newsletter - 1/25/02
This Week
Endless explorations and ethics
A Collaboration of Classic Cars and Art
"Money, Money, Money...
~ by Gina M. Larson
TheCyber Scene in San Francisco ~ by Renee Bakos
Regular Features:
Cyber Scene Social Notes
Shakers & Stirrers
Bits & Bytes
* Recent Press
Harper's Bazaar "Is Cooking The New Shopping?" February 2002
The New York Times Boldface Names "Nobel Nobility" by James Barron, December 12, 2001
Silicon Alley Daily "High Fashion, Meet High Tech" by Ryan Stewart, November 29, 2001
* Upcoming Events
Stardust Circle ~ Intro to Nanotechnology. January 30, 2002. Silicon Valley. Sponsored by InternetWire, Fotki
At Globix. 2807 Mission College Blvd. Santa Clara, CA
Complimentary Bombay cocktails
* Courtney's Calendar of Events
Our calendar of select industry events is a must-have companion to the weekly newsletter that covers them after the fact. Subscribe or Unsubscribe
======================================================
Courtney Pulitzer Creations Presents
Stardust Circle ~ Intro to Nanotechnology. January 30, 2002. Silicon Valley.
Stardust Circle ~ A Good Day for Biotech. February 27, 2002. Stockholm, Sweden. Sponsorship inquiries: courtney@pulitzer.com ======================================================
*PC: Political Cocktails
Endless explorations and ethics One of the most interesting areas of scientific and technical development is also the most controversial. Mention "stem cell" and you're just as likely to offend someone or pique their interest. Never one to shy away from controversy, despite how nerve-wracking it can be, Swedish Consul General Olle Wastberg hosted an investment seminar on stem cell research on January 22nd at his residence in New York. He admits he "was a bit scared in advance" when planning this panel, which is easily understood--after all, just coordinating the speakers could be a potential landmine. However, it worked out just fine. Like most attendees I spoke with afterwards, Olle too felt the discussions were dynamic and demonstrated the potential for this area to be "very big." Of course, you can't invest very much in this area as an investor or hedge fund yet since it's in such early stages of development. But all the panelists thought that in a couple of years this field has lots of potential. Investors exploring--exploiting--this area by leaning about it now are setting themselves up to be in a very good position in a few years. Co-sponsored by the Consulate General of Sweden and Invest in Sweden Agency with guest sponsors Weatherly Securities and the DuHaan Groupe, Inc., the panel brought together noted experts from a variety of areas. Moderated by Business Week's Gene Marcial, MedicaFund general partner Dr. Yuval Binur, OvaCell Professor Magnus Westgren, Neuronova AB CEO Dr. Anders Haegerstrand, Pharmacia's Fredrik Henell and a representative from Incara Pharmaceuticals discussed the possibilities of true development. They have the tools to do this, but it is a long time before anything will truly happen. After the two and a half hour conversation to a packed room of about 50 professionals, I chatted with some attendees while wines and hors d'oeuvres were being passed around. Speakers Anders Haegerstrand and Fredrik Henell were chatting with attendees Karolinska Innovations AV Business Development director Thomas Andersson and Endpoint Merchant Group Inc. special limited partner Robert H. Silin. Spenser Trask Ventures, Inc. managing director Institutional Private Equity Group Hugh Cullman, Elastic Agency's Magnus Gink and I chatted about how it seems as if someone could come up with the delivery system for all this research and development--that's where the money would be. Global Emerging Technologies president David West Smith told me about his recent skiing trip out west and Wall Street Newswire's Leif Bergstrom, Pillsbury Winthrop patent attorney Steve Moore and others mingled and mused about the possibilities and discussions. For more information: www.swedeninfo.com/biotechstemcells/ /P>
======================================================
*Philharmonia Fervor
While NYNMA's CyberSuds rocked at Bliss, NYSIA's ASP Sig slammed at Holland & Knight and the Thunderbird Global Business Forum informed and entertained at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (woo woo), I ducked out from all technology obligations and sat through a delightful all-Rachmaninov evening at Avery Fisher Hall on Tuesday, January 8. This evening hall visitors were privy to the Philharmonia Orchestra of London's subtle nuances and dramatic emphases of quiet romantic pieces and dramatic statement scores. Conducted by Vladimir Askenazy, the evening also featured pianist Stephan Hough.
Afterwards, a select group of patrons and musicians were invited into the lovely home of the Philharmonia Orchestra of London's Fund president, Olga Geroulanos and her fiancé for an extraordinary reception. As gracious hostess, she introduced guests to each other. I had the chance to meet the Philharmonia Orchestra's president and some noted musicians like first violinist and concert master James Clark, first violinist Miranda Dale and Horn-player Cormac O'hAdodain.
The Veuve-Cliquot was flowing and as they evening rounded up, guests left satiated with rosy cheeks and warm spirits into the temperate January evening. Do stop by and see when this spectacular orchestra will be performing near you! http://www.philharmonia.co.uk
======================================================
*"Money, Money, Money...
...Always funny in a rich man's world." As the wildly popular Swedish singing sensation ABBA phrased it, life is easy when you have some money. And these days, topics surrounding this highly desirable asset are drawing crowds in record numbers. Everyone wants to figure out how they can get some of the good stuff too and to answer the call, Kickstart Office Centers in coordination with Schultze Roth & Zabel LLP hosted a morning panel on "Standing Out in a Hungry Crowd: Raising Capital in Tough Times" on Thursday, January 10th at the Kickstart Office Center on 34th Street.
Moderated by Venture Architects president and CEO Melissa Krinzman the panelist discussed various strategies with presenting your business plan to potential investors, exit strategies they prefer, term sheets, communication issues with investors, dynamics with broker-dealers and financing alternatives for low-tech companies.
Witticisms were doled out by Silicon Alley Seed Investors principal Ramana Jampala, New York City Investment Corporation's vice president Nina Orville, GreenHills Ventures managing general partner Emanuel Martinez, Milestone Venture Partners general partner Todd Pietri and Schultz Roth & Zabel's Michael Littenberg. Full discussion points are available for Inner Circle Members only. Please email info@pulitzer.com for information, or join today at: http://www.pulitzer.com/join.html
Among the busy networkers garnering information and contacts were VSA Consulting Group's Steven Wieczorek, private investor Philip Perrone, AirSphere president Dean Margolis, Globalitronix COO Lara George, MBAFreeAgents.com CEO Robert Steir and Phil Kiracofe. I also chatted with Sandles Capital Resources president Ellen Sandles and Kickstart EVP business development Jonathan Mensch before heading out. There were plenty of people still angling to network, so the day was off to a good start for many!
======================================================
*Facing Our Financial Future Fabulously
Getting money is one challenge entrepreneurs and technology companies face these days; keeping it and increasing it (through smart investments) is another. And "Controlling Your Wealth: Trusts and Estate Planning" is yet another topic women and men must face at some point in life. This very topic was the subject of dynamic Kathryn O'Hagan's presentation Thursday night, January 10th at the Helena Rubenstein Spa. If you didn't think the topic was enough to lure women in, just announce you'll host it in a luxurious location, offer free makeovers, paraffin treatments, wine, cheese and crackers and chocolate, and you'll have 'em beatin' down the doors! Which is precisely what happened.
It was a packed house--although a few of the young-ones that came in seemed more interested in the makeup. Nonetheless, Kathryn delivered yet another outstanding presentation to the women on trusts and estates and how to use those to control your wealth accumulation. Her presentations are gaining in celebrity status and she's got Donna Karan, Henri Bendel, Bliss Spa and others clamoring to have her come and speak in their spaces too.
Don't worry though, you can still catch her next seminar on January 31st at the Spa (email: kathryn.o'hagan@morganstanley.com). While some women walked around with plastic baggies covering their paraffin-soaked paws, others lined up to get makeup touch-ups and new ideas for sexy eyes and lips. And still others, like TeleSession Corp.'s Robyn Friedman, Open Society Institute's Nancy Abramson and a friend who requested to be unnamed, gathered by the cheese and crackers taking in the treats. Parisian Fabienne Pedron of FP Communication was in town for her usual tri-monthly trip and met Carr Futures' Anne Amiard and Elizabeth Arden's Gaelle Rachon, who were all enjoying the wine and treatments. Women In New Media's new COO Lisa Maxon and Amanda Richman took advantage of the festivities and chatted with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter financial advisor Karen Davidson West.
As the evening progressed I had Helen, the nail technician, dip my hands in the rich hand cream and warm wax treatment and let an esthetician, Vita, take me on a tour of the Express Stop Manicure-Pedicure-Facial chairs (all in an hour and for $100) in the back and the full spa downstairs. The calming rooms were spacious and peaceful in tones of white and cream and once you were changed into your soft terry robe and slippers, you could sip a cup of tea, coffee or white or red wine while enjoying a little snack before your full body treatment. How about having six showerheads spraying your seaweed-clad body for a change? Or bring your beau and do it together! Check our Calendar of Events for Kathryn's next presentation to ensure your financial future and check out www.helenarubenstein.com to ensure your facial future!
======================================================
*The Cyber Scene in San Francisco ~ by Renee Bakos
The Ghost of Dotcom Past
All year long Silicon Valley was haunted by the Ghost of Dotcom Past, which came to them at night with images of declining stocks, misused budgets, and a glut of employees sipping lattes. The redeeming quality of Silicon Valley, once heralded, as the "Entrepreneurs of the New Economy," was that they could never be accused of selling out to conservative corporate America. Not any more, said four CEO's, at the Churchill Club's "Strategies for Growth during the Downturn," who discussed how to overcome the obstacles to growth in a slow economy.
Mark Hoffman (CEO, Commerce One), warned companies "to fall back on good old fashion ROI."
Stratton Sclavos (CEO, Verisign), survived by asking, "Are we relevant and are we necessary?" and the slogan "Be the last thing that is shut off, before you close the door." Sadly, that formula didn't work for Pacific Gas and Electric.
Ali Kutay (CEO, AltoWeb), gave his eleventh-hour advice: "Stay away from anything that is called 'discretionary' budget."
Alfred Chuang (CEO, BEA), noted a survival trend in high sales for Alcohol and Cell phones. This synergy has little to do with the growing desperation for venture capitalists to find a date.
I don't know if these CEOs were simply being disingenuous about the Dotcom fate or bemused by the fact that it's not an obvious question whether there is a future. Any ambiguity on future strategy was cleared up by the "off-the- record" buzz: Fire everyone making under $100k. (Let the remaining people run the company.) Find more MIT engineering graduates (And slash all PR, and "soft marketing skills" of yore.)
Never mind that the average MIT engineer never actually turned their big ideas into any money, if only for the reason that they couldn't find the business school on the campus map. Never mind that the average computer geek has the communication skills of a mosquito, therefore creating a work place that resembles the Tower of Babel. Because the official exoneration CEO Chuang offered, is that "Silicon Valley is unbelievably expensive to do business in, when the average IT talent costs a company $300,000 a head." (Evidently, the over-inflated salary demanded by the average MIT engineer.) Go ahead, do the math. We're talking an investment that demands a Lloyd's of London policy just for a company to live here.
Fortunately, the ho-hum-ification of the Web didn't seem to affect the herd instinct at the seminar, "The 21st Century Boom - Four Billion Served!" CK Prahalad (Co-Author, Competing for the Future; Chairman & Co-Founder, Praja Inc.), presented what may be the largest, most overlooked opportunity of the 21st century: untapped money. The word is that every unemployed dotcommer lined up around the block to locate the money. Prahalad believes "Two-thirds of the world's population is untapped by today's capitalist system-those that earn less than $1,500/year." "For example," he suggests, "fishermen using cell phones while fishing, can locate fish schools at sea by tapping satellite-based information and deliver them to the nearest market where they are not oversold." One can only imagine the task of getting fish to use cell phones. There was no slow deductive process going on here; just a speeding of thought that enables one to leap over mental blocks to find extreme solutions. Einstein must have had days like this. The metaphorical light bulb pops on in your head and you consider hawking defunct Taliban gear on EBay. Above all, embrace something no one understands. You'll wow your critics, charm your investors, and open up a whole new demographic.
The Ghost of Dotcom Future
As if to save us all from a future of flipping burgers, in walks the Ghost of Dotcom Future, kicking off a the Web Guild's commendable "Open House and Job Fair", where a mob of hungry virtuosos packed a breathing-room-only space for a five minute pitch to recruiters.
Meanwhile, The Churchill Club will host "Thinking Outside the Dilbert" on January 15, when creator Scott Adams will conduct his new thought experiment called 'God's Debris', where the goal is to see if you can tell the difference between scientific 'facts' and 'creative baloney.'
Presumably, the message Dilbert and the Dotcom Future have in common, is "not to settle for living inside your box." Perhaps, because the things that "risking everything on a dotcom" has taught some of us, we could not have learned in cubicles: That a ship in harbor is safe, but that's not why ships are built. And if you travel beyond your own boundaries, you discover other risk takers, who will innovate and unite to survive. And, by embracing lessons of the past, it is harder to simply walk on a plane with a bomb in your shoe and try to blow up American innovation. In the end, taking a risk may be the one thing that saves us.
======================================================ADV
Go Dine in TriBeCa! Vergant.com's Wendy Dubit has compiled a list of restaurants that need support. Moran's, Giovanni's Atrium, Dakota Roadhouse, Raccoon Lodge, City Hall Restaurant, Fire Battalion #1. See the full list at: http://www.vergant.com/dining.htm
======================================================ADV
* Cyber Scene Social Notes
In an attempt to help facilitate better networking for new media professionals and "Scenesters," here are some points that will be added during the weeks.
** Before tossing all those holiday greeting cards, make a list of who sent you a card to be sure you can reciprocate in the coming holiday.
* Shakers & Stirrers ~ Send us your announcements
* Bits And Bytes ~ Send us your announcements
© 2001 Courtney Pulitzer. All rights reserved. The Cyber Scene(TM), the Cyber Scene Logo, and Cocktails with Courtney(TM) are trademarks and service marks of Courtney Pulitzer. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. The Cyber Scene and Cocktails with Courtney are provided by Courtney J. Pulitzer and are not affiliated with other Pulitzer companies, goods or services.
You may freely distribute "The Cyber Scene" material, as long as it bears the following attribution: "Source: 2001 The Cyber Scene TM http://www.TheCyberScene.com"
Endless explorations and ethics
A Collaboration of Classic Cars and Art
"Money, Money, Money...
~ by Gina M. Larson
TheCyber Scene in San Francisco ~ by Renee Bakos
Regular Features:
Cyber Scene Social Notes
Shakers & Stirrers
Bits & Bytes
* Recent Press
Harper's Bazaar "Is Cooking The New Shopping?" February 2002
The New York Times Boldface Names "Nobel Nobility" by James Barron, December 12, 2001
Silicon Alley Daily "High Fashion, Meet High Tech" by Ryan Stewart, November 29, 2001
* Upcoming Events
Stardust Circle ~ Intro to Nanotechnology. January 30, 2002. Silicon Valley. Sponsored by InternetWire, Fotki
At Globix. 2807 Mission College Blvd. Santa Clara, CA
Complimentary Bombay cocktails
* Courtney's Calendar of Events
Our calendar of select industry events is a must-have companion to the weekly newsletter that covers them after the fact. Subscribe or Unsubscribe
======================================================
Courtney Pulitzer Creations Presents
Stardust Circle ~ Intro to Nanotechnology. January 30, 2002. Silicon Valley.
Stardust Circle ~ A Good Day for Biotech. February 27, 2002. Stockholm, Sweden. Sponsorship inquiries: courtney@pulitzer.com ======================================================
*PC: Political Cocktails
Endless explorations and ethics One of the most interesting areas of scientific and technical development is also the most controversial. Mention "stem cell" and you're just as likely to offend someone or pique their interest. Never one to shy away from controversy, despite how nerve-wracking it can be, Swedish Consul General Olle Wastberg hosted an investment seminar on stem cell research on January 22nd at his residence in New York. He admits he "was a bit scared in advance" when planning this panel, which is easily understood--after all, just coordinating the speakers could be a potential landmine. However, it worked out just fine. Like most attendees I spoke with afterwards, Olle too felt the discussions were dynamic and demonstrated the potential for this area to be "very big." Of course, you can't invest very much in this area as an investor or hedge fund yet since it's in such early stages of development. But all the panelists thought that in a couple of years this field has lots of potential. Investors exploring--exploiting--this area by leaning about it now are setting themselves up to be in a very good position in a few years. Co-sponsored by the Consulate General of Sweden and Invest in Sweden Agency with guest sponsors Weatherly Securities and the DuHaan Groupe, Inc., the panel brought together noted experts from a variety of areas. Moderated by Business Week's Gene Marcial, MedicaFund general partner Dr. Yuval Binur, OvaCell Professor Magnus Westgren, Neuronova AB CEO Dr. Anders Haegerstrand, Pharmacia's Fredrik Henell and a representative from Incara Pharmaceuticals discussed the possibilities of true development. They have the tools to do this, but it is a long time before anything will truly happen. After the two and a half hour conversation to a packed room of about 50 professionals, I chatted with some attendees while wines and hors d'oeuvres were being passed around. Speakers Anders Haegerstrand and Fredrik Henell were chatting with attendees Karolinska Innovations AV Business Development director Thomas Andersson and Endpoint Merchant Group Inc. special limited partner Robert H. Silin. Spenser Trask Ventures, Inc. managing director Institutional Private Equity Group Hugh Cullman, Elastic Agency's Magnus Gink and I chatted about how it seems as if someone could come up with the delivery system for all this research and development--that's where the money would be. Global Emerging Technologies president David West Smith told me about his recent skiing trip out west and Wall Street Newswire's Leif Bergstrom, Pillsbury Winthrop patent attorney Steve Moore and others mingled and mused about the possibilities and discussions. For more information: www.swedeninfo.com/biotechstemcells/ /P>
======================================================
*Philharmonia Fervor
While NYNMA's CyberSuds rocked at Bliss, NYSIA's ASP Sig slammed at Holland & Knight and the Thunderbird Global Business Forum informed and entertained at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (woo woo), I ducked out from all technology obligations and sat through a delightful all-Rachmaninov evening at Avery Fisher Hall on Tuesday, January 8. This evening hall visitors were privy to the Philharmonia Orchestra of London's subtle nuances and dramatic emphases of quiet romantic pieces and dramatic statement scores. Conducted by Vladimir Askenazy, the evening also featured pianist Stephan Hough.
Afterwards, a select group of patrons and musicians were invited into the lovely home of the Philharmonia Orchestra of London's Fund president, Olga Geroulanos and her fiancé for an extraordinary reception. As gracious hostess, she introduced guests to each other. I had the chance to meet the Philharmonia Orchestra's president and some noted musicians like first violinist and concert master James Clark, first violinist Miranda Dale and Horn-player Cormac O'hAdodain.
The Veuve-Cliquot was flowing and as they evening rounded up, guests left satiated with rosy cheeks and warm spirits into the temperate January evening. Do stop by and see when this spectacular orchestra will be performing near you! http://www.philharmonia.co.uk
======================================================
*"Money, Money, Money...
...Always funny in a rich man's world." As the wildly popular Swedish singing sensation ABBA phrased it, life is easy when you have some money. And these days, topics surrounding this highly desirable asset are drawing crowds in record numbers. Everyone wants to figure out how they can get some of the good stuff too and to answer the call, Kickstart Office Centers in coordination with Schultze Roth & Zabel LLP hosted a morning panel on "Standing Out in a Hungry Crowd: Raising Capital in Tough Times" on Thursday, January 10th at the Kickstart Office Center on 34th Street.
Moderated by Venture Architects president and CEO Melissa Krinzman the panelist discussed various strategies with presenting your business plan to potential investors, exit strategies they prefer, term sheets, communication issues with investors, dynamics with broker-dealers and financing alternatives for low-tech companies.
Witticisms were doled out by Silicon Alley Seed Investors principal Ramana Jampala, New York City Investment Corporation's vice president Nina Orville, GreenHills Ventures managing general partner Emanuel Martinez, Milestone Venture Partners general partner Todd Pietri and Schultz Roth & Zabel's Michael Littenberg. Full discussion points are available for Inner Circle Members only. Please email info@pulitzer.com for information, or join today at: http://www.pulitzer.com/join.html
Among the busy networkers garnering information and contacts were VSA Consulting Group's Steven Wieczorek, private investor Philip Perrone, AirSphere president Dean Margolis, Globalitronix COO Lara George, MBAFreeAgents.com CEO Robert Steir and Phil Kiracofe. I also chatted with Sandles Capital Resources president Ellen Sandles and Kickstart EVP business development Jonathan Mensch before heading out. There were plenty of people still angling to network, so the day was off to a good start for many!
======================================================
*Facing Our Financial Future Fabulously
Getting money is one challenge entrepreneurs and technology companies face these days; keeping it and increasing it (through smart investments) is another. And "Controlling Your Wealth: Trusts and Estate Planning" is yet another topic women and men must face at some point in life. This very topic was the subject of dynamic Kathryn O'Hagan's presentation Thursday night, January 10th at the Helena Rubenstein Spa. If you didn't think the topic was enough to lure women in, just announce you'll host it in a luxurious location, offer free makeovers, paraffin treatments, wine, cheese and crackers and chocolate, and you'll have 'em beatin' down the doors! Which is precisely what happened.
It was a packed house--although a few of the young-ones that came in seemed more interested in the makeup. Nonetheless, Kathryn delivered yet another outstanding presentation to the women on trusts and estates and how to use those to control your wealth accumulation. Her presentations are gaining in celebrity status and she's got Donna Karan, Henri Bendel, Bliss Spa and others clamoring to have her come and speak in their spaces too.
Don't worry though, you can still catch her next seminar on January 31st at the Spa (email: kathryn.o'hagan@morganstanley.com). While some women walked around with plastic baggies covering their paraffin-soaked paws, others lined up to get makeup touch-ups and new ideas for sexy eyes and lips. And still others, like TeleSession Corp.'s Robyn Friedman, Open Society Institute's Nancy Abramson and a friend who requested to be unnamed, gathered by the cheese and crackers taking in the treats. Parisian Fabienne Pedron of FP Communication was in town for her usual tri-monthly trip and met Carr Futures' Anne Amiard and Elizabeth Arden's Gaelle Rachon, who were all enjoying the wine and treatments. Women In New Media's new COO Lisa Maxon and Amanda Richman took advantage of the festivities and chatted with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter financial advisor Karen Davidson West.
As the evening progressed I had Helen, the nail technician, dip my hands in the rich hand cream and warm wax treatment and let an esthetician, Vita, take me on a tour of the Express Stop Manicure-Pedicure-Facial chairs (all in an hour and for $100) in the back and the full spa downstairs. The calming rooms were spacious and peaceful in tones of white and cream and once you were changed into your soft terry robe and slippers, you could sip a cup of tea, coffee or white or red wine while enjoying a little snack before your full body treatment. How about having six showerheads spraying your seaweed-clad body for a change? Or bring your beau and do it together! Check our Calendar of Events for Kathryn's next presentation to ensure your financial future and check out www.helenarubenstein.com to ensure your facial future!
======================================================
*The Cyber Scene in San Francisco ~ by Renee Bakos
The Ghost of Dotcom Past
All year long Silicon Valley was haunted by the Ghost of Dotcom Past, which came to them at night with images of declining stocks, misused budgets, and a glut of employees sipping lattes. The redeeming quality of Silicon Valley, once heralded, as the "Entrepreneurs of the New Economy," was that they could never be accused of selling out to conservative corporate America. Not any more, said four CEO's, at the Churchill Club's "Strategies for Growth during the Downturn," who discussed how to overcome the obstacles to growth in a slow economy.
Mark Hoffman (CEO, Commerce One), warned companies "to fall back on good old fashion ROI."
Stratton Sclavos (CEO, Verisign), survived by asking, "Are we relevant and are we necessary?" and the slogan "Be the last thing that is shut off, before you close the door." Sadly, that formula didn't work for Pacific Gas and Electric.
Ali Kutay (CEO, AltoWeb), gave his eleventh-hour advice: "Stay away from anything that is called 'discretionary' budget."
Alfred Chuang (CEO, BEA), noted a survival trend in high sales for Alcohol and Cell phones. This synergy has little to do with the growing desperation for venture capitalists to find a date.
I don't know if these CEOs were simply being disingenuous about the Dotcom fate or bemused by the fact that it's not an obvious question whether there is a future. Any ambiguity on future strategy was cleared up by the "off-the- record" buzz: Fire everyone making under $100k. (Let the remaining people run the company.) Find more MIT engineering graduates (And slash all PR, and "soft marketing skills" of yore.)
Never mind that the average MIT engineer never actually turned their big ideas into any money, if only for the reason that they couldn't find the business school on the campus map. Never mind that the average computer geek has the communication skills of a mosquito, therefore creating a work place that resembles the Tower of Babel. Because the official exoneration CEO Chuang offered, is that "Silicon Valley is unbelievably expensive to do business in, when the average IT talent costs a company $300,000 a head." (Evidently, the over-inflated salary demanded by the average MIT engineer.) Go ahead, do the math. We're talking an investment that demands a Lloyd's of London policy just for a company to live here.
Fortunately, the ho-hum-ification of the Web didn't seem to affect the herd instinct at the seminar, "The 21st Century Boom - Four Billion Served!" CK Prahalad (Co-Author, Competing for the Future; Chairman & Co-Founder, Praja Inc.), presented what may be the largest, most overlooked opportunity of the 21st century: untapped money. The word is that every unemployed dotcommer lined up around the block to locate the money. Prahalad believes "Two-thirds of the world's population is untapped by today's capitalist system-those that earn less than $1,500/year." "For example," he suggests, "fishermen using cell phones while fishing, can locate fish schools at sea by tapping satellite-based information and deliver them to the nearest market where they are not oversold." One can only imagine the task of getting fish to use cell phones. There was no slow deductive process going on here; just a speeding of thought that enables one to leap over mental blocks to find extreme solutions. Einstein must have had days like this. The metaphorical light bulb pops on in your head and you consider hawking defunct Taliban gear on EBay. Above all, embrace something no one understands. You'll wow your critics, charm your investors, and open up a whole new demographic.
The Ghost of Dotcom Future
As if to save us all from a future of flipping burgers, in walks the Ghost of Dotcom Future, kicking off a the Web Guild's commendable "Open House and Job Fair", where a mob of hungry virtuosos packed a breathing-room-only space for a five minute pitch to recruiters.
Meanwhile, The Churchill Club will host "Thinking Outside the Dilbert" on January 15, when creator Scott Adams will conduct his new thought experiment called 'God's Debris', where the goal is to see if you can tell the difference between scientific 'facts' and 'creative baloney.'
Presumably, the message Dilbert and the Dotcom Future have in common, is "not to settle for living inside your box." Perhaps, because the things that "risking everything on a dotcom" has taught some of us, we could not have learned in cubicles: That a ship in harbor is safe, but that's not why ships are built. And if you travel beyond your own boundaries, you discover other risk takers, who will innovate and unite to survive. And, by embracing lessons of the past, it is harder to simply walk on a plane with a bomb in your shoe and try to blow up American innovation. In the end, taking a risk may be the one thing that saves us.
======================================================ADV
Go Dine in TriBeCa! Vergant.com's Wendy Dubit has compiled a list of restaurants that need support. Moran's, Giovanni's Atrium, Dakota Roadhouse, Raccoon Lodge, City Hall Restaurant, Fire Battalion #1. See the full list at: http://www.vergant.com/dining.htm
======================================================ADV
* Cyber Scene Social Notes
In an attempt to help facilitate better networking for new media professionals and "Scenesters," here are some points that will be added during the weeks.
** Before tossing all those holiday greeting cards, make a list of who sent you a card to be sure you can reciprocate in the coming holiday.
* Shakers & Stirrers ~ Send us your announcements
* Bits And Bytes ~ Send us your announcements
© 2001 Courtney Pulitzer. All rights reserved. The Cyber Scene(TM), the Cyber Scene Logo, and Cocktails with Courtney(TM) are trademarks and service marks of Courtney Pulitzer. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. The Cyber Scene and Cocktails with Courtney are provided by Courtney J. Pulitzer and are not affiliated with other Pulitzer companies, goods or services.
You may freely distribute "The Cyber Scene" material, as long as it bears the following attribution: "Source: 2001 The Cyber Scene TM http://www.TheCyberScene.com"
posted by Courtney Pulitzer at 4:11 PM
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