointed with this book. It's mostly focused on the financial industry and the book gives no insight into where the whole thing is going. The learning in this book could be summarized in a couple of pages at most.

Me agradó este libro ya que toca temas muy específicos de una manera sencilla de entender, pues no todas las personas tenemos los mismos conocimientos técnicos y la terminología puede ser un poco complicada o confusa para alguien que nunca ha trabajado con estos, el autor hace la lectura bastante amena.La tecnología es un campo que evoluciona constantemente ayudándonos a resolver problemas que tenemos día a día y constantemente estamos buscando maneras de mejorar el tiempo que nos toma dicho problema. Actualmente las empresas quieren mejorar o automatizar sus procesos, esto para mejorar el tiempo de respuesta en sus procesos e ir a la vanguardia con el mundo tecnológico para ganar más y nuevos clientes y sobreponerse con sus competidores.El tema central de este libro son los algoritmos y la manera en que han ido evolucionando a lo largo de los años, se inicia con una breve historia de lo que sucedió en 2010 donde nos explica cómo se movieron los mercadores durante el “Flash Crash” donde los mercados de valores tuvieron una caída considerable conforme pasaban los minutos hasta estar cerca de los 1000 puntos a la baja, conforme fue pasando el día los mercados se pudieron reestablecer poco a poco, en esta breve explicación nos dice cómo pueden afectar los algoritmos si son dejados sin supervisión.Al leer este libro se no abre una gran ventana de cómo están funcionando en conjunto la tecnología y las finanzas, pero claro que se puede aplicar a cualquier otro campo como la medicina, es una gran oportunidad para todo aquel que quiera entender cómo funcionan sin involucrase en la parte de programación.

Este libro es una historia sobre cómo los algoritmos han ido creciendo dentro de nuestra sociedad, cómo los hemos ido dejando que crezcan, cómo los hemos utilizado, etc.Esto no es sólo miel sobre hojuelas, ya que si bien te explica todo lo bueno de ellos, también te cuenta casos en los que los algoritmos han tenido algún mal funcionamiento y han alterado la información de la que estaban a cargo. Y esto aunque podría ser complicado de entender, el autor lo hace de una manera bastante sencilla para que la gente que no sepa nada de inteligencia artificial, programación, etc. Lo entienda sin mayor problema. Si bien de repente es algo técnico en su forma de explicar un problema, como lo va explicando, va esclareciendo las dudas que podrían haberse generado por la falta de conocimientos respectivos al área de la que se está hablando.Es un libro orientado a todo el público y me parece que es bastante sencillo de leer porque te hace sumérgirte en él y casi no soltarlo hasta que lo termines, aparte de que tiene ejemplos con los que te puedes identificar, el primero y más sencillo es un ejemplo sobre como el algoritmo de Amazon tiene un problema que infla de sobremanera sus precios con el afán de hacer que los precios de algunos artículos estén parejos. Este ejemplo me atrapó porque dije "Claro. Sí me ha pasado... ¿Por qué pasa?" Y seguí leyendo.Recomendado para un viaje en carro corto (2 a 4 horas).

En lo personal se me hizo un libro bueno, ya que aborda temas específicos de una manera muy ligera y muy fácil de entender.Su tema principal es sobre los algoritmos y como han ganado terreno en el mundo y en las diversas industrias que existen, el nombre de automatizar es referente a lo que ha sucedido en las industrias en las que se han realizado múltiples algoritmos, mostrando un gran beneficio a cada una de ellas, no solamente en realizar tareas si no en agilizar las que ya se tienen para lo cual cada una de las industrias utilizan para tener mayor fuerza dependiendo el uso que le den ellos a los algoritmos.Es un libro que está bien definido, es agradable la lectura para cualquier persona que quiera saber más sobre cómo funcionan las cosas, no está enfocado únicamente a un sector tecnológico o financiero, que en mi opinión son las personas a las que más les puede servir este tipo de libros pero no es exclusivo de ellos, alguna persona que no sepa programar o que no sepa crear algoritmos o no encuentre la inspiración para realizarlos, este libro es bueno para eso, ya que en cada capítulo y en cada ejemplo que nos da, te envuelve un poco más en el papel tan importante que están tomando los algoritmos en el mundo, si bien nos muestra que tan útiles son los algoritmos también es necesario tener en cuenta que también nos pueden hacer dependientes de ellos por eso la importancia de entenderlos y de animarnos a generar nuevos algoritmos para poder garantizar la no dependencia de los mismos, para que no lleguemos a tener que necesitarlos para sobrevivir si no nosotros usarlos para beneficio nuestro.

Steiner hat interessante Gesprächspartner an Land gezogen, die wirklich etwas zu erzählen haben, wie Thomas Peterffy, Pionier automatisierter Handelssysteme und Gründer von Interactive Brokers; McCready, ein Musiker, der einen Algorithmus entwickelt hat, der potentielle Chart-Hits identifizieren kann, und einem Song eines anderen Musikers Namens Ben Novak tatsächlich zu kommerziellem Erfolg verholfen hat; David Cope, dessen Programme Kompositionen im Stil von - je nach Wunsch - Bach, Mozart, Rachmaninoff usw. schreiben können und dabei von den Orginalen selbst von Experten kaum zu unterscheiden sind (  Virtual Music: Computer Synthesis of Musical Style  ); Bueno de Mesquita, der mit spieltheoretischen Modellen politische Entwicklungen vorhersagt(  The Predictioneer's Game: Using the Logic of Brazen Self-Interest to See and Shape the Future  ) und einige mehr, die von auomatischer psychologischer Persönlichkeitsklassifikation, Hochleistungsglasfaserkabeln, computergestützter medizinischer Diagnostik, Datenverarbeitung bei Facebook usw. erzählen.Obwohl ich solche Themen auch sonst verfolge, war doch einiges für mich neu und spannend. Schwach ist nur das Kapitel über die geschichtliche Entwicklung von Algorithmen. Der Autor hat pflichtbewusst ein paar Bücher gelesen und rattert bekannte Mathematiker wie Gauss und Euler herunter, mehrfach mit dem undifferenzierten Verweis, daß mit deren Erkenntnissen heutzutage Millionen an der Wall Street verdient werden. Gestört hat mich außerdem der teilweise reisserische journalistische Schreibstil, wobei das vermutlich von Verlegern gefordert wird. Kleinere Ungenauigkeiten lassen sich auch finden, z.B. wird Black-Scholes als Algorithmus bezeichnet, und Händel und Haydn trotz 50 Jahre Altersunterschied als Zeitgenossen. Virtual Music: Computer Synthesis of Musical StyleThe Predictioneer's Game: Using the Logic of Brazen Self-Interest to See and Shape the Future

Steiner certainly did his homework. This book is very informative and revealing and concise in its way. Other books on this subject end up being large tomes with more filler than good digestible food. If you read nothing else in this book, the first chapter makes it worth the buy! Steiner illuminates you adeptly and shows you the essence and effects of what happens when automation takes over for humans. It is as scary as it is optimistic. Pulls the wool from over your eyes; draws back the curtain and reveals the wizard of oz, kind of knowledge you will now have; and the burden you will carry. Caveat Emptor!!

As a reader of several tech blogs I thought I would be up to date to what is happening in the tech world. Indeed I was not. The reason is simple. Tech blogs are extended arm of marketing departments - other developments are kept almost secret.In "Automate this - How algorithms came to rule our world" Steiner managed to interview some of the hidden masterminds - even of companies operating mostly in stealth mode. A creator of an algorithm turning his "child" into a cashcow has no need to tell the world about it! Steiner tells diverse success stories where algorithms really start "to rule the world". Every aspect of life is indeed affected - and any job: lawyers, doctors, psychiatrists, salesmen, journalists, artists, truck drivers, financial businessmen and many other. Steiner brilliantly brings light into the fight for talents between Wall Street and other tech companies. The chapter about psychologic analysis of humans by algorithms was to me the most fascinating. The astounding findings of Kahler and Capers are in Germany nearly unknown and not present in university lectures.This is a book any person with base knowledge of information technology should read. It covers even the latest developments until end of 2011. Psychologists should as well read "The Process Therapy Model - The Six Personality Types With Adaptations" of Dr. Taibi Kahler directly - available via US-version of amazon.

Excellent !

Automate is a nice book on how digital technology grew in various areas during is inception.I am keeping the hard bound copy.

Joe Pulizzi, the founder of Content Marketing Institute, mentioned this book in his podcast, "Content Inc." I'm very glad he did. Being a Swiss journalist turned PR writer then content marketer I'm no techie at all.I do have a vague idea though of how lines of code are taking over important tasks in my world: the Google search engine and algorithms of Amazon or of networks like Linkedin are probably the most important ones affecting my life already, today. Marketing automation is becoming a thing in my industry and as a teacher on writing better copy I've been asking myself how long it might take until machines will take over the writing work anyway – and what part of the process might remain with us, humans.This book seems "old" (2012) measured by the speed of of current tech developments. But it was a great read for me. Christopher Steiner masterfully made it easy for me to follow along and I love his insights, examples and little stories.The book has opened up my world quite a bit bringing me a) better understanding, b) less fear of not understanding what the term algorithms stands for, c) an interest in becoming part of the development of this big data industry (I suffer no shortage of ideas). And d) it adds to the strategic thinking for my own business.Some ideas that I had died a sudden death during the reading of this book because one thing has become very clear to me now: At least in the services industry, work with data and do it the smart way or better don't even call yourself a business person.