None of that means I can't help someone who runs a company with a different model. I don't see how the two are related. I run my company one way, other people run their companies their way. If someone I respect asks for my help, and I want to help them, and I'm able to help them, I'll help them.

I get hundreds of emails a year from people who ask for my help. I help as many as I reasonably can. Sometimes it's an email. Sometimes it's a phone call. Sometimes it's office hours. Sometimes it's giving a talk or giving my feedback on their products, companies, or designs.

The Groupon experience was a very unique experience. I've never been presented with an experience like that before, so I got involved. It was a fantastic learning experience for me. I continue to help when asked. I wish everyone there nothing but the best.

My approach, in general, is to learn about what I don't understand before rejecting what I don't understand. I don't always live up to that ideal, but I try.

> I don't see how the two are related.

The simplest of affiliations can be taken by many as endorsement. That's only a problem (or, a "problem") if one's public persona is an asset and there's a perception of conflict or contradiction.

Anyway, I unfortunately speculated in abstract terms publicly, instead of saving it for the coffee shop. I apologize for any resulting grief.