Just came here to say that too. There's a fair amount of hubris in the founder/ceo promising things they cannot promise. I realize bthdonohue is doing it for the sake of employees and their enthusiasm to continue with the acquisition, but making claims like this undermines your credibility when you EOL the product in two years.
(I was part of one of these acquisitions and thankfully our founder made no such promises, and instead told us "nothing is going to change right now, but I can't tell you what the future holds for us")
Re:Instapaper is joining Pinterest
by droopyEyelids on Tuesday August 23, 2016 @11:06PM
(#12349411)
Yeah it gives me a moment of 'the feels' to see him still referring to himself as Instapaper CEO.
It's like man, you're VP of the Instapaper division now. And you're going to keep your head above the water a lot better if you know it, compared to imagining you're someone you are not.
Considering they are forcing the team to move to SF, there is no way Instapaper will exist in one year.
This is my takeaway as well.
One of the most dangerous things about acquisitions is losing the "magic touch" that the original team had... requiring a cross-country move is not the best way to retain your talent.
The "original team", i.e. Marco Arment, moved on years ago anyway.
Re:Instapaper is joining Pinterest
by bthdonohue on Tuesday August 23, 2016 @05:05PM
(#12347636)
I appreciate the congratulations. I do understand that plans change, and all I can say is that I will be doing everything to make sure we offer the same great product and service at Pinterest.
Re:Instapaper is joining Pinterest
by ninja_to_be on Tuesday August 23, 2016 @06:08PM
(#12348168)
Anecdotal evidence: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=5381694 :)
And a bunch more https://ourincrediblejourney.tumblr.com
As a person who has been part of a small company / start-up acquisition 2 times now this is literally the line every single CEO says when they're bought. Now I'm not saying you're lying but plans change and except for very, very few exceptions this is always wrong.
Congratulations either way and I wish you luck!