Editorial Review:
This is the book that will show anyone how to discern true signs of change. Here are the hottest tips on what to expect from the economy and technology, arts and entertainment, politics and society at large. Written by a public relations expert, this new insider's guide goes beyond other books on forecasting by revealing the hows and whys of "trendSpotting," offering hundreds of compelling predictions, and revealing how these ideas will impact your life. With TrendSpotting, the future's in your hands.
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Customer Reviews
Average Customer Rating: 
Much more a "what" book than a "how" one  2005-01-29
I expect this book to tell me "how" to spot the trend. Instead, it keeps on telling me "what" (10 chapters out of 11) experts predicted on or before 2002. Today is 29th Jan 2005 and well it's natural for me to comment that it is quite outdated and irrelevant.
In short, not recommended.
p.s. To justify my rating of the book, below please find the ten ways (taglines) to be a better trendspotter from the last and only relevant chapter for your reference.
1. Faddy Trends
2. Note + Phone + Mail
3. Books for the lover
4. This web I am tangled in (websites)
5. News or lose (newsletter)
6. Grassroots trendspotting from our packed files (talk to experts who would be moved by your enthusiasm)
7. Trade Ya! (trade and non-mainstream magazines)
8. Pay attention to little guys (Alan Greenspan would track something as seemingly insignificant as the production and sale of packing paper)
9. Information, please. (newspapers)
10. Anything rhyme with Google?
Great read for beginning futurists 2004-07-09
Richard Laermer presents a entertaining and informative look at the future in "Trendspotting." Laermer takes a holistic approach to envisioning the future, focusing on entertainment and spirituality as well as technology. This is important, as trends converge and combine in unexpected ways -- which is the central challenge of futurism. "Trendspotting" also strikes a balance between optimism and a wariness of unanticipated consequences, which sets it apart from the Internet-will-change-everything enthusiasm of future guides of just a couple of years ago.One thing "Trendspotting" is not is in-depth... which is not necessarily a bad thing. The generalist approach makes it a great introductory text for beginning futurists. The book, however, has two funamental weaknesses. One is Laermer's very clear liberal bias. In of itself, that isn't a problem, but a more politically balanced viewpoint would allow the book to be even more enlightening. The second, more serious problem is not so much the fault of the book or author, but of time. My edition is dated 2002, and it makes absolutely no reference to the most profound events of our time: 9/11 and the subsequent war on terror. Books like this ought to be updated every year or so, as even the most subtle of current events can change the outlook of the future.
Does not deliver on it's promise.  2003-11-30
I have read a number of trendspotting books over the years, and this one does not deserve a place in this genre.
There are three major shortfallings:
1. Laermer makes the crucial error of letting his liberal/progressive political bias affect his interpretation of culture. I agree with his politics to a great extent, but introducing it into his research affects his perceptions and make his findings shallow. This is most obvious where he discusses "The Family" and "Spirituality" where he is clearly an outsider.
2. Unlike genuine trendspotting books by Rushkoff, Naisbitt, Toffler and Popcorn, this book does not offer any new thesis in decoding culture. Why is there only one chapter on the "how" of trendspotting?
The book should really be titled "My Trendspotting".
3. The back cover claims "original insights" from various industry insiders. Don't be misled, these guys don't get much input in the book, and they are also hampered by their own interests or bias.
I suggest you use the Amazon browse feature and read a few pages before you make your purchasing decision, and compare it with serious trend spotting books by the authors mentioned above.
Wake up and smell the future guide  2002-04-01
Clues to the future are right in front of those willing to look for and use them. The author's easy to read prose, personal point of view and down to earth tales, provide often funny examples of how to ride or miss the opportunity boat. This book is a definite read for researchers trying to spot the next "Big Blue."
Forward thinking at its best 2002-03-18
Mr. Laermer has his finger on the pulse of America and the world. This book is the true guide to where we are moving as a society. Bravo
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