Published on March 31, 2009
in Ideas.
I heard the rumors of this fund and thought if Google launched a fund, that it would be really different than the status quo - sort of like the Gmail of Venture Capital. It doesn’t look like that’s the case. Seems like a pretty typical venture fund, but with possibly some access to things internal at Google. Sounds kind of like the model of Intel’s VC arm.
I was asked this morning if I’d take Google Venture’s money. Yes. I would - under the right circumstances. I’d consider them strategic (in the internet/web space). Sometimes it makes sense to have a strategic investor, but often times it doesn’t. Also, if you’re syndicating a round, it will be interesting to hear what other venture funds think of Google joining the round. Some will like it. Others won’t. That’s just the way it is.
One thing to think about. How would you feel if Google invested in your startup and then built a competing service? For example, if Google was an investor in HubPages (a company I cofounded) and then launched Google Knol, I wouldn’t feel good about having their money in exchange for giving them access to my business. Which leads me to believe that entrepreneurs in energy or sectors outside of Google’s wheelhouse will be more likely to pursue money from them than early stage web companies. Time will tell…
Published on March 26, 2009
in Ideas.
Two things I feel now that things are tighter for folks I know. There is less emphasis on buying green products or purchasing hybrid cars. At the same time, there seems to be more interest in volunteering and community projects. I suspect the underemphasis on green items is because people have less money and they don’t feel it’s a necessity. And. Perhaps there is more interest in volunteering since out of work people have more time. Thoughts?
Published on March 24, 2009
in Ideas.
This past weekend my wife bought two used rugs on Craigslist. We packed the kids in the car and drove to Napa to pick them up. On the way home we wanted a bite to eat, so we pulled yelp up on our mobile phone and found the red rock cafe. It’s a little bbq place. Very tasty with a very friendly staff. It was a great find.
This time it worked well, but usually, I’m pretty frustrated when trying to find that true local gem when I’m in a new city. The type of gem that usually only locals that care really know about. There’s a post on AVC about using yelp as you travel through a city - If yelp can reliably surface the best of the best, then it’s going to be a perfect mobile app. I hope it get’s there.
Published on March 19, 2009
in Ideas.
I doubt it. She barely emails and never texts. I think Twitter is too much of a learning curve for her. Although, I could see her on Facebook. For Twitter, I don’t think it matters. Here’s why. Twitter is hipper. It’s faster (Yes, really). And. It’s distributed. But. It has a little learning curve that will keep her out. The syntax. @replies #hashtags confuse people. However, once you know the syntax it works much better and makes a lot more sense.
Published on March 18, 2009
in Ideas.
I saw a tweet that mentioned HubPages.com as a social content site. I’m not sure the name will stick for this class of site, but I like it. I think it captures the content and the community around the people that produce the information.
YouTube and Flickr are good examples of this type of site as well.
Remembering back to 2005 when we had the initial idea for HubPages, a lot has changed. I’ve explained HP as a web 2.0 version of about.com. A place for enthusiasts to share content. An early slogan was, “Share what you know and rake in the dough!”
HubPages has grown quite a bit since it was launched in August of 2006. We are getting ready for some new changes, but the nacent space in 2005 has grown to a category. A category that needs a name to help others understand it. I think describing it as “Social Content Sites” is pretty good. Thoughts?
Published on March 16, 2009
in Ideas.
Friday morning my stomach hurt. It must have been the Domino’s Pizza. I must avoid pizza. Even if it’s $5.55 for three mediums. I’ve experienced this before. It must have been the pizza.
Friday afternoon the chills and fever came. And the pain in my stomach. That got worse. It must be the flu. I’ve experienced flu. Fluids, rest. That’s what I need.
Hmm. Saturday. It’s getting worse. My stomach. Man. This isn’t like anything I’ve experienced. Probably still the flu.
Sunday. Get some exercise. That will make me feel better. Wrong. Oh. It’s getting worse. Better go to the doctor. Much better now:)
Sometimes the symptoms we see and feel in health and in business are misleading. Misleading because of our experience. We are quick to rely on experience and take a corrective course of action. However, if the symptoms persist. You must keep looking for a cure. Sometimes the cure is beyond our experience and needs an outside opinion to be diagnosed. The good news is the cure doesn’t have to be complicated, but the systemic issue must be diagnosed correctly.
Published on March 14, 2009
in Ideas.
A friend is about to launch a new consumer website and asked how long should he give it to be successful. I think, post launch, you should give it 18 months to get traction.
Anything less, and I don’t think that’s enough of a chance to make it work. If you’re just starting out, bake time into your plan. Chances are, your first release won’t deliver the results you want. But. Maybe. Your early adopters will stick with you and by the third and fourth releases, you will be on your way.
Published on March 10, 2009
in Ideas.
I was searching for some information about Iframes and landed on a technology forum. I was a little bit surprised to see an ad for Google Knol. As far as I can tell, nothing on the page is contextually relevant to writing contents (see the ad in the image).
However, I spend a lot of time on HubPages.com (A site I founded) that is competitive with Google Knol. We display AdSense ads and use Google Analytics. I’m curious if Google is retargeting me based on my behavior. It’s the first time I’ve seen an AdSense Ad that seems to mimic my behavior.
It doesn’t bother me that Google is refining it’s targeting, but it does bother me that they are using it to promote their own products. This is one of the dangers of sharing data with them. However, it doesn’t bother me enough to turn off Google Analytics and AdSense products. Yet.
Published on March 9, 2009
in Ideas.
We found a new house to rent, but we are busy with kids and work and don’t want to be burdened by the hard work of moving houses. The convenience of movers comes at a cost. My wife and I have been discussing how much of the work we want to do. While I’m sensitive to cost, I don’t want to lift all the heavy things.
The movers came by our house today to give us a quote and gave us this advice. Pack your pictures, wall hangings, and vases yourself. Those are expensive items to move relative to how much time it will take you to do it yourself. Tip number two. Save on moving supplies by getting free boxes from Craigslist.
I think we have a plan.
Published on March 5, 2009
in Ideas.
Someone is looking to start a business and has five ideas of things that they think are big potential businesses. They’ve gone through them and analyzed the good and potential stumbling blocks. Now. They are paralyzed. They can’t decide on what to do.
I asked some basic questions. What are you more excited about? What are you the least excited about? How many competitors in each area? What lines up best with your domain expertise? What do you want to do?
After I left the meeting, the person was just as undecided.
I often think that it’s best to pick one and do it. Do it quickly. I think this may help or motivate some. But. I’m starting to think that there are two types of people (at least for ones that have ideas). Do’ers and Thinkers. The do’ers take action and ask for guidance, but they are constantly getting stuff done. Stumbling at times. Falling. Zig zagging. You get it. The Thinkers plan and plan. And. When they are done planning, they plan some more.
Maybe it’s best for the thinkers to use it as an intellectual exercise and do just that. Make plans. Perhaps they don’t have the personality to execute. Next time I have this conversation, I’m going to try and understand why they don’t do one, two or all. What’s stopping them? I used to think it was fear, but not so much anymore. Now I think you either do or you don’t.
