4 ms·

This is a weak article. The headline exaggerates the content of the article as is often the case. Based on anecdotal opinions of two Berlin techies who probably

by spikels 13y ago

This is a weak article. The headline exaggerates the content of the article as is often the case. Based on anecdotal opinions of two Berlin techies who probably have an incentive to promote Berlin's tech scene. The conclusion is that the German visa process is still intolerable. Yet somehow the application process is better is some ways. Some details of the process would be nice as well numbers of visas granted and time frames would be very helpful. There are currently several big PR effort around US immigration reform[1]. Could this article just be part of that effort directed at Silicon Valley? Am I being paranoid? Edit: I'm for easier immigration and work visas but would like a more transparent and fact based discussion. [1] http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2013/10/24/republicans-for-immigration-reform-boost-effort-in-house/ http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2013/10/24/republicans-for-imm...

k__ 13y ago
Yes... The politicians try to sell Berlin as the Valley of Germany to the world, which it really isn't... Hamburg, Frakfurt, Stuttgart and Munich are way ahead of Berlin, but they aren't "hip"
selmnoo 13y ago
The submitter of this article, pg, is in fact a major contributor to the FWD.us intiative [1]. But it's probably better to assume there's a good faith basis in the submission of this article, since we've no reason to believe otherwise. You're very right that Berlin in recent years has been aggressively pushing itself as the next Valley (and I guess to some extent it is succeeding -- you're seeing a few big players emerge from there, Soundcloud being one that everyone knows about). The reason why it'll never be the next full-on Valley though, in my opinion (as another poster has already mentioned) is the racism there. As a brown guy who's been to a lot of places, let me tell you that there is racism basically everywhere but in America (and Canada). It is of a particularly sharp type in Berlin (and the rest of East Germany). It really puts a burden on you mentally when you have to make everyday life decisions (should I take the train at this time? alone? at $X place?) in efforts of just escaping harassment. For as much as I rail on America for the eroding civil liberties and all, I can not imagine leaving this place for any other. [1]: http://www.fwd.us/our_supporters http://www.fwd.us/our_supporters

by spikels 13y ago

k__ 13y ago

Yes... The politicians try to sell Berlin as the Valley of Germany to the world, which it really isn't... Hamburg, Frakfurt, Stuttgart and Munich are way ahead of Berlin, but they aren't "hip"

selmnoo 13y ago

The submitter of this article, pg, is in fact a major contributor to the FWD.us intiative [1]. But it's probably better to assume there's a good faith basis in the submission of this article, since we've no reason to believe otherwise. You're very right that Berlin in recent years has been aggressively pushing itself as the next Valley (and I guess to some extent it is succeeding -- you're seeing a few big players emerge from there, Soundcloud being one that everyone knows about). The reason why it'll never be the next full-on Valley though, in my opinion (as another poster has already mentioned) is the racism there. As a brown guy who's been to a lot of places, let me tell you that there is racism basically everywhere but in America (and Canada). It is of a particularly sharp type in Berlin (and the rest of East Germany). It really puts a burden on you mentally when you have to make everyday life decisions (should I take the train at this time? alone? at $X place?) in efforts of just escaping harassment. For as much as I rail on America for the eroding civil liberties and all, I can not imagine leaving this place for any other. [1]: http://www.fwd.us/our_supporters http://www.fwd.us/our_supporters