Not sure how this email proves a backroom deal - it's a founder saying they bought something and they expect something. Sketchy, but all on the founder's part -

Not sure how this email proves a backroom deal - it's a founder saying they bought something and they expect something. Sketchy, but all on the founder's part -- all suppositions to/from the founder, not the publication. Did they even get a story? Doesn't look like it. This article sort of destroys the credibility of its own publishers, though. An email from a pushy founder doesn't show any guilt on the recipient's side. I would've dug into it a bit more before throwing out accusations. Maybe would've gotten a really good story out of it? Disclaimer: TC covered our little startup and we were pleased as heck; no payola involved, we're not funded, we're not in any cool kids club. None of the other startup blogs has covered us except in passing once in awhile when referring to the cool kids.