I see this as just publicity piece for Seattle. The cities, here and abroad, that advertise themselves as the next Silicon Valley are a dime a dozen. They’re looking to create buzz and interest among possible investors. The primary information for investors here -- those people, who want to make Seattle the next Silicon Valley, lack imagination.

Oh yes, that's Microsoft Valley where Yahoo will be moving to soon. This is roughly what Bob Cringely was predicting here: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=111933

Wait...

You mean to tell me Seattle/Bellvue/Bellingham aren't already a micro silicon valley? You mean the part where it's where it was originally a military defense contractor haven (much like silicon valley during the orange grove days) and now has Microsoft and Amazon along with a handful of web 2.0 and tech companies are based?

That's not considered a tech city? It's amazing someone from the east has such a firm grasp on the west.

I think the article is talking about how it's moving up... But even if it's a tech city, it's still metaphorical MILES from being a Silicon Valley. You can see a list of the top Seattle Startup Sites and how they look in Alexa/Compete here:

http://seattle20.sampasite.com/blog/Seattle-Startup-Index-Ja...

Not seeing a lot of Seattle companies in the top 100 of Alexa. Or top 500. Or even top 1000.

(insert obligatory "Alexa's data is crap" comment here)

Alexa data is crap :(

I really liked Seattle and found it to be pretty much like Silicon Valley. Crowded, expensive housing, lots of tech companies in fancy lofts/buildings. But I don't live there so maybe that's what I'm missing.

I like the spin on the rainy weather. I for one do get more creative and focused on code on rainy days.

The downside is, if your company is failing then you kill yourself.

Nice... makes me glad I'm moving to Seattle in a few months :)

Waterloo, ON?