Category: Uncategorized

I typically refer to the IAC sale as “the worst business decision of my life.” I’m not sure IAC is worse than any other large company in this regard. An entrepreneur is someone who, almost artistically, designs a living entity which embodies the values, beliefs, and ambitions of the creator. It’s impossible for a larger entity to swallow a smaller one without completely reshaping it. When this process begins, a wild visionary – the entrepreneur type – is the most toxic, indigestible actor imaginable. And this is why I roll my eyes when a new acquisition is announced: Because I don’t see it as a triumphant graduation but a sacrifice to an industry that is afraid to dream big.An acquisition, or an aqui-hire, is always a failure. Either the founders failed to achieve their goal, or – far likelier – they failed to dream big enough. The proper ambition for a tech entrepreneur should be to join the ranks of the great tech companies, or, at least, to create a profitable, independent company beloved by employees, customers, and shareholders.

via An acquisition is always a failure.

Somali pirates are one of the strangest and most enticing stories for Western journalists. Given the nature of pirates and the nature of Somalia, however, its also a difficult one to report on.That may have resulted in some problems, according to Jamal Osman, a Somali-born journalist at the UKs Channel 4. Osman has done some digging and found that the pirates interviewed by Western media outlets such as Time Magazine and featured by Danish Broadcasting Corporation DR are not what they seem.

via The Fake Somalian Pirates – Business Insider.

They asserted that the service was illegal. But courts have now ruled against them on two occasions, giving momentum to Aereo as it tries to expand to other major metropolitan areas.

A spokeswoman for Aereo declined to comment on Monday morning, saying the company was still assessing the appeals court ruling.

CBS, one of the plaintiffs, said in a statement, “As the courts continue to consider this case and others like it, we are confident that the rights of content owners will be recognized, and that we will prevail.”

A group of other broadcasters, including Fox and PBS, said: “Today’s decision is a loss for the entire creative community. The court has ruled that it is O.K. to steal copyrighted material and retransmit it without compensation. While we are disappointed with this decision, we have and are considering our options to protect our programming.” The broadcasters said they would move ahead toward a trial.

via Aereo Wins in Appeals Court, Setting Stage for Trial on Streaming Broadcast TV – NYTimes.com.

CNN — [Update 8:55 a.m.] An apparent abduction involving a couple in New York City was a hoax, part of a surprise birthday party, New York police said Monday. The people involved came forward and there will be no charges, police said.

via Police: New York couples apparent abduction was a hoax – CNN.com.