4 ms·

This, unfortunately, is the entrepreneurial version of the "second system syndrome": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second-system_effect https://en.wikipedia.o

by payne92 10y ago

This, unfortunately, is the entrepreneurial version of the "second system syndrome": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second-system_effect https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second-system_effect The pattern: an entrepreneur achieves some level of fame/fortune. Then, they overcapitalize their next company (to various degrees) from high-expectation investors. Next, they are reminded how fricking HARD startups are, and how much LUCK was really involved in their first success. Some compound the pain by presuming the second will go like the first, and they run things fat and expensive from the start: high headcount, expensive office, high salaries, over the top perks, etc. And then when reality hits, the "corporate lifestyle downgrade" is especially painful. (I'm speaking from hard-learned personal experience, and I see this pattern over and over...)

CPLX 10y ago
Perhaps. In fairness Ev Williams had two massively successful ventures before this one.
k__ 10y ago
"Next, they are reminded how fricking HARD startups are, and how much LUCK was really involved in their first success." I have the feeling this is hauting my life. Jobs, relationships, everything. When I got something, it didn't feel that hard to get it. When I try to get something it feels impossible.
ibejoeb 10y ago
> presuming the second will go like the first, and they run things fat and expensive from the start: high headcount, expensive office, high salaries, over the top perks Nailed it. It's tough to resist, though. In the moment, it feels like "doing things right this time" rather than running fat.
vmarsy 10y ago
While Second-system effects seems to be describing software, the "human" version of it is apparently called Sophomore slump [1]: A sophomore slump refers to an instance in which a second, or sophomore, effort fails to live up to the standards of the first effort. It is commonly used to refer to the apathy of students (second year of high school, college or university), the performance of athletes (second season of play), singers/bands (second album), television shows (second seasons) and films (sequels/prequels). The second company of a previously successful entrepreneur seem to match that definition! [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophomore_slump https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophomore_slump
- benevol 10y ago
  And it's also why democracy is crumbling in Western societies (current generation do not have to fight for it, and take it for a granted and guaranteed system, which has nothing to do with the truth). Which means it's probably going to die before it will be resurrected on a more sane foundation, some time in the future.

by payne92 10y ago

CPLX 10y ago

Perhaps. In fairness Ev Williams had two massively successful ventures before this one.

k__ 10y ago

"Next, they are reminded how fricking HARD startups are, and how much LUCK was really involved in their first success." I have the feeling this is hauting my life. Jobs, relationships, everything. When I got something, it didn't feel that hard to get it. When I try to get something it feels impossible.

ibejoeb 10y ago

> presuming the second will go like the first, and they run things fat and expensive from the start: high headcount, expensive office, high salaries, over the top perks Nailed it. It's tough to resist, though. In the moment, it feels like "doing things right this time" rather than running fat.

vmarsy 10y ago

While Second-system effects seems to be describing software, the "human" version of it is apparently called Sophomore slump [1]: A sophomore slump refers to an instance in which a second, or sophomore, effort fails to live up to the standards of the first effort. It is commonly used to refer to the apathy of students (second year of high school, college or university), the performance of athletes (second season of play), singers/bands (second album), television shows (second seasons) and films (sequels/prequels). The second company of a previously successful entrepreneur seem to match that definition! [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophomore_slump https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophomore_slump

benevol 10y ago
And it's also why democracy is crumbling in Western societies (current generation do not have to fight for it, and take it for a granted and guaranteed system, which has nothing to do with the truth). Which means it's probably going to die before it will be resurrected on a more sane foundation, some time in the future.