Wikinomics is a great read for anyone interested in social media, communities and collaboration. And Toronto’s Third Tuesday social media meetup group will have a chance on February 20 to discuss Wikinomics with Anthony Williams, who co-authored the book with Don Tapscott.

If you haven’t read Wikinomics yet, here are a few samples of what Williams and Tapscott have written:

“Twenty years from now we will look back at this period of the early twenty-first century as a critical turning point in economic and social history. We will understand that we entered a new age, one based on new principles, worldviews, and business models where the nature of the game was changed.”

“…profound changes in the nature of technology, demographics, and the global economy are giving rise to powerful new models of production based on community, collaboration, and self-organization rather than on hierarchy and control.”

“… four principles – openness, peering, sharing, and acting globally – increasingly define how twenty-first-century corporations compete.”

“… firms that cultivate nimble, trust-based relationships with external collaborators are positioned to form vibrant business ecosystems that create value more effectively than hierarchically organized businesses.”

“While the old Web was about Web sites, clicks and “eyeballs,” the new Web is about the communities, participation and peering.”

“A power shift is underway, and a tough new business rule is emerging: Harness the new collaboration or perish.”

Wikinomics speaks directly to the collaborative and creative challenges and opportunities that are sweeping through marketing and communications. Lots of great ideas persuasively advanced.

If you plan to be in or near Toronto on February 20, don’t miss this event. Register on meetup.com to attend the Third Tuesday session with Anthony Williams.