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alfredp

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I posted an ad in the newspaper with a similar kind of experiment in mind. A dead marketing dude was daring me to do something crazy. What's the worst that can happen? (About midway through this: http://www.thegaryhalbertletter.com/Newsletters/aslz_winners...) You can read this first to see what he actually dared me to do.

The short version of what happened: my cellphone was ringing off the hooks and I had to just turn it off for a few weeks. Totally insane response.

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On the technical side, we are looking to fill the following roles: - Engineering Manager - Senior Software Engineer - Data Analyst

We largely use python and some C++ in the backend, with Postgresql being our db of choice. Have you checked out our beautiful iPad app? Apply here: http://www.oyster.com/about/jobs/

If you have any questions, feel free to email alfred at oyster dot com.

Bloglines to close 16 years ago

Here's what I want:

I just started using Instapaper recently - if there was an RSS reader integrated, I can easily add stuff into my to-read list. (OR, bloglines can integrate Instapaper into their reader - and that would also be hot.)

Besides seeing a professional, there are some random things: (I don't know your situation so hence the randomness)

- Read this: http://whitehottruth.com/white-hot/the-manifesto-of-encourag...

- If you have sappy depressing music playing all the time, turn it off. Mood is affected by music.

- Go for a walk.

- Don't drink alone.

- Go to church.

- Realize that there are things in your life that you can't change. And things that you can change. Accept the things you can't change. Change the things that you can change.

I think that is better to know exactly where you are at, rather than to assume one way or another. That way, when it comes time to use your skill (or lack thereof), you know exactly how far you can go.

The assuming that you're below average thing - it is just a reminder to be humble and to constantly work on your basics - having a beginner's mind.

Poker players would instantly recognize the similarity of the money splitting problem to negotiating a deal at the final table of a poker tournament (say final 2, 3, 4). It isn't always about dividing the payouts proportional to size of your stack and there are human factors involved.

Oops didn't mean to dup! I came across it because of all the cloud computing stuff that's happening - and reminded me of when all the powerful computing came down in price. Just wanted to go back in time to see how people used up all the extra computing power.

We ended up with mercurial. We needed Windows, Linux, OSX and code in all kinds of languages.

git is fine I suppose - but we needed to support Windows and I'd rather know that Windows is supported properly (mercurial), rather than kinda hoping it works (git). Things might have changed since the last time I looked.

In either case, be careful with case-sensitive/non-sensitive file systems.

Also, consider the learning curve difference as you will suddenly become the go-to guy for issues.

In the end, I'm really a Bond fan: http://importantshock.wordpress.com/2008/08/07/git-vs-mercur...

Let's go the other way... Let's suppose I am a hacker and I am looking for a business type or partner for YC, what kind of guy am i looking for?

Assuming that there is already trust and respect - I would want someone who can bring this to the table:

1. someone who understands a particular market & its needs 100%

2. someone to bounce design/sales/marketing discussions off

3. someone who has social and professional connections that I don't have

4. someone who can cook (because I don't have this skill)

Out of all these 1 & 2 is most important - as hackers don't usually have a good sense for UI and users.

If you find a hacker you want - sell yourself with these points.

Today, musicians make products (music) that can be easily duplicated at no cost. We acknowledge their value by compensating them through the purchase via proper channels (CDs, iTunes, concerts) and express our appreciation by being fans.

Software creators are not unlike these musicians; you pretty much need to have a record deal in order to get the money and the mainstream fans.

In Zed Shaw's case, he's basically using GPL ensures that other people are not using his work to get the record deals.