Earlier today I saw the announcement of a TV show about entrepreneurs.
I have mixed feelings about this reality show, with it’s American idol-esque presentation of startups and startup life. The more I think about it the more I realize how seriously double edged this blade of popularity is for the startup ecosystem. On one hand it will do wonders for the attraction of talent and we may someday surpass Wallstreet and Hollywood in desirability and sex appeal. But we must not become corrupted and forget why we do this. It’s not about the fame, glory or money. It’s about building products that transform the world and drive the human race forward.
August 3, 2011
Very well said. I really hope that The Social Network doesn’t sexify and glamorize the startup world like Wall Street did for finance in the 1980s. A whole generation of misguided college students ran off in pursuit of the world of trading and banking for all the wrong reasons.
Although this isn’t exactly the same train of thought, it definitely is on the same track: http://techcrunch.com/2011/07/30/humbug/
You should give it a read. Let me know what you think.
August 3, 2011
“It’s about building products that transform the world and drive the human race forward.” -> Good reminder. Thanks Max.