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In a way, Silicon Valley has become the tech world's Hollywood. Wide-eyed, talented people are encouraged to move across country and make their fortune in a bi
by michaelchisari 16y ago
In a way, Silicon Valley has become the tech world's Hollywood. Wide-eyed, talented people are encouraged to move across country and make their fortune in a big way. And like Hollywood, they're not encouraged to slowly build their craft and name, through theater and small roles, they're encouraged to go and pitch their Superman reboot and try and get discovered by David Fincher.
It's why I've always been skeptical of Silicon Valley. I don't like get-rich-quick schemes, even if they sometimes (although rarely) work. The social damage done to those who fail, especially when they make up the vast majority of those who try, can create a terrible reputation for an industry.
Of course, Hollywood has been chewing people up and spitting them out for decades, so maybe this is a sustainable cultural model, if you don't mind the repercussions.
- jacoblyles 16y agoFortunately the world needs more programmers than it does actors so there is some underlying demand to soak up the programmers who don't make it big. A backup plan of $60-100K a year is hardly the same as being a barista at starbucks for the next 30 years.
- michaelchisari 16y agoWell, a Starbucks manager in Los Angeles doesn't make that much far off from $60k, but regardless, you're right that that's the case for now, but I would point out that Silicon Valley is extremely young in comparison to Hollywood. But most importantly, the point I'd make is this: If Silicon Valley is our Hollywood, where is our Broadway?
- il 16y agoI'll temper the cynicism by saying that, despite everything, if you want to have any chance at being successful in the movie industry, you come to Hollywood. Same thing with Silicon Valley, despite its flaws.