You have to start somewhere. .NET is out because IMO Java is more open standards based than .NET. PHP - because it's fairly quick to learn and write in addition to being fast.
I haven't looked at all options yet, but I'd like to get more opinions on Java vs PHP first. You are welcome to suggets more.
PS: Friendster rewrote their site in PHP (from Java)
Don''t get me wrong - I didn't mean to say she isn't doing anything "cool". However, the fact remains that one can be so much more innovative and nimble in a "real" startup. Given a choice, a truly smart person would prefer to work for a cool starup vs Yahoo! Brickhouse.
The level of motivation one has in a startup is simply not there in a public company.
Why would a VC firm specializing in oil/energy invest in an internet startup? VCs generally have specific areas they invest in.. if they don't "Specialize" in internet, they won't invest in you.
I know this can get into a hot debate - like anything else there are pros and cons for each. But my question is really simple. When building a web-based application/service, would you use PHP even when you know that the application can potentially become huge and scalability and maintainability can become a nightmare if the application is written in PHP?
Couldnt they come up with a simpler/shorter name? I couldn't figure out the name while I was reading th OM article - it was only when I saw their website I realized the name was i'm in like with you!
Do not have an accoun yet - can't comment on the service. On the surface, looks like an interesting idea.
I think all my life I've been trying to figure out what I love to do and even though I liked technology, I was never convinced that I loved it. Now I'm 32, but my resume is w/o any startup experience/personal ventures. At the same time, I strongly feel like I want to start a start-up (yes, I'm aware that many fail and that I have to support my wife).
Assuming I come up with a convincing idea/prototype and a co-founder, what are my chances of getting funding from Y Combinator? Will there be a bias against me because:
(negatives)
1. I'm 32
2. My experience is no start-up experience
3. My experience has mostly been in enterprise s/w, which according to PG is not software :)
(positives)
1. Determined
2. Reasonably smart :)
3. Willing to risk my career/lifestyle
I would love to get Y Combinator funding because, it will give me the connections and credibility I need for VC funding.
I know that eventually it depends all on my idea/prototype/team, but I'd love to hear your thoughts. Startup school did nothing but deepened my fear that 30s are not so welcome. At least not the ones who haven't done anything significant in their lives before.
He referred to EBay as "not a technology" company, because they don't have many technical people in management. Just because Facebook has technical people in management, doesn't make it a "technology company" either. At least, not yet. Facebook is a great social networking site but certainy not a technology company. My examples of technology companies include Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, Sun, BEA etc.
I'm just saying there are inherent hurdles to innovation in a bigger/public company - no matter how innovative the company is.