Indeed they are needed, but they are only the tip of the iceberg in my vision. For me the whole data gathering process has to be revised and has to become more efficient, and data is useless if it's not organised and put into context - that's what I aim to do. As a biochemist I only know how to program a VCR [retro], and so I need to find some hackers to help me out.
I aim for one of mine to be. The aim is to build a tool/resource that will help scientists speed up there research, which, in turn, will help society. Obviously, I won't be shy if a bit of moola came my way!
My other start-up is an email client that will hopefully, once and for all, relieve me of the frustrations I have currently with every other email service out there.
The first one is my real 'baby' because I am a scientist by trade; the second one is one that I would like to cash in on.
Hmmmm, just as I thought, everyone is down south! Could people please expand on the merits of being down south: is it easier to find funding, hackers, etc?
I am just starting out and trying to get a couple of start-ups off the ground. I am based in Leeds (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&q=leeds&oe=UTF-8...) and my current concern is about finding talent in the north. Everything I have read so far - including most of the stuff on YC News - suggests that I will have to go down south to London or Cambridge, or up-sticks and move to 'the valley'. However, recent networking events have introduced me to local talent and so things are looking more optimistic.
I don't think Facebook has had a good image recently, e.g. over valuation has made them a mockery; privacy concerns relating to the disclosure of personnel information to third parties; the fact that they don't actually delete your profile when you leave and Facebook personnel willfully looking at peoples profiles for entertainment. I feel a backlash coming on already.
Also, most of my profile is made up anyway. I have put cereals as one of my interests; I can't wait to receive 'contextual' cereal ads!