Yes, this is how it works in terms of startups trying to gain traction. I imagine it's not just techcrunch that works this way. The startup I worked for got i

Yes, this is how it works in terms of startups trying to gain traction. I imagine it's not just techcrunch that works this way. The startup I worked for got immediate coverage and 60% of the article wasn't even true. Inflating traffic numbers to the nearest million seems like a common practice. If you know someone, then there is a 100% chance of getting coverage. For everyone else its a crapshoot and certainly not in your favor. Here is my example: I tried to get coverage for a fantasy sports startup that solves real problems surrounding player news and getting lineup advice. It even tells you who to pick up on the waiver wire. Got no coverage. Had no exciting investors. It was boring to them. However, once I launched a side project that enhances the readability of reddit iama's, then I got immediate coverage without even asking for it.