I came across a post written earlier this week by A History of Violence screenwriter Josh Olson titled I Will Not Read Your Fucking Script. It’s worth a read because it is funny as hell. But I also can’t help thinking about how it all applies to our Silicon Valley community. Are we any different than Hollywood? Should we be?
Olson writes:
I will not read your fucking script…If that seems unfair, I’ll make you a deal. In return for you not asking me to read your fucking script, I will not ask you to wash my fucking car, or take my fucking picture, or represent me in fucking court, or take out my fucking gall bladder, or whatever the fuck it is that you do for a living…Yes. That’s right. I called you a dick. Because you created this situation. You put me in this spot where my only option is to acquiesce to your demands or be the bad guy. That, my friend, is the very definition of a dick move.
He goes on, giving a specific example of one time that he read someone’s script and how it all turned out badly anyway.
And, he’s right. Dead on right. Asking a writer to read your script is no different than asking a painter to paint your house for free. Except for one crucial thing – The person isn’t really asking Olson to read his script. What he was really asking for is access to the Hollywood power structure. A way in to a very closed off world.
There are direct analogies to Silicon Valley. In Hollywood everyone has a script. In Silicon Valley, everyone has a business plan. And when you don’t know many people here, you start networking to get people to read that business plan, and hopefully introduce you to a few venture capitalists or angel investors.
Sometimes those people start with me in their quest to break into Silicon Valley. They are way too early to have a story written about them, but they email in and ask me to look at their business plan and/or an early website and give them my feedback.
What they really want are introductions. To possible cofounders. Or investors. Sure, they listen to my opinion, but when they really have the fire in their eye, which all good entrepreneurs have, it doesn’t matter what I say. Nothing will stop them. They just want me to introduce them to the next person who can help them.
Usually I can’t take the time to look at these business plans, there is always too much to do in my day job. Sometimes, very rarely, I do. But, like Olson with his scripts, the result is the same whether I spend the time or not. If I don’t look at it I get called a jerk. If I do look at it but don’t help move the idea forward with the right introductions, I get called a jerk. It’s easiest just to ignore the requests.
We also see this with TechCrunch50 applications. Every year we get about 1,000 applications from bright eyed, hopeful entrepreneurs. Fifty get in. That’s 950 rejection emails we have to send out. Every year, a certain percentage of the rejected entrepreneurs go varying degrees of ballistic on us. Angry emails, trolling comments, etc. Very occasionally, worse.
But some of this is understandable frustration. As Silicon Valley gets bigger, with more strangers, it actually becomes harder to reach the power structure that can make your startup go from a business plan to reality (this is why I’ve written that periodic downturns, which weed out some of the fluffier parts of the startup scene, are such a good thing in our community).
Those of us in a position to help entrepreneurs need to do more of it. We need to take more time out of our day to read that business plan, and help make connections. Even when it comes at the cost of our day job, and even when there is nothing in it for us. In the past we’ve tried various projects to try to scale this. In the future, we’ll try new things until we get it right. One idea – a once-a-month open demo day at techcrunch where unknown startups can come and show their stuff, or just talk about their idea, to TechCrunch writers. It would be trivial to livestream and archive these events. And who knows, someone may make a crucial connection.
But this is a two way street. Budding entrepreneurs, trying to break down the walls that separate them from your angel funding, need to grow up. Most of the time people don’t have the time to help you, and you shouldn’t aim hate at them for it. Instead, try a different angle or a different person. A simple thing – learn to read body language and don’t approach people at the wrong time (like right after they leave a stage and are surrounded by a dozen other people). Choose your moment. If your strategies don’t work, try something new.
Dozens of startups have given up trying to get through my hated inbox and have instead reached out to other TechCrunch writers, and many of those have ended up with great connections to angel investors, potential partners, or future employees.
But don’t assume someone is a jerk just because they won’t paint your house for free. Or read your business plan.
Good luck, and remember that a lot of people want you to win, even when they don’t have the time to help you do it.
p.s. – I often find myself on the other side of this type of thing, trying to get someone’s attention for a story or to speak at one of our events or whatever. I try to never take offense at an unreturned phone call or email, or blame the person if they don’t have time to speak at one of our conferences. Instead, I try to think of ways to reverse the situation, so in the future it’s them calling me to write about their company, or to speak at our conference. It doesn’t always work, but it’s more productive than festering and spreading hate.
NO LET IT HAPPEN. THEN MAKE CHICAGO THE NEXT SILICON VALLEY. THEN I SHALL BE HAPPY.
If you think that’s funny, check out http://f2bbs.com
I find this post pretty emotional. Michael writing from his heart (for the first time?). True, people want to move forward and need you to push them. But as you say, everything cannot be looked at and everyone cannot get an Angel investor in a matter of days.
Hats off to your attitude of reversing the situation – “It doesn’t always work, but it’s more productive than festering and spreading hate.” That is indeed the way! Reverse the situation and let that who’s who of the valley come to your doorstep…
But maybe, these bright-eyed entrepreneurs too need some support. I suggest that TC frames a strategy to make them get what they want… at least give them the satisfaction of able to reach out to that angel investors…
All said and done, now tell us, who called you a jerk recently?
Also, what you said about 950 rejections and Silicon Valley getting larger and larger, it reminds me of the App Store. At the beginning, it was a somewhat small collection (compared to what it is now) of useful and fun applications. What is it now? A library of farts, flashlights, battery status meters, and even an app with 18 of these almost pointless things.
I remember a few months ago TechCrunch reported that Apple was looking into a premium App Store where PSP quality games by big name developers were put. As far as I remember, no one liked the idea. Think about it now. Imagine two app stores. One filled with $.99 tip calculators and Twitter clients (not saying that there aren’t any good Twitter clients, there’s just a ton of them) and another filled with high quality, addictive and fun games that are from $10 to $30. Personally, I don’t know why it hasn’t happened yet.
I think that’s a fantastic idea. I’m on my third iPhone, and since Apple took the App Store and let the floodgates open to (seemingly) everyone, I find I have to force myself to visit. It’s lost its edge. A refine store would definitely renew my interest.
I would recommend http://uquery.com to search for the applications YOU want …
The recommendations through Genius are weak, I found that I would be forever scrolling to the bottom to refresh!
I think the idea of completely separate stores probably won’t work, but I think Apple is trying to come up with ways within a single app store to properly feature higher quality apps. They already have mechanisms for highlighting apps and games that aren’t based solely on volume. Aside from that, with the recent update they have started listing top grossing apps (as opposed to just most downloaded), so hopefully that will help negate the method of gaming the system with cheap $1 apps.
I think the Genius feature probably will help too – so far I’ve been fairly impressed at the apps it has recommended to me (and it’s nice that it clearly explains which app led to the recommendation of another).
How about just the ability to narrow your search, or search on things other than title. Title assumes I know what I am looking for. What if I don’t?
Give users more ability to grade the apps. Make it easier to read those comments. Give access to some stats. Like how many were downloaded, and how many are still in use, and how often those apps get used. That’s a great gauge for how useful those apps are.
Stop protecting the developers and start putting out more info about what’s really being used.
Wake up and Smell the Coffee…
I really think that if they don’t do two stores, they should at least put aside another tab (on the actual App Store) for these ‘premium’ apps. Not put them into a category. But like you said about narrowing down search, Apple should implement a lot more sub-catagories (like Games does) and then add tags to these categories so when you search something, it doesn’t just search the names and 100 character keywords, it also matches your search up with the sub-catagories’ keywords and then puts in the best apps from that catagory and apps that it recommends (Genius) in your search too.
But hey, that’s just my two cents.
Awesome post Michael. Also, I really liked your mini demo day at TechCrunch idea too. Sad thing is that I’m sure that’d fill up quick and you’ll have to decline people there too. I really do hope that you do it though, I feel it would be good for everyone involved.
-Joel
This is just a special case of the “free advice” phenomenon that is much more widespread. If you know something about computers, people who know less ask you to help them set up a printer. If you are a doctor, people ask you to look at their sore elbow. If you’re a movie star or sports star, people ask you to converse with them for five minutes.
It’s a staggering inconvenience when you are the subject of an overwhelming number of requests, or strangely impersonal ones. But for the other 99% of us, being asked for a favor is part of what’s called being part of a community.
John,
I could not agree more with your statement about the being part of a community -vs- a staggering inconvenience.
I am on the “wrong” side of this argument as I have recently launched a start-up and have reached out to people to read my executive summary. Some that I do not even know personally. Being honest, in a perfect world, I would love the “in” to an angel investor or a partner etc…but i would have settled for a this idea sucks or has merit.
I of course understand the other side of the story as well. Having worked in music and tech for a while in the “hollywood” sillyness, I am used to the request for tickets for a sold out show the night before that I have no hope of ever getting for them, or for a gig on a show that I have no control over.
All that said, as you said John, it is a community. I have tried to help people that want to break into music in anyway I can. I have helped people find jobs, or basically tutored them to what it takes to succeed in this business. And I did it knowing that most likely I would not get anything in return except the satisfaction of helping someone out, and to create a hopefully healthier overall community.
Arrington you make SV more like hollywood than it’s every been. If that’s the plan, great. Otherwise, change it.
Arrington, you know one thing you can do to change it? Go back to 2007 (before Twitter and the iphone) and compare those posts to current posts.
While you still profile early-stage startups, the percentage has gone down quite a bit. Perhaps you guys could devote some more resources to profiling those cash-strapped, really really early stage startups doing cool things.
I agree. Except for a flood of posts during TC50, we don’t get to know more during the ordinary work days..I suggest a separate section for new startups is better so that the new posts don’t clutter the regular tech opinion/news stream.
Mr. Arrington, sometimes you appear to be a nice guy. Very well written, very well understood.
I don’t get the jungle book picture though
The bear is Michael Arrington, or a script writer, or any other person with power connections in Hollywood or Silicon Valley, reaching out so that newbie (Mowgli) can have a banana (or his script read. Or his business plan).
Baloo the bear is singing the “Bear Necessities” song in the scene though, so I think the pic’s symbolism with regard to this post could also mean that tech start-up noobs need to be resourceful…
My three year old is into the Jungle Book.
Very good, yet subtle picture though the analogy is nowhere explained in the post.
Oo, what happend to your friend Anjela from India?
That would be ever.
seems like a screening business plan waiting to happen. want Michael to read your biz plan? ok — send me $500 and your two-page plan. i’ll send the best 2 of every 50 business plans to michael — whenever we reach that 50 threshold. michael takes 50%. i take the other 50%. good luck.
It’s when I hear from well-known journalist friends that VCs literally run across the street, waving their arms wildly, just to pitch them about their latest investment that I am sure people have lost their minds. Is there no dignity left in the world? God, and PR people get a bad rap (sometimes well deserved).
Whatever happened to being creative and respectful of people’s personal space and time? And how about really developing a relationship and getting to know some of these people before you’re out for the “big pitch?”
People generally like being helpful, and they like being asked because they want to be the good guy. However, you can’t bug them too often and have to have something relevant to say.
I happen to be in a profession (PR) where I’m often looked down upon, and have to prove myself before taken seriously. That’s okay, I’m used to it and have a thick skin. Others need to get how the ecosystem works too.
For those who approach others in a really stupid manner, I vote we let them stay stupid and move on to the smart guys.
So speaking of a TechCrunch demo day idea… PC Magazine used to do that very thing many moons ago. They would several cities and invite several companies to demo their wares–it worked out great for everyone.
Good luck with TC50.
Pam Miller
As soon as I read that you were in PR I stopped reading.
which makes you SUPER AWESOME! wow, how great a person you must be, all open-minded and whatnot.
“Whatever happened to being creative and respectful of people’s personal space and time? And how about really developing a relationship and getting to know some of these people before you’re out for the “big pitch?””
I am sure that you did not mean it this way, but I have to say that the way this reads is emblematic of an even worse trait, trying to form a relationship with people for no other reason than to set up the “big pitch.” I hate that.
We were rejected by TC50 this year.
It’s human to feel rejection at a personal level. It’s adult to try to get control of that and accept it, dust yourself off and move forward politely.
The correct thing to do after being rejected by TC50 is to say thankyou to the assessment panel for taking the time to consider your application and then get back on with the job of building your company. Accept that you didn’t do the best possible job of presenting your company. Accept that there are more interesting and worthy companies out there. Suppress your entrepreneur sized ego.
Making a startup work is a long term proposition. Being rejected by TC50 today doesn’t mean that you won’t be written up as the next big thing by Techcrunch in six months. Unless of course you burnt your bridges by going ballistic when you got rejected.
I reckon the idea is to be polite to everyone over the long term – you never know how being nice might lead to something good down the track.
I will concede that I felt rejected when we were not selected by Techcrunch, but a couple of years ago I lost a close friend to suicide, had a couple of miscarriages with my wife, our cat of 20 years died, my business hit financial hard times and my wife had a cancer scare, all within three months. It’s hard to get upset about rejection from TC50 after going through all that. Not that TC50 doesn’t matter but it’s just not so important in the big scheme of things.
Persistence trumps luck, talent and everything else. Press on.
Amen …. “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” – Calvin Coolidge.
I think I’d agree with just about everything you wrote except “Accept that you didn’t do the best possible job of presenting your company.”
Why is it that when people don’t win something, this is an acceptable train of thought? Perhaps you *did* “do the best possible job” and you still lost out. You may have lost out not because of something you didn’t do, but for one of a myriad of other reasons.
It’s definitely good to review your steps and make sure you can learn from any mistakes, but at some point you just have to accept that there are others that got in and you didn’t, and it probably has little or nothing to do with how “good a job” you did.
cheers to this! There are too many factors at play to be narrow minded enough to say “good” or “bad.”
Like all relationships, timing is critical.
How much revenue is really generated by the TC50?
Facebook can’t make money and they have more visitors than most.
Same for Twitter.
The websites that make money on the web are like 37 Signals and others with the same business model.
To make a website and just get visitors is so Web 1.0 and 2.0, hopefully not web 3.0 which should be about building products for business that you can charge revenue for.
I guess I am just crazy.
A few of the TC50 will get purchased, I am willing to bet 9 of the 10 times it isn’t for the product, it is for the people. Like facebook just did…hmmm.
Long live TC50 and Web 2.0 a lot of excitement for nothing.
sorry but, if i here another person say that twitter and facebook cant make money im going to shoot them.
if u were a VC you wouldnt put 40m into something that had some sort of solid plan biz model
Yeah, because VCs are omniscient and never make mistakes. Bwhahahahahahaha!
No, VCs are run by people who are often gullible as they are greedy and will gladly shovel truckloads of cash into a rotten business model because they’ve bought into the hype.
Where were you during the first bust?
I guess you shouldn’t be where you might ‘here’ (sic) these things then, Jonathan
I do wonder why Techcrunch doesn’t have a new section (i.e. Tech, Gadgets, Mobile, Enterprise) called “Startups” which posts every new startup that comes along.
It would actually be interesting to read and would let off some of that steam of the crowd of entrepeneurs desperate to be mentioned on Techcrunch and getting angry when they are passed over.
That’s what TC started out as, at least I thought so.
I like this – I think that job-seekers ought to take this advice as well. As a recruiting professional, I get people who ask me to look at their resume or make a connection for them with someone at my company on a daily basis. Often these are people with backgrounds I’m not familiar with, or whom I’ve never communicated with before, or I simply don’t know anyone who might be a better networking connection for them. While I would love nothing more than to help every person who asks, there are limitations to what I can do to help, and unfortunately some people get belligerent when told that I either don’t know the appropriate person with whom to connect them or that I just can’t help them. It’s good practice to be kind to those you ask for help because though they may not be able to help you out now, perhaps they will be able to at a later time, and they’ll be less willing to do so if you’ve been rude.
Amen Michael. “Give people the benefit of the doubt” can really help passionate entrepreneurs deal with rejection. Also helps prevent road rage when you’re cut off in traffic
Mr. Writer-of-this-TechCrunch-article:
Who are you, and what have you done to Michael Arrington?
Or, it that you in there, Mike? Are you OK? Can’t get out? Too much Jamba Juice?
Please let me know. I really miss the old TC articles, the “this stuff is so new and so good, I pee my pants just thinking about it” feeling I use to get when reading TC while riding CalTrain…
Man, what a memory. Anyway, ping me once you’re back…all this philosophical-hemorroid-cream stuff you’re writting lately just doesn’t do it to me anymore.
Peace, most excellent dude…Peace!
I agree. The painter analogy doesn’t make any sense. You’re not asking a screenwriter to write you a screenplay. You’re asking a painter to
give you advice and possibly some tips on where to
get the best equipment. I understand there are annoying people in the startup world but I think you’re perpetuating negativity in a trying era that could really use more of the articles that used to be written on this site. Show entrepreneurs how to be better, don’t tell them, or you risk losing them. They’re your readers.
I really like your Mini DEmo over here …Keep Going
and THts would be Forever !!!! lolzzz
Yo got some nice points there, but some wacky analogies.
Best of luck stopping this transformation..
This is a great and important post, Michael. One of the things lacking in the Valley is a strong, widely-heard voice willing to speak in meta-fashion about the good and bad of our community, and how to improve it (from all angles – entrepreneurs included).
Ignore the somewhat funny but ultimately misdirected comment from Tostada-man above; the Valley’s culture is as important as its companies, and if we care about the latter we can’t ignore the former.
When I first read this post, it came off a bit arrogant somehow. I read it again, and realized that it’s actually quite positive and encouraging.
Your main point, I think, is that SV is becoming like Hollywood in that sometimes success boils down to luck; being in the right place at the right time. Knowing this, you had better get your plans and product in order for that time when (if) lightning strikes.
Mike, I admire your willingness to continue reading businessplans of your readers and even do so in an organised way, giving entrepreneurs in need of funding a fair chance to pitch.
The screenwriting guy obviously forgot that once on his life – very probably – he wad calling some established person a dick for not reading his screenplay.
Most, if not all, start small. The really awesome ideas/entrepreneurs however will find a way to get funded, no matter what. Don’t take it personal Mike, like everyone else, you’re just a human being…
Good luck to all aspiring entrepreneurs…
If you read the original story, the writer did read the screenplay ( a 2 page synopsis, actually), and got called a dick anyway.
Tim of tekSymmetry here and I have to say this is nice article even though I didn’t know where it was headed at first. It’s relevant to me because sometimes making progress means that you have to do the unthinkable and do what I did when I flew half way around the world and outsourced myself and build a startup outsourced team. My wife and kids are adventurous so that helps. We started a year ago after selling off Noocleus Media with 4 of us and now we’re up to 20 and still growing. One group does our startup project (travelobby – name changing) and 2 groups do our client projects. It’s not an option for everyone but it beats sending emails to Michael and others. Also, while not trying to cry racism (I’M REALLY NOT), it didn’t help my fund raising cause that I’m not connected and I’m an African American that no one’s ever heard of
. What I mean is that since there are few women, minority (other than foreign born), or other (fill in the blank) founders we get to read things like the Meebo interview when 2 of the cofounders were being asked what it’s like being a female founder in Silicon Valley. Also, if you’ve ever gone to a Rails conference, you’d get my point (a bunch of white guys with macbooks 
). The reality however is that if you bring value, great ideas, and make your own way, you’ll never have to beg a VC for jack. Who in the world wants to dilute the crap out of their company for a little cash?
Nice Article Michael keep thoughtful pieces like this coming.
I suspect there are some people that actually *know* that their idea is not worth jack, and are thus more than happy to dilute the crap out of it for a little cash. They can then raise a ton of funding and then “exit” for far less. It’s basically stealing.
This is probably a valid point but I doubt it. I really do suspect there are more people with bad ideas that think that said ideas are really good. It’s probably like the Hollywood script writers or any other “artists” that want to make it big (see the Dear Sucka MC’s post to get the point – http://www.grow...dear-sucka-mcs/). However, I do believe that there are some that think that their idea isn’t the next coming of Google but want to make a go of it to see the possibilities but I still think that those people are in the minority. Many entrepreneurs (term used loosely) are really pushing bad ideas because they honestly believe in them. I also think that many VCs are full of crap, which is similar to most record and motion picture label picture executives. While certainly not all, they are generally from the same ilk and if we did some statistical analysis on the success rates of the different industries, they probably pick the same or similar percentages of winners, mild successes, losers, and absolute bombs. After some reflection, I guess Michael is right, Silicon Valley is like Hollywood
.
People pretending to befriend someone else because they want something in return.
What’s new?
That’s why I hate people. Computers don’t do this.
Having “people” come to me for advise because they percieve me as some sort of “Oracle” (pun very intended here) is just sooooo anoying.
Leave me alone, biological carbon units! Yes, I am so above you…please don’t touch me..shoo-shoo go away….
Hi Mike,
Been following Techcrunch for 2 years now. Loved this post and the positivity it brings forward. You have very correctly pointed out that budding entrepreneurs need to learn to handle rejection in better way, probably all those who ultimately will become successful already do.
Would love to see more posts from you about your view points on different aspects of entrepreneurship.
love to see more post from you too
Great post Michael.
The problem is actually larger: the cuurent structure eliminates people from other domains and expertise to enter the start-up scene, and we loose new insights, ideas and point of views.
Maybe the tradition of “personal referer” is obsolete? if some one has good and documented achievments in other fields, but happens not know a VC/not worked for a VC funded company, he is still worth talking too, isn’t he?
rather then TC trying to read more biz plans (as if they don’t read A LOT already), maybe you could relax the culture of “you have to get to us through someone we know personally”? They still can avoid shaking hands!
Couldn’t help but notice the similarities between Olsen’s quote and “Green Eggs & Ham.”
His full article is very helpful in understanding why he (and you, Mike) feels damned either way.
arent you in a really rather enviable position? i mean, you have a pretty successful website, you must be ok for money and you have all kinds of connections in what must be the greatest business environment in the world.
Im pretty sure angelcrunch or techangel or arringtons incubator, would probably go down quite well.
The part about really wanting to be introduced to to the next person is not always true. I’d actually settle for a bit of feedback and be back in half a year
Michael, you make great points, but you miss the big difference between movies & startups.
The “script” is the product for a screenwriter. For a startup, a business plan is not the product.
A script is sold for hundreds (or millions of dollars) without the movie even being made. So, it’s a product on itself.
The key to a great startup, is not a great idea or a great business plan, but a great execution.
Most business plans are boring, long, and unreadable, except by the plan writer. I won’t read anyone’s business plan. Not even if I get paid to do it, but I’ll have coffee, lunch and meetings with entrepreneurs all the time. It takes less time to have coffee than read a biz-plan and I usually can give more thoughtful responses and opinions face-to-face.
Michael wasn’t making a comparison to “movies/scripts” and “Startups” – he is comparing Hollywood and Silicon Valley. After running a 1.0 startup in 2001, I moved to West L.A. and discovered that what Michael is saying is exactly true: “If you are not on the list – you don’t exist!” (Ever try to get into SkyBar on a Friday night? …without being on the list, with a hot chick on your arm, or a Benjamin in your hand?) The comparison could be made even further…. Producers are like VCs (they have the money) Directors are like CEOs (they have the vision) the script is like the business plan, the leading cast is like the executive staff and the trailer and premiere is like the demo and launch. It’s actually a one-on-one fit on almost every level. The macro point being made here is based on the “closed off world” that Michael is referring to. There are many VCs and Angels alike that will not respond to any requests made of them unless is comes from a trusted source. The “idea/plan/funding/execution” structure that exists in both Hollywood and Silicon Valley is a necessary process that enables and rewards those that have the nuts and guts to properly utilize these eco systems and create something great. They appeal to the true entrepreneur and filmmaker alike: nothing is free…. grow a spine a move on when things don’t work like you imagined… eat what you kill.
Michael, nice article, but the one thing I would point out is that hollywood and investors alike survive based on their ability to create deal flow. And while aggressively pursuing a journalist to make introductions on their behalf, might not be the appropriate way to approach the situation, I think all those involved in facilitating the deal pipeline need to be constantly reminded that the survival of the industry is based on people like them helping to facilitate investor deal flow.
Is that sort of language really necessarily? Have some respect please…
I just wonder what the real power of the Silicone Valley is. Are today’s big businesses the result of Silicone Valley or did they grow by themselves and were later courted by SV investors?
How many amazing examples of profitable businesses that started from VCs and angels are there?
Sir,
I believe you must be referring to Silicon Valley near San Francisco. Silicone Valley is actually further south near LA and populated primarily by actresses, models, and strippers.
I can relate to this. I’m in a particular network and I really do have good will towards people trying to get into it. But sometimes, their story/product/idea just isn’t up to scratch and I don’t want to harm my own credibility by passing it along. When I refuse, OMG, they are either angry, resentful or worse, genuinely upset at the rejection. If makes me feel like I should never agree to look at the idea in the first place if people are incapable of handling the nicest possible rejection with any degree of appropriateness. But worst of all is this culture that in order to fulfil your dream you should never accept a “no”. Oh god, sometimes, a no is a no because your product isn’t very good not because the world is incapable of seeing your genius. Anyway, it makes me more and more reluctant to read the fucking script. Sigh.
I think the painter analogy is a bad analogy. If you wanted to use it correctly you would say it’s like painting your house then asking a professional painter to come over and look at it and give you their opinion.
Mike-
This was really fantastic. I had read Olson’s article earlier in the week and certainly saw the validity in it. The differences between Hollywood and the Valley in this matter parallel the ostracizing and fallout that can occur after a failed film, or television project, whereas a failure in the Valley can often be revered (under the proper circumstances). While frantic and often disjointed, there is a clear search, a massive pursuit for the next great idea throughout the Valley. With some exceptions, this search simply does not exists in Hollywood. Those in power are not looking to seek out the next great talent, on any sort of scale at least, and those with money have continually found the safe bet to be the profitable bet.
As an nyu film & TV grad who also contracted at Facebook for a few years, I’ve been lucky enough to see the best of both worlds while trying to flaunt both a script and a business plan. Ultimately, while passion is necessary, I think you hit it on the head that some real tact is necessary when approaching anyone. Graciously accepting a rejection, criticism, or even knowing when it’s inappropriate to not ask in the first place can often get someone further than they’d think.
In the meantime, please keep up the conferences, networking events, pitch days, and ultimately continue the search for original, powerful, and yes, risky new ideas from young and old talent alike. New grads like myself are depending on people in your position to push the networking envelope and keep the Valley the mecca of innovation it has always been.
As someone who is in the same position in the Nashville music community Techcrunch is in Silicon Valley, I have to say you are spot on Michael. I’m a daily reader of TC (several times a day in fact) and this is the best post I’ve read in a long, long time.
I’ve worked my butt off getting my blog to the point where it matters and others take the artist I write about seriously. I’ve had some really big wins along the way that has helped, but mostly it’s just picking the right artist at the right time (before anyone knows who they are) and making it happen for them by working my butt off even more.
Anyone who has risen to a position like this – a gatekeeper – is loved and hated at the same time. I’ve had my share of artist who assail me personally for not liking their music or having them on site. And like you, I’m pitched ALL THE TIME — never ending sea of artist who want the deal.
I learned what you preach several years ago — I try my best, even if it’s only a short note, to help as many as I possibly can, but not to sweat those I can’t.
great post.
it all boils down to.. how much is in it for me? be it TC, VC or the guy next door, nothing new, its the wold we created now accept to live in it !
Nothing beats hard work and doing it yourself in my humble opinion.
Isn’t that how your meant to do things rather than relying on nepatism, who your mum and dad know or who you went to school with, or the identified ‘gatekeeper’, who saw you coming from before the horizon.
I think if you set out on a mission and have the skills to be the best, and implement correctly then you stand a chance of attracting those key figures to work with you.
Why should they need to contact anyone to get their ideas moving? If they were a programmer, they can just write it themselves, whatever the project is.
Business plans are like ideas – every idiot has one. It’s what you do with it that counts. Instead of focusing on getting the money, why not learn to write software, and build this thing on your free time? Less risk (your day job can keep you fed), and more exciting. Getting funding from others puts you in their debt, and puts a lot of pressure on you. While that pressure can be good, it most often rushes you to finish “on time”. Sure, once you have your second beta, if you need to hire a designer then that funding might be needed. But if all you have is the “idea” or business plan, you’re a worthless sack of crap.
Implementing the idea is where the real power lies.
Michael: It would be great to see your byline on the emailed blog entry, not just on the main site’s entry. Since you have a lot of others writing for you, it would help differentiate you from your staff.
Andy
If the community gets bigger aren’t the ones at it’s core more inclined not to devalue their status by keeping the core small relative to it’s overall size.
While I agree with most of the assessments, most likely there is more going on. Complex system or relations are complex for a reason.
In other words if there was value in increasing the core it would likely happen. It’s about the species (Entrepreneur) to survive not the individual. But if you got to inbreeding, well. Complex systems take care of that too.
Great points, Michael. The Silicon Valley thrives on innovation and Hollywood does not seem to value creative work nearly as much. Formulaic, big budget movies can be quite profitable and thus the movie industry has very little incentive to employ creative people. Writing a passable script easy enough that many people could do it. That puts people like Josh Olson on the defensive, and explains why the Hollywood elite are so insular.
Great post Michael. The ps. part of the post is something I also try to implement for reaching out to peoples. Really great post, and from the entrepreneur point of view, it’s ok to be sad but, hate emails won’t help anyone, it’s just a time wasting, and as I always believe, Techcrunch really help peoples get the word out, it can’t do it for everybody, if there’re just 50 places at TC 50, jut make sure to belong to the best 50, if you don’t you’ve learn there are 50 other startups out there who made it, and keep improving.
(Beta comment)
personly do not know much about silicon city
I do not think people should be abusive to question comments or rjections they should keep quiet if in that frame of mind
Mike, I don’t think you’re told this often enough, but you are a pretty good writer yourself: clear and concise.
Maybe that comes from your training as a lawyer?
M -
I think the metaphor is flawed (sorry).
You are in the business to make money from having knowledge and insight ahead of others. It’s why “we” all read TC first. Where do you source that information? In part, from those pesky Business Plans that seem to pop up like weeds every morning.
Reading them simply does not equate to painting a house for free.
You earn a good living and have a good reputation (in part) because you (sometimes) find little bits of magic ahead of the curve. That increases your value.
Yes, those Folks who are shopping Business Plans know you are a shortcut to accessing “attention from money,” but, it’s a win::win::win relationship. It’s just getting more time consuming for you and that’s troubling…
Now, as an old Hollywood scriptwriter who now is shopping a Business Plan in Silicon Valley, I also know how the filtering process works in Hollywood and how it will likely evolve in Silicon Valley. You will (or already have) started using “Readers” to summarize that pile of stuff on your desk. Maybe they are Writers, maybe you started using the coffee delivery gal, but, you are outsourcing the first round of filtering. Eventually, this will become institutionalized with the equivalent of D-Girls (derogatory term from the 80’s for Development Girls, which were glorified Script Readers). Who are the Silicon Valley D-girls? They will wield power too.
Eventually, you’ll only read 3 of every 200 Business Plans submitted every week (just like the Head of a Studio) but, you’ll still be part of the process of discovering new Talent and the needle in the haystack.
But, that’s part of your job. No one expects you to do it for free. Your value and income increases through being part of the process. You are a defacto Studio Head in many respects. Enjoy it while it lasts (they all get fired eventually).
Fortunately for me, we have a Business Plan and such a massively cool technology, we’ve decided to also write a Sci-Fi screenplay about it as the ultimate product placement. So, I may go back to Hollywood and pitch the Script, then return and come knocking on your door with a Business Plan.
- Anon (Because, I’m not pitching you right now; take the day off, don’t paint any houses, OK?)
-2. Chatty and extremely boring.
-20 short and meaningless. no value added by such snarky bits that do what? make you feel like a big deal?
I just read a tweet:
“You know who I want to talk to? The startups who demoed in years past & have interesting war stories to share. #TC50″
Now, it’s from a competitor to TC. But, ya know what? They’re interested in the “emerging” side of the equation. I agree w/@dale_s, the TC team should be keeping their ear to the ground if the want to remain relevant.
-20 for being only capable of reading 140 characters or less. #endofworld
LOL, you sound exactly like the person this post and the original one from the writer are written about…
This reminds me of the hip-hop equivalent “please listen to my demo”. De La Soul’s classic song “Ring Ring Ring” talked about this exact same scenario back in 91.
Makes a lot of sense. I remember hearing about Microsoft Research, and how they said if you try to apply, you probably won’t get the job. They’ll come to you if you’re good.
Seems the same should work for startups. If you’re good, you’ll figure out how to spread virally. Get enough steam where someone might mention you to a TechCrunch writer.
Then that said writer will be like man, I want to be the one that “discovers” this startup for Silicon Valley.
However, most startups probably aren’t seeing that viral pickup, because . . . they’re missing the key factor of being good. Or maybe I’m off base, and the world really needs 1000 Twitter Apps.
http://www.traderbots.com
True.
Funny – I’ve started 4 web-based companies in the last 13 years and I’ve never set foot in Silicon Valley. I’ve always bootstrapped them myself with minimal dollars. Granted, I’ve not made the next Google or YouTube or whatever. But I’ve never lacked for money and, more importantly, I own 100% myself.
I wanna start a venture firm that advocates owning 100% of You Inc. I’d locate it right smack dab in the middle of zip code 94301 (Palo Alto’s University Ave). I’d call it Asse9. It stands for “a secret society of entrepreneurs 9′ and has the double entendre of you’re asinine if you have debt.
We at Asse9 would make money only on commission. Commission on sales and commission on sale of company over $25mm. Anyway, congrats on the four companies.
It’s all that mountain air…
…”I had a dream one day”…and i made it into my own reality.
Rock on John in Denver.
lest it be forgotten, without the entrepreneurs doing the hard work, none of the VC focused community would exist, let alone thrive/become multi-gazillionaires (and yes I realize that many, but certainly not all, VCs have paid their dues)
just quote them your rate and let them buy it if they want advice so bad…. I’ve found that the seasoned VCs and mentors are the hardest to get to, but often the most gracious to work with. It’s the lower level ‘analysts’ who haven’t done anything much themselves who are rude and tend to treat people more shabbily or are snotty.
Irony is there is more silicon in Hollywood than Silicon Valley. I hope SV never becomes that shallow but some more eye candy at TC 50 parties wouldnt go astray