Jpod could have been brilliant!  It is often referred to as the sequel to Microserfs, but only because both books have software developers as the central theme.

Why do I say “could have been brilliant”?  Doug Coupland has some excellent ideas in the book - but then really doesn’t compound them, rather he tries to be clever but comes across as arrogant.  For example, writing himself in as a character (and then trying to be ironic, casting himself as an asshole), wasting countless pages on random numbers and so on.

The basic plot is really good, but I have read impossible story-lines from him that are just sublime and excellent (anything actually - I like Microserfs to The Gum Thief), but this just lacks the follow through on the ideas.

He hints at times about writing for the pay-cheque - I really think this was the motivation.  50% inspiration, 50% fluff, 100% HSBC.

Avoid like the plague and read, Generation X, Microserfs, Girlfriend In A Coma, Eleanor Rigby, Most Families Are Psychotic et al. instead!