newsio

Do backers on Kickstarter really assume that all the bugs will be worked out before the prototype is shown? I'm not familiar with how the community works, but would assume that the prototypes would be used to identify more bugs and design flaws, as well as elicit feedback from early users.

So, if you have a family history of colon cancer and you've entered the age range where screening typically starts, you may be out of luck. Yes, treating cancer is vastly more expensive than screening for it. So why not pay for regular screenings? I think health insurance companies (and employers) probably do a cost analysis and determine that the cost of detecting and catching stage 1 colon cancer in a screening is more expensive than the cost of waiting for it to develop into something that requires treatment, because by that time there's a very good chance that the worker will no longer be at the same company.

I'm hopeful the costs and effectiveness of non-invasive imaging technologies and auto-analysis will come down in the next 10 years to the point where "screenings" can be done for a fraction of a colonoscopy. But, of course, the manufacturers of the current generation of imaging technologies -- the Siemens and Intels of the world -- are perfectly happy with the jaw-dropping price tags that hospitals and clinics have to pay and pass onto the consumer. If some smart startup comes along with a cheaper solution, just buy 'em out or use monopoly muscle to take them out of the picture.

OK, end of rant. Back to our normal programming.

The guy who founded Android (can't recall his name) was as well, but he already had founded some companies.

As for spending his personal fortune, he has a lifetime of employment as an ad pitchman in the Boston area -- at least if he wants it. He broke the Curse for the Red Sox, and people here will never forget that.

The NYT has a good approach: Approve only those comments which present reasoned arguments in a semi-intelligent way. There's a lag, but the comment threads are excellent reading.

Another approach: Force everyone to use real names when leaving a comment. I am not sure how that would work, but the trolling would drop away if real identities were tied to people's words.

Unfortunately, it might also inhibit people from commenting, too. Anonymity is a great way to say what you actually think.

The original SEO book post and HN discussion are here:

http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1073723

EDITED: Added correct link (thanks icey!)

Note that this came out more than a week before Google made its announcement that it was considering pulling out of China. I think other startups or established companies considering an expansion into China should read this first. There are certainly opportunities, but lots of asterisks too.

Shows how long I've been out of touch with CSS. Didn't know stuff like variables or rounded edges was supported.

Disappointed to see this getting a lot of upvotes. It's hardly a new issue for entrepreneurs or governments. Traffic control on the roads, in the skies, and on the rails is a known problem that transportation engineers have been working on for decades. Sarah Lacy is talking about it like she just discovered the problem.

http://scobleizer.com/2009/11/17/ray-ozzie-is-wrong-about-sm...

Wouldn't be surprised if Microsoft or Ozzie issues a clarification about this.

http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=709733

I lived in Asia for more than six years. Speak Mandarin. Married locally. The idea that Asian women tend to "demand less attention," or what you refer to a "Fresh Off the Boat" Chinese girl giving birth will urge her mate to "don't wory about the baby" and "make sure you get the money" is absolute, utter B.S.

It's honest, it's filled with good advice, it has warnings that people should be at least aware of (e.g., "mentors" who provide an hour of advice and expect an equity stake in return), and it's very, very well written and is a pleasure to read. I knew the author had some serious writing experience when I read the post, and sure enough, he has background as the founder of an online literary publication.

Thanks hariis, and thanks Paul.

http://www.rkblog.rk.edu.pl/w/p/harvesting-data-websites-usi...

http://www.rkblog.rk.edu.pl/w/p/harvesting-data-websites-usi...

Any crazy Android stories like this?

But I have to say: You're asking for clarity, want applicants to avoid unnecessary or confusing language, etc. Why not practice what you preach? Why not include some of the "read between the lines" bits in your essay ("If this wasn't already clear, we're not looking for the sort of obedient, middle-of-the-road people that big companies tend to hire. We're looking for people who like to beat the system") and copy and paste them directly into the application form? It will make your life easier, and it will make it easier for YC applicants who are struggling with the process. Judging by the fact that you had to write this essay, people obviously don't know what you want.

But is it the right strategy in this case?

I'd be furious if it were my company that was exposed like this. But if it were an internal leak -- as opposed to receiving stolen information -- would the anger be justified? Some publications (the Wall Street Journal and AllThingsD spring to mind) live off of leaked internal documents and tips. No one is going after their advertisers.

How should TC have handled it?