Category Archives: yc

DeSOPA: great FF extension, bad dogma

Posted on by Four Hewes

DeSopa: a Firefox addon to easily bypass SOPA DNS blocking, Hacker News

I love this approach!

SOPA? DeSOPA, MF! Yes, run circles around these idiots.

Tamer, you also do a great job of explaining in passionately clear, objective terms, the SOPA agenda, the weaknesses of its assuptions and it’s dire consequences.

However, I strongly take issue with your own assumptions about the value of today’s internet services and the role of the internet in human progress. Don’t let trendy zeitgeist or wishful thinking undercut your excellent, commendable tactics!

Specifically, you say:
3) …we would not have many of the online services we take for granted…

4) …The internet creates market efficiencies that forces industries to adapt, thus pushing forward progress for humanity as a whole. … the Internet, built by the masses…

It is as foolish to take the internet for granted as it is to try to dictate to it. Foolish. YouTube, Pandora? Born yesterday. Primative.  Self-serving. Base and not very interesting. Not of lasting social value. Civilization can go on without them. Don’t fall into the internet’s own perspective of it’s own importance.

The internet is not an agent of human progress. Like the U.S. interstate system, it’s fundamentally a psuedo-military artifact of our economic system with lots of handy, nifty, shiny services built on top of it. Writing and the scientific method are agents of human progress. Rule of law and international treaties are. Pencils, optical lenses, printing presses, mass produced shoes, power grids, hair dryers, video tape, asepsis, the A-10 Warhog, carboratuers and the internet as clever technologies.

And the internet has been built by businesses, governments and a few stalwarts and visionaries, not the masses.

DeSOPA is a great response to SOPA. SOPA is dangerously shortsighted and fearful. Humankind is not at risk. The decentralized, accessible power of the internet ought to be fought for and advanced. Good work, man. Don’t get carried away. It doesn’t serve your cause.

Great job descriptions (HN)

Posted on by Four Hewes

I see many great job postings on HN, 37S, Prag and elsewhere, mostly for software  startups. Why do they stand out? They all are:

  • To the point.
  • Confidently informal.
  • Friendly, engaging, not intimidating.
  • Funny and enthusiastic.
  • Lacking self-promotional b***sh** and tired, empty career promises.
  • Offering contributing roles.
  • Offering a team of peers.
  • Expect you will bring your best.
  • Acknowledging you’ll learn on the job what you don’t know.

Most of all they addressed to peers and telegraph that a particular person (or team) is looking for an equally passionate, opinionated person to join in a meaningful work experience. They are refreshing.

Everytime I read one like this, I want to meet these folks, work with them, join their cause.

Until “mature” organizations get over themselves and talk to me this way, I’ll be looking to startups for challenging, rewarding, satisfying opportunities.

Here’s one I saw on HN this week:

“…You’ll be expected to punch above your weight class and grow into a team pillar, and will be rewarded as such.

You must:
- Get sh** done
- Thrive on responsibility and freedom
- Bulldoze through problems
- Not be an a**h***

A background in … is awesome, but not required. Just be ready to learn quickly.

We can promise two of these five things:
- Daily inspirational quotes read in-person by William Shatner
- Truly interesting and meaningful technical problems
- All-you-can-eat caviar breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Weekend Lamborghini rentals
- An incredible team that will challenge and respect you (and drink with you too)

We…can offer market salary…, etc. just like everyone else. But what’s most important is the work you do and who you do it with. Everything else is just icing on the cake. …

What jobs grab you? Write about one that sticks in your mind and inspired you.

Going to YCNYC, Monday, Sept. 26th

Posted on by Four Hewes

I was still in the midst of a triathlon when I glanced at my inbox and saw YC’s invitation. Excellent! (No, I wasn’t racing, I put ON the race.)

Now I’ve cleared the decks of work. Just have to arrange travel and I’m set.

I’ve been a YC fan for a while and been slowly building my startup network and chops, so I’m psych’d to jump in with the big boys, network face to face with people I wouldn’t normally cross paths with, and put myself out there: growing NYC startups, VCs, and enthusiastic developers and designers. UX has been “maturing” and flexing its professional status, but the excitement is still in the garages, so I’m going to them.

Looking forward to lots of smart, engaged people and tons of learning!