Exhibit 10.17

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                                With John Harris

      THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), is entered into by IDG Books
Worldwide, Inc. ("IDG Books") and (the "Executive") as of May 1, 2000, and will
be effective on such date hereinafter called ("the Commencement Date")

      IDG Books desires to employ the Executive and the Executive desires to be
employed by IDG Books. In consideration of the mutual covenants and promises
contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1.    Term of Employment: The term of employment of Executive by IDG Books
      hereunder shall commence upon the date of this Agreement (the
      "Commencement Date") and shall continue thereafter on the same terms and
      conditions for a period of four years unless earlier terminated pursuant
      to Section 6 (such term being hereinafter referred to as the "Employment
      Period"). The term of employment is subject to automatic renewal for
      successive one year terms unless either party shall have notified the
      other in writing not less than 90 days prior to the then current
      expiration date of the Agreement of such party's determination not to
      renew the Agreement.

2.    Title; Duties: The Executive shall serve as Senior Vice President and
      Chief Financial Officer of IDG Books reporting to the President and Chief
      Operating Officer of IDG Books. Executive shall perform those duties and
      responsibilities inherent in such position, including such duties and
      responsibilities as President of IDG Books shall assign. The Executive
      agrees to devote his full time and best efforts, attention and energies to
      the business and interests of IDG Books. Executive shall serve IDG Books
      faithfully and to the best of his ability in such capacities, devoting his
      full business time, attention, knowledge, energy and skills to such
      employment.

3.    Compensation: IDG Books shall pay and Executive shall accept as full
      consideration for his services hereunder, compensation consisting of the
      following:

      3.1   Base Salary. Effective on the Commencement Date, $200,000 per year
            base salary, subject to potential increase, in accordance with the
            policies of IDG Books from time to time, payable in bi-weekly
            installments in accordance with IDG Books' normal payroll practices,
            less such deductions or withholdings required by law.

      3.2   Bonus. Participation in the IDG Books' Incentive Bonus Plan
            equivalent to 100% of your earned base salary, with respect to each
            FY; the FY 00 bonus is tied to FY 00 board approved EBIT target as
            outlined in Exhibit A. Such bonus participation shall be effective
            on your Commencement Date. The Bonus Plan in place on the
            Commencement Date shall remain in effect for fiscal year 2000. You
            are guaranteed a FY 00 bonus of $83,000.

      3.3   Stock Options. Executive will be granted a stock option for 100,000
            shares (the "Option") under the IDG Books Stock Option Plan (the
            "Stock Option Plan"). The Option price shall be established as the
            closing price on the day preceding the Commencement Date unless
            otherwise prohibited by SEC regulations/laws. The

<PAGE>

            Option shall become vested to the extent of 25% on the first
            anniversary of the Commencement Date and 2.08% monthly for
            thirty-six months thereafter (the "Option Exercise Period") on the
            last day of each month during which Executive remains employed with
            IDG Books. The Compensation Committee and Board of Directors will
            review potential additional stock option grants effective for each
            Fiscal Year.

      3.4   A relocation agreement and package will be agreed upon and
            forthcoming as an attachment. A maximum of $75,000 will be
            reimbursed to you against approved receipts or paid directly by the
            company where appropriate. An advance against the $75,000 maximum
            relocation will be considered as per the offer letter.

4.    Benefits: Subject to all applicable eligibility requirements, and legal
      limitations, Executive will be able to participate in any and all ESOP,
      401(k), vacation, medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
      and/or other benefit plans which from time to time may be established for
      other employees of IDG Books and comparable Senior Managers in the
      company.

5.    Reimbursement of Expenses: IDG Books will reimburse Executive for all
      reasonable travel, entertainment and other expenses incurred or paid by
      the Executive in connection with, or related to, the performance of his
      duties, responsibilities or services under this Agreement.

6.    Benefit Upon Termination of Employment Period.

      6.1   Disability. In the event of the permanent disability (as hereinafter
            defined) of Executive during the Employment Period, IDG Books shall
            have the right, upon written notice to Executive, to terminate
            Executive's employment hereunder, effective upon the 30th calendar
            day following the giving of such notice (or such later day as shall
            be specified in such notice). Upon the effectiveness of such
            termination, (i) IDG Books shall have no further obligations
            hereunder, except to pay and provide, subject to applicable
            withholding, (A) all amounts of Base Salary accrued, but unpaid, at
            the effective date of termination, less any amounts payable under
            the IDG Book's short-term and long-term disability policies for any
            period prior to termination, (B) Executive's maximum target bonus
            set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto, and (C) all reasonable
            unreimbursed business-related expenses, (ii) the Option and any
            additional options granted pursuant to Section 3.3 shall immediately
            vest and become exercisable to the extent of twelve additional
            months of vesting and shall remain exercisable for twelve months
            following termination of employment and (iii) Executive shall have
            no further obligations hereunder other than those provided for in
            Sections 9 and 10 hereof. All amounts payable to Executive pursuant
            to this Section 6(a) shall be payable within 30 days following the
            effectiveness of the termination of Executive's employment. For
            purposes of this Agreement, "permanent disability" shall be
            determined in the same manner as such term is determined under IDG
            Book's long-term disability insurance policy by the policy provider;
            provided that termination shall occur only if Executive is incapable
            in any material respect of performing the services required of him
            in accordance with his obligations under Section 2 for a period of
            180 consecutive days, or for 180 days in any 360 day period.

      6.2   Death. In the event of the death of Executive during the Employment
            Period, this Agreement shall automatically terminate and IDG Books
            shall have no further obligations hereunder, except to pay and
            provide to Executive's beneficiary or other legal representative,
            subject to applicable withholding, (i) all amounts of Base Salary
            and bonus accrued but unpaid, at the date of death, (ii) an amount
            equal to Executive's


                                        2
<PAGE>

            maximum target bonus, (iii) the Option and any additional options
            granted pursuant to Section 3.3 shall immediately vest and become
            exercisable to the extent of twelve additional months of vesting and
            shall remain exercisable for twelve months following termination of
            employment and (iv) all reasonable unreimbursed business-related
            expenses. All amounts payable to Executive pursuant to this Section
            6(b) shall be payable within 30 days following the date of death.

      6.3   Termination Without Cause. In the event of the termination of
            Executive's employment by IDG Books without Cause (as defined below)
            or upon the Executive's voluntary termination of his employment for
            Good Reason (as defined below), IDG Books shall pay (i) all amounts
            of Base Salary and bonus accrued but unpaid on the date of
            termination, (ii) a severance payment equal to Executive's Base
            Salary on the date of termination for a period of twelve months in
            twelve equal monthly installments, (iii) an amount equal to
            Executive's maximum target bonus set forth in Exhibit A attached
            hereto and (iv) the Option and any additional options granted
            pursuant to Section 3.3 shall immediately vest and become
            exercisable to the extent of twenty-four additional months of
            vesting and shall remain exercisable for 180 days following
            termination of employment; provided that if Executive's employment
            terminates pursuant to this Section within the first twelve months
            following the Commencement Date, Executive shall receive an amount
            equal to the Base Salary and maximum target bonus amount that would
            be paid but for such termination for the balance of the first three
            years of the Employment Period (but not the fourth year of the
            Employment Period) and such option vesting and exercisability shall
            continue for such Employment Period. Such payment and additional
            vesting shall be in lieu of any claims Executive may have had with
            respect to termination benefits or additional vesting.

      6.4   Circumstances Under Which Termination Benefits Would Not Be Paid.
            IDG Books shall not be obligated to pay Executive the termination
            benefits or continue the option vesting described in subparagraphs
            6.3 (ii) through (iv) above if the Employment Period is terminated
            for Cause or if Executive voluntarily terminates his employment
            other than for Good Reason (as defined below). IDG Books will give
            Executive written notice of any breach and provide a 30-day
            improvement/cure period. For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause"
            shall be limited to:

            (A)   Willful failure by Executive to substantially perform his
                  duties hereunder, other than a failure resulting from his
                  complete or partial incapacity due to physical or mental
                  illness or impairment;

            (B)   A material and willful violation of a federal or state law or
                  regulation applicable to the business of IDG Books or that
                  adversely affects the image of IDG Books;

            (C)   Commission of a willful act by Executive which constitutes
                  gross misconduct and is materially injurious to IDG Books;

            (D)   A willful breach of a material provision violation of this
                  Agreement; or

            (E)   Executive's death, or permanent disability pursuant to Section
                  6 above.

      6.5   Constructive Termination. Notwithstanding anything in Section 3 or
            in this Section 6 to the contrary, for purposes of this Agreement
            the Employment Period will be deemed to have been terminated and
            Executive will be deemed to have Good Reason for voluntary


                                        3
<PAGE>

            termination of the Employment Period ("Good Reason"), if there
            should occur in lieu of the provisions of Section 6.3:

            (A)   A material adverse change in Executive's position causing it
                  to be of materially less stature or responsibility without
                  Executive's written consent, and such a materially adverse
                  change shall in all events be deemed to occur if Executive no
                  longer serves as Chief Financial Officer reporting to the
                  President and Chief Operating Officer of IDG Books.

            (B)   A material reduction, without Executive's written consent, in
                  his level of base compensation (including base salary and
                  fringe benefits) by more than ten percent (10%);

            (D)   A Change in Control (as defined below) of IDG Books (other
                  than International Data Group assuming control of IDG Books);

            (E)   A relocation of Executive's principal place of employment
                  (other than a relocation of IDG Book's headquarters with the
                  concurrence of Management) outside the New York area, without
                  Executive's consent.

      7.0   Change in Control Benefits:

            Should there occur a Change in Control (as defined below), then the
            following provisions shall become applicable in lieu of the
            provisions of Section 6.3:

            (A) During the period (if any) following a Change in Control that
            Executive shall continue to remain employed, then the terms and
            provisions of this Agreement shall continue in full force and
            effect, and Executive shall continue to vest in all of his unvested
            stock options; or

            (B) In the event of (i) a termination of the Executive's employment
            by IDG Books other than for Cause within twelve (12) months after a
            Change in Control or (ii) Executive voluntarily terminates his
            employment for Good Reason within twelve (12) months after a Change
            in Control:

                  (i) IDG Books shall pay to Executive an amount equal to (A)
all amounts of Base Salary and bonus accrued to the date of termination and (B)
two hundred percent (200%) of Executive's Base Salary and maximum target bonus
set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto on the date of termination in one lump
sum amount, on or before the fifth business day following the effective date of
Executive's termination; and

                  (ii) All of the unvested options held by Executive on the date
of such Change in Control shall immediately vest and become exercisable in full
and shall remain exercisable for the period of 180 days following termination of
employment.

      For purposes of this Section 7, the term "Change of Control" shall mean:

            (x)   The sale, lease, conveyance, liquidation or other disposition
                  of all or substantially all of IDG Books' assets as an
                  entirety or substantially as an entirety to any person, entity
                  or group of persons acting in concert other than in the
                  ordinary course of business;

            (y)   Any transaction or series of related transactions (as a result
                  of a tender offer, merger, consolidation or otherwise) that
                  results in any Person (as defined in


                                        4
<PAGE>

                  Section 13(h)(8)(E) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934)
                  becoming the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under
                  the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), directly or indirectly,
                  of more than 50% of the aggregate voting power of all classes
                  of common equity of IDG Books, except if such Person is (A) a
                  subsidiary of IDG Books, (B) an employee stock ownership plan
                  for employees of IDG Books or (C) a company formed to hold IDG
                  Books' common equity securities and whose shareholders
                  constituted, at the time such company became such holding
                  company, substantially all the shareholders of IDG Books; or

            (z)   A change in the composition of IDG Books' Board of Directors
                  over a period of thirty-six (36) consecutive months or less,
                  such that a majority of the then current Board members ceases
                  to be comprised of individuals who either (a) have been Board
                  members continuously since the beginning of such period, or
                  (b) have been elected or nominated for election as Board
                  members during such period by at least a majority of the Board
                  members described in clause (a) who were still in office at
                  the time such election or nomination was approved by the
                  Board.

      In the event that the severance and other benefits provided to Executive
      pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement (i) constitute "parachute
      payments" within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code
      of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and (ii) but for this Section 7, such
      severance and benefits would be subject to the excise tax imposed by
      Section 4999 of the Code, then Executive's severance benefits under this
      Section 7 shall be payable either:

            (a)   in full,

            (b)   as to such lesser amount which would result in no portion of
                  such severance and other benefits being subject to excise tax
                  under Section 4999 of the Code, whichever of the foregoing
                  amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and
                  local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999,
                  results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of
                  the greatest amount of severance benefits under this
                  Agreement. Unless IDG Books and Executive otherwise agree in
                  writing, any determination required under this Section 7 shall
                  be made in writing by independent public accountants agreed to
                  by IDG Books and Executive (the "Accountants"), whose
                  determination shall be conclusive and binding upon Executive
                  and IDG Books for all purposes. For purposes of making the
                  calculations required by this Section 7, the Accountants may
                  make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning
                  applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith
                  interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G
                  and 4999 of the Code. IDG Books and Executive shall furnish to
                  the Accountants such information and documents as the
                  Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a
                  determination under this Section 7. IDG Books shall bear all
                  costs the Accountants may reasonably incur in connection with
                  any calculations contemplated by this Section 7.

8.    Arbitration: To the fullest extent permitted by law all controversies
      between Executive and the IDG Books, arising under this Agreement
      including whether any termination is with or without cause, will be
      submitted for resolution to binding arbitration in New York, New York or
      such other venue as may be mutually agreed to, in accordance with the
      rules of the American Arbitration Association. Discovery shall be
      permitted to the same extent as in a proceeding under the Federal Rules of
      Civil Procedure. The parties agree to mutually select a single arbiter.
      This means that except as otherwise stated, both IDG Books and the
      Executive understand that


                                       5
<PAGE>

      arbitration will be their exclusive forum for resolving disputes between
      them, and that both parties waive their entitlement, if any, to have
      controversies between them arising under this Agreement decided by a court
      or a jury. Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered
      in any court having jurisdiction thereof

9.    Cooperation with IDG Books After Termination of the Employment Period:
      Following termination of the Employment Period by Executive, Executive
      shall fully cooperate with IDG Books in all matters relating to the
      winding up of his pending work on behalf of IDG Books and the orderly
      transfer of any such pending work to other employees of IDG Books as may
      be designated by IDG Books.

10.   Confidentiality; Return of Property; NonSolicitation:

      (a)   The Executive acknowledges that during the Employment Period he will
            receive confidential information from IDG Books and subsidiaries of
            IDG Books and the respective clients thereof (each a "Relevant
            Entity"). Accordingly, the Executive agrees that during the
            Employment Period (as it may be extended from time to time) and
            thereafter for a period of two years, the Executive and his
            affiliates shall not except in the performance of his obligations to
            IDG Books hereunder or as may otherwise be approved in advance by
            IDG Books, directly or indirectly, disclose or use (except for the
            direct benefit of IDG Books) any confidential information that he
            may learn or has learned by reason of his association with any
            Relevant Entity. Upon termination of this Agreement, the Executive
            shall promptly return to IDG Books any and all properties, records
            or papers of any Relevant Entity, that may have been in his
            possession at the time of termination, whether prepared by the
            Executive or others, including, but not limited to, confidential
            information and keys. For purposes of this Agreement, "confidential
            information" includes all data, analyses, reports, interpretations,
            forecasts, documents and information concerning a Relevant Entity
            and its affairs, including, without limitation with respect to
            clients, products, policies, procedures, methodologies, trade
            secrets and other intellectual property, systems, personnel,
            confidential reports, technical information, financial information,
            business transactions, business plans, prospects or opportunities,
            (i) that IDG Books reasonably believes are confidential or (ii) the
            disclosure of which could be injurious to a Relevant Entity or
            beneficial to competitors of a Relevant Entity, but shall exclude
            any information that the Executive is required to disclose under any
            applicable laws, regulations or directives of any government agency,
            tribunal or authority having jurisdiction in the matter or under
            subpoena or other process of law. For purposes of this Agreement,
            "affiliate" means any entity that, directly or indirectly, is
            controlled by, or under common control with, the Executive. For
            purposes of this definition, the terms "controlled" and "under
            common control with" means the possession, direct or indirect, of
            the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and
            policies of such person, whether through the ownership of voting
            stock, by contract or otherwise.

      (b)   For a period of one (1) year following the termination of his
            employment with IDG Books for any reason, he will not, without IDG
            Books' express written consent, either on his own behalf or on
            behalf of another, solicit employees of IDG Books or any subsidiary
            of IDG Books for the purpose of hiring them.

      (c.)  Noncompetition. Executive acknowledges the reasonability of IDG
            Books seeking appropriate "noncompete" provisions under certain
            circumstances, other than if this Agreement is not extended beyond
            the four


                                        6
<PAGE>

            year Employment Period as set forth in Section 1 hereof. IDG Books
            and Executive agree that they will apply best efforts and negotiate
            in good faith to add a noncompete covenant with mutually agreed to
            terms and conditions (consistent with comparable agreements and
            practice for similarly senior executives in the book publishing
            business) as an amendment to this Agreement within sixty days of its
            execution.

11.   General:

      11.1  Indemnification. In the event Executive is made, or threatened to be
            made, a party to any legal action or proceeding, whether civil or
            criminal, solely by reason of the fact that Executive is or was a
            director or officer of IDG Books or serves or served any other
            corporation fifty percent (50%) or more owned or controlled by IDG
            Books in any capacity at IDG Books' request, Executive shall be
            indemnified by IDG Books, and IDG Books shall pay Executive's
            related expenses when and as incurred, all to the fullest extent
            permitted by law.

      11.2  Waiver. Neither party shall, by mere lapse of time, without giving
            notice or taking other action hereunder, be deemed to have waived
            any breach by the other party of any of the provisions of this
            Agreement. Further, the waiver by either party of a particular
            breach of this Agreement by the other shall neither be construed as,
            nor constitute a, continuing waiver of such breach or of other
            breaches by the same or any other provision of this Agreement.

      11.3  Severability. If for any reason a court of competent jurisdiction or
            arbitrator finds any provision of this Agreement to be
            unenforceable, the provision shall be deemed amended as necessary to
            conform to applicable laws or regulations, or if it cannot be so
            amended without materially altering the intention of the parties,
            the remainder of the Agreement shall continue in full force and
            effect as if the offending provision were not contained herein.

      11.4  Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted
            to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
            considered effective upon personal service or upon transmission of a
            facsimile or the deposit with Federal Express or in Express Mail and
            addressed to the President/Chief Operating Officer of IDG Books as
            its principal corporate address, and to Executive at his most recent
            address shown on IDG Books' corporate records, or at any other
            address which he may specify in any appropriate notice to IDG Books.

      11.5  Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
            counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of
            which taken together constitutes one and the same instrument and in
            making proof hereof it shall not be necessary to produce or account
            for more than one such counterpart.

      11.6  Entire Agreement. The parties hereto acknowledge that each has read
            this Agreement, understands it, and agrees to be bound by its terms.
            The parties further agree that this Agreement and the referenced
            stock option agreements shall constitute the complete and exclusive
            statement of the agreement between the parties and supersedes all
            proposals (oral or written), understandings, representations,
            conditions, covenants, and all other communications between the
            parties relating to the subject matter hereof.


                                        7
<PAGE>

      11.7  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the law of the
            State of New York.

      11.8  Assignment and Successors. IDG Books shall have the right to assign
            its rights and obligations under this Agreement to an entity which
            acquires substantially all of the assets of IDG Books. The rights
            and obligation of IDG Books under this Agreement shall inure to the
            benefit and shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of IDG
            Books.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date
first above written.

Dated:        3/28/00                            /s/ John M. Harris
       -------------------------            -----------------------------
                                            Executive

Dated:        4/5/00                       IDG Books Worldwide, Inc.
       -------------------------


                                            By: /s/ William G. Barry
                                               --------------------------
                                            As President and Chief Operating
                                            Officer of IDG Books Worldwide, Inc.

                                        8