Comments on: Preparing for Chaos – the Life of a Startup

By: spy bugs

spy bugs — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:14:27 +0000

Thanks a lot, wonderful post.

By: Dave O'Flynn

Dave O'Flynn — Sun, 03 May 2009 23:09:35 +0000

Steve,

I’d like to echo Patrick’s desire for more of your perspective on National Service. Our backgrounds are very different… and you have a lot more experience than I

Cheers,
Dave.

By: Dmitriy

Dmitriy — Fri, 01 May 2009 00:44:28 +0000

Would love to read Steve’s views on social science experiments that have been going on in this country for the last 36 years. Especially on where are they likely to get us (the country and the tech industry) in the short-, medium- and long-term.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Fri, 01 May 2009 00:11:50 +0000

Hi Steve,

Please expound on your thoughts regarding National Service.

Best,
Patrick

By: steveblank

steveblank — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:11:41 +0000

Dave,
Short answer, is that we’ve run a 36 year social science experiment and the results are in.
My read is that I don’t think the outcome has been good for the country.
I can expand if you think there might be general interest on this blog.

steve

By: steveblank

steveblank — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:03:58 +0000

Ray,
The glib answer is yes, it’s a great time to start a company for all the reasons you suggest.
The realistic answer is that you need to be sure you have the financial resources to see you through what will be an extended downturn. And that you and your significant other have thought through the consequences of financial failure in this economy.
If you can do that you may find a clearer playing field.

steve

By: Dave O'Flynn

Dave O'Flynn — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 03:01:46 +0000

“Both reminded me why National Service would be a very good idea.”

I’m interested in why you think this is a good idea? It’s not something I’ve heard often from those in the technology sphere.

By: Ray Debs

Ray Debs — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:55:22 +0000

Hi Steve,

I am thoroughly enjoying reading your blog posts, and looking forward to more. I have been in a couple of startups, and am trying to gird myself up to do a couple myself. I really appreciate you sharing your learning.

What are your thoughts about doing a startup in a down economy? Besides it being harder to get funding, it seems like this would be a good time to get cheap labor, rent, and product. Also, it would be nice to do something that helps this country (but not solely for that reason).

I am also a pilot, and computer engineer, and love to read stories about sigint and black aircraft programs.

Thank you,
Ray Debs

By: Morteza Tatlari

Morteza Tatlari — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:05:25 +0000

Concise and priceless; thanks.