trickledown

We already do. We continue to pay taxes to support the unemployed. Those currently out of work do not pay taxes. I don't have a problem with actually.

Distracting by design. All these devices are designed to get your attention. That is how they make money.

Geesh, what do you want for free.

Nothing - oh I forgot there is 8 new Javscript framwork this week. It's been a couple of weeks since I checked but there must be a new language or 2 out there.

It seems your are primarily referring to civilizations conceived of and implemented by men. Let's face it - men have a pretty shitty record when it comes to running everything. Empowering more women in society (not kardashians whatever they are) will help curtail the more destructive male instincts. (I am male btw)

In 1983 virtually everything was text base. Since moving to graphical user interfaces a great deal of effort moved into more visually stimulating UI such as animations and better fonts etc. Not all of this should be counted a progress/innovation. We have waisted much of the HW performance we achieved of the years for baubles and trinkets:)

If you are asking the answer is probably YES!

Finally - they may one day realize the is a difference between freedom of speech and freedom to spread lies.

The best way to mitigate this risk is to make sure there are standards and a viable vendor poole. There will always be higher risk associated with a single vendor.

My friend got my resume seen at Apple. I was hired.

After 30 years in the Software Business I agree with many of the comments:

1. Build your own company early on if possible. Only way to really make money.

2. If you must work for others change jobs every 3-7 years. And take your equity with you. The company's success or failure will not depend on you. Really it won't. Companies by their very nature are designed not to depend on individuals.

3. Learn to manage people. Hard job - your success depends entirely on the success of others. Talk about uncomfortable.

4. VC investment is the not the only way to fund your company. VC need the next MS or Apple etc to exist. The chances of you pulling that off are equivalent to buying a lottery ticket. The chances of you creating a company that makes a small number of people an above average return is quite good. A VC will find that a waste of time and exit leaving you with nothing. VC ask you to do something they are unwilling to do. Invest all you capital in one risky venture.

5. Don't be greedy. Easier said than done. If you can get a couple million for part of your equity now and live modestly but comfortably - do it. Freedom is everything - anything more is gravy. If the company does in fact take off the small bit of equity leftover will pay off big anyway.

Good luck