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>> "unique biological ecosystem evolved in the absence of continental species" I think it's doing business based on informal interpersonal relationships, commu

>> "unique biological ecosystem evolved in the absence of continental species" I think it's doing business based on informal interpersonal relationships, community, 'You scratch my back I'll scratch yours.' It contrasts with Western BigCorpCo, sticklers for the letter of the law, insisting on long contracts, sue you into the ground etc etc. Community before legal fetishism. I think it's the default modus operandi worldwide, it's the US/West that is unique. I don't say either system is superior. I don't speak Chinese, so can't say for sure. Edit: I reread the article, this part is interesting: >> Of course, you can’t just call up Mediatek and buy these; and it’s extremely difficult to engage with them “going through the front door” to do a design. Don’t even bother; they won’t return your calls. Maybe they want you to use one of their associated 'development support' companies, that have ads on Taobao? Sometimes these companies ask for large downpayments to get access to the SDKs/dev tools. Genuine question.

SiVal 8y ago
"Community before legal fetishism." This "legal fetishism", otherwise known as the rule of law, is what allows business deals to be made between strangers instead of the traditional "community" limitation of having to share a friend in common who will vouch for you. The main problem with the rule of law is having too little of it, when the traditional worldwide norm you speak of partially subverts it, and the powerful scratch each other's backs.
- davidzweig 8y ago
  Good points. I offer an example of "legal fetishism": my own brother insists I sign a 15-page contract in order that I help him out with a few hundred lines of code for an STM32.
  - pjc50 8y ago
    That's a polite way of saying "I don't really want to do this, but if you perform some work first to demonstrate your commitment I will agree to help you"
    - navane 8y ago
      I think you switched some actors roles. It's more like: "I want you to do this. But to show your commitment, I want you to do this other thing too. You're doing everything and I'm doing nothing."

SiVal 8y ago

"Community before legal fetishism." This "legal fetishism", otherwise known as the rule of law, is what allows business deals to be made between strangers instead of the traditional "community" limitation of having to share a friend in common who will vouch for you. The main problem with the rule of law is having too little of it, when the traditional worldwide norm you speak of partially subverts it, and the powerful scratch each other's backs.

davidzweig 8y ago
Good points. I offer an example of "legal fetishism": my own brother insists I sign a 15-page contract in order that I help him out with a few hundred lines of code for an STM32.
- pjc50 8y ago
  That's a polite way of saying "I don't really want to do this, but if you perform some work first to demonstrate your commitment I will agree to help you"
  - navane 8y ago
    I think you switched some actors roles. It's more like: "I want you to do this. But to show your commitment, I want you to do this other thing too. You're doing everything and I'm doing nothing."