"I've been observing companies (as have many other HN readers) since before Sam was even born."
OK, fine. If you have lots of relevant experience, then write a counter-argument that's more substantial than "selection bias!"
I'm sure we'd all like to read a comment that outlined some specific, well-thought-out points of disagreement with Sam's arguments.
Re:Super successful companies
by supersystem on Wednesday January 15, 2014 @10:22PM
(#7067881)
"[...] well-thought-out points of disagreement with Sam's arguments."
I see mostly opinions, not arguments. An argument is generally what follows if you ask someone "why?".
Re:Super successful companies
by argumentum on Wednesday January 15, 2014 @09:30PM
(#7067679)
> "it is specific to companies of a certain type and Sam has not qualified that at all in his post"
In the very first paragraph, Sam writes "It’s from personal experience and I’m sure there are plenty of exceptions."
What should be done to satisfy people like you?
Sam Altman has experience with a particular group of companies. A small subset of companies out of a huge set of people who do business. In a wide variety of places.
This writeup certainly makes some good points but it is specific to companies of a certain type and Sam has not qualified that at all in his post.
"than pretty much anyone has seen companies at all."
I've been observing companies (as have many other HN readers) since before Sam was even born. (I started my first company right out of college and that a very long time ago.)