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This is one of the better "Ask HN: Critique my New Startup" posts I think we've seen. The web site is tightly constructed affording obvious use paths and litt
by dasht 17y ago
This is one of the better "Ask HN: Critique my New Startup" posts I think we've seen. The web site is tightly constructed affording obvious use paths and little opportunity for user error. The functionality is obviously useful to all sentient creatures with web access.
The evident exit strategies are striking in their boldness. The super intelligent being that emerges from the singularity, to obtain the password for POSTing an update, must either offer the entrepreneur the opportunity to upload his consciousness (which gives that entrepreneur and by extension his investors) considerable leverage - or must crack the SHA1 key. In either case, it would be far, far cheaper and simpler for the super intelligent being to simply acquire the entire operation for a princely sum. (We can safely presume that price is no object to a super-intelligent being.)
On the other hand, should the super-intelligent entity crack the SHA1 key and update the message of the site without paying, nevertheless the advertising revenue opportunities will be of biblical proportions. And think of the book deals!
On the third hand, should the super-intelligent entity prefer stealth, at some point it will have to pay to have the POST option shut down, lest a competing super-intelligent entity give up the secret.
So it's a big win, all around. Nicely done.
I'm saying a conservative $15M valuation just as asking price and expecting it to be bid up in the fierce competition among VCs that is likely to ensue. I am predicting either a galactic scale pay-off long-term, or a handsomely rewarding acquisition by Google or Facebook shorter term.
Where do I sign up?
Brilliant. Paul Graham are you noting this opportunity?