Yelling the Loudest is Different than Having Something to Say

So, one of the first posts to indirectly come out of my request for ideas is ready to go today. The funny thing is that it was completely triggered by something else and a discussion I had last night. I mentioned that I had just read the post from Bryce about his leaving AngelList. If you want some analysis on that, go read Mark's post on TechCrunch. I don't really much care about that debate as it hardly hits home for me now. It may down the road but I'll leave that fight to be had by others over in the Valley.�

What did resonate with me was the post itself and a reaction to it from Jason Calacanis. This had me thinking about where we have come in terms of media and information distribution. Let me lay this out as I see it. We're basically in a bubble when it comes to early-stage start-up valuations. We can deny this all we want but it's simply a fact. Valuations have also gone up in Europe and we always trail the US by some time. Once European start-ups are becoming irrational you know it's a bubble. Yet, when we are in bubbles, the worst of the internet comes out too and we live in "crazy times". You no longer can do much simply being rational and posting well thought out stories on your blog or media website. There's simply too much noise! The same goes for you, your brand and your business.�

I think I met Jason twice now and both times he was a really nice guy. Mark knows him far better than I and attests to this too. At the same time, his online persona is one that is very direct, emotional and outspoken. Whether you like it or not, he does everything possible to get heard (and stir controversy wherever he can.....it brings attention!) At the same time, Bryce's post is no different. Who really cares that he's leaving AngelList? Sure, he wanted to make a point about his thoughts regarding the deletion of his account but it doesn't really sway the needle in any way at the micro level. Yet, he wanted to let it be known. Before posting, he knew his post would be controversial. He is well known in the Valley and people do read what he writes. Even Scoble commented on the post. He sure wouldn't leave out the opportunity to catch this "wave of attention"! Not only is AngelList leading to "party deals". Commenting on departure from it has led to an "attention wave" that everyone wants to hop on.�

Here's where I'm probably going to diverge from what you thought I was going to write. I think what Bryce (and Jason) did was brilliant. At times, you simply do have to yell the loudest instead of just having something to say. In bubbles, everyone's "yelling". If you've got something to say and no one hears you then you might as well be pounding dirt. No one gives a shit. At times, you really have to go for it. Instead of just having intellectual ideas, make sure to stir things up a bit. Have an opinion and defend it. Screw being politically correct. It's boring anyway.

For one, I'm glad this conversation was started by Bryce and am fascinated how quickly it spread out via Twitter and other channels. Further, I love that Jason can just throw back a "fuck you, you're wrong" comment and get a great conversation going. If he didn't do it, someone else would have.

You know who wins at the end? AngelList. They will step up their game from this. This gets them even more press and the whole community is discussing how to make things better (or different). This because Bryce yelled loud, Jason yelled louder and then everyone started screaming. Sometimes you have to be heard instead of simply saying something.�

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