Yea, I know. I fell into the trap. I normally stay out! :)

Mr. Arrington, I would like to learn more about why you say "no" a thousand times. Are you saying that entrepreneurs should leap first--spend all their resources building solutions that no one wants? I know that some technologies are revolutionary and customers would not ever have been able understand them or say they needed them. But vast majority of startups --99.9% aren't developing anything revolutionary. They are building evolutionary technology. This can and should be tested/validated before significant resource is thrown at it.

Most startups fail because they are developing evolutionary solutions that no one wants.

I am not basing this opinion on any academic research. This is my experience in having founded 2 tech companies and mentored over 200 entrepreneurs over the years. This is what other experts--who have real world experience also say.

That is because they are thinking before they leap. Had they started a company of the bat, they would have failed miserably. As I wrote, they have lived the equivalent of 3 lives already.

Thanks. I can see I stirred some real controversy, though. At least I have people thinking.

Fair enough.

And those who can't do either lurk on boards anonymously posting silly comments. :)

Yes, that is a feasible strategy. I like the KISS methodology also. Don't like your name, though.

Chris, well said.

Nibras, I don't disagree that you need to start with something that is "pretty good" and go out and try things...even if the product is incomplete and imperfect. I am arguing that you prototype and test along the way to get customer feedback. Many entrepreneurs start with their ideas and business plans and focus all their energy on building what they started rather than testing their ideas to make sure that someone is interested.

You need better product managers who know how to cut through the noise and develop what customers need vs. ask for.