I’m borrowing from Thomas Mann, but it’s possibly more true today than when he said it 50+ year ago. Especially in this endless season of presidential politics, it seems like we’re surrounded. On the Democratic side, it doesn’t look like things will settle down for awhile. I’m sure we’ll be sick to death of it by this summer, but in general, I think having a choice is a good thing. If I lived in a state that had yet to hold its primary, I would want a choice. I’d probably be offended by people saying we need to unite around a single candidate right now. Yeah, the below the belt politics isn’t productive, but democracy is about choice, right?

If you’re in the tech business, it’s hard to miss the battle that’s going on between TechCrunch and DEMO. I won’t rehash it — just check the blogs (and here) to see where the lines are drawn. It comes down to money and power, just like politics. Different business models for sure, but they’re not in this for altruism. And that’s just fine with me. We advise companies on how and where to launch products, so I like the choice. I realize any company that’s engaged a PR firm like ours for its launch is probably not going to have a problem scraping together the fees for DEMO, but nonetheless, I like the idea of choosing from the launch platform that makes most sense. We certainly had that in the past with DEMO and PC Forum. Each had its own distinct vibe. And the fact that they were held at different times made it easier for a young company, antsy to get its product launched, to get out in the market at the right time. Different timing meant the companies stood a chance at rising about the noise in the press coverage that inevitably resulted from those events.

If I were an entrepreneur weighing TechCrunch50 and DEMO right now and trying to decide what to do, I’d be bummed. Not only is the audience fractured, but it will be even harder to get noticed in the flurry of coverage during those few days. A little breathing room would have given all of us a lot more choice.

Silicon Valley, Uncategorized

Tragically, Mike Homer, a true Valley original, was recently diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, a rare brain disorder.  Without going into details, medical diagnoses don’t get much worse than this one.  Valleywag called the news “shocking,” and indeed it is.   If there is a good side to this story, it’s that he’s close to the world’s leading authorities on this condition. The other heartening thing is the posse of people who love and admire Mike, pooling minds and resources to spur research and treatment options.  No doubt the ideas, energy and money will flow.  And hope, lots of hope.  While I haven’t seen Mike for more than a year (we are in the “friends of friends” category,) it seems like every time I’ve been around him, I’ve laughed to the point of nearly crying.  I know I’m not alone.  All that laughter has got to be therapeutic. 

So here’s a chance to return the favor.  If you know Mike and want to help, there’s a CJD event on June 14th at the Palo Alto Sheraton.

CJD, Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease, giving, Kontiki, Mike Homer, Silicon Valley, Valleywag

No doubt about it, Eastwick is a for-profit business.  Some years more than others, but I digress.  Companies and individuals in Silicon Valley regularly get beat up for not giving as much as our counterparts in other parts of the country.  We have our work cut out for us if we want to compete with the likes of New York or Utah (highest per capita giving.)  

But there’s lots to celebrate here in the not-for-profit world. The Valley is full of creative, vital organizations doing great work in the community as well as companies and individuals finding their own, sometimes uniquely Valley-ish ways of giving back.  From time to time, I’d like to shine a spotlight on some of my favorite organizations and stories.  Some I’ve had the privilege of working with closely, others I’m just watching from a distance.  Don’t worry, I won’t be soliciting donations but if the spirit moves you, feel free to get out your checkbook or spend some time.    

You won’t be sorry.  And neither will they.

giving, not for profit, Silicon Valley