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Wow. So I read through his post, watched the video, and read the letter he wrote to S&S. All the while, I couldn't help but feel I recognized/knew/ or had read

Wow. So I read through his post, watched the video, and read the letter he wrote to S&S. All the while, I couldn't help but feel I recognized/knew/ or had read this guy's stuff before. Somewhere around his mention of accomplishing super-human feats and cyclothymia, I connected him to the "Stop Being a Fucking Joker" rant. I look forward to reading additional commentary about op's post and Mr. Marshall; but, I can't help but feel a distaste for his seemingly common use of public shaming. Perhaps a more effective and less aggressive form of communication would allow him to avoid these public spats. Then again, perhaps it is all part of a very effective pr campaign. After all, I now know who this guy is and am able to identify his writing.

lionhearted 15y ago
These are great points, I'd like to address all of them - First, yes. Second, I've never released contact info or identifying details of anyone on my side - an employee, investor, or partner. Ever. It's always obfuscated pretty well - you have to protect people. Third, everyone in an organization or the specific people will know, but that's what you get with me. Radical honesty/transparency... it's awesome, it's so liberating, and people are thoroughly informed that that's how it goes with me. It's not for everyone, that's for sure Fourth, I'm gentler/nicer to people who are quiet, etc - you obviously don't hear about that... I try to communicate in a person's desired style, which is aggressive for driver-type people, but I'm more creative/relaxed with creatives, and very calm with calm people. Fifth, the publishing industry's bullshit needs to end, and I need to air this out publicly. It's the only leverage anyone has. Merlin Mann's "Cranking" essay is what gave me confidence to stand up publicly, take a lot of abuse, and look to improve things. Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts here.
- MengYuanLong 15y ago
  Thank you for your response. One thing I love about Hacker News is the frequency that you get to engage in actual discussions with the authors. I am somewhat weary/apprehensive of your style, but I must confess I find it rather intoxicating. I certainly plan to read through more of your postings and archives. Most of all, I am glad to hear you adjust the message to the audience. I would expect nothing less from a marketing savvy individual but it is still comforting to read. Good luck with your fight, it is unfortunate that so many industries continue to cling to outdated business practices and models.

lionhearted 15y ago

These are great points, I'd like to address all of them - First, yes. Second, I've never released contact info or identifying details of anyone on my side - an employee, investor, or partner. Ever. It's always obfuscated pretty well - you have to protect people. Third, everyone in an organization or the specific people will know, but that's what you get with me. Radical honesty/transparency... it's awesome, it's so liberating, and people are thoroughly informed that that's how it goes with me. It's not for everyone, that's for sure Fourth, I'm gentler/nicer to people who are quiet, etc - you obviously don't hear about that... I try to communicate in a person's desired style, which is aggressive for driver-type people, but I'm more creative/relaxed with creatives, and very calm with calm people. Fifth, the publishing industry's bullshit needs to end, and I need to air this out publicly. It's the only leverage anyone has. Merlin Mann's "Cranking" essay is what gave me confidence to stand up publicly, take a lot of abuse, and look to improve things. Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts here.

MengYuanLong 15y ago
Thank you for your response. One thing I love about Hacker News is the frequency that you get to engage in actual discussions with the authors. I am somewhat weary/apprehensive of your style, but I must confess I find it rather intoxicating. I certainly plan to read through more of your postings and archives. Most of all, I am glad to hear you adjust the message to the audience. I would expect nothing less from a marketing savvy individual but it is still comforting to read. Good luck with your fight, it is unfortunate that so many industries continue to cling to outdated business practices and models.