I used to be a big fan of this book, but every time I tried applying the principles, I only did it in the 1-2 "insipired" weeks, right after reading or re-reading the book. Then, as time passed, I gradually shifted into my old habits.

I used to blame my weak willpower for a while for that - but now I think the problem could be with the book itself. I feel the problem is that this book focuses too much on the 'outside', the presentation layer, instead of the 'inside'. It's how to act like you're a successful, popular person with lots of friends, even if you're far from it on the inside.

Of course, many have noted that acting "as if" will eventually turn you into that person, I think that's true only if you actively focus on that goal. The book does not. It only occasionally pays lip service to "inner character" (ten pages about smiling a lot... and in the end "oh by the way, you actually have to be nice for this to work").

Having said that, I still think it's a very good book for many geeks who have no idea about social norms at all, to provide as sort of tutorial on this topic.