convore.json/groups/baltimore-tech/who-what-is-the-gbtc/messages.json

[{"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357173.157275, "message": "@MikeBrenner I'm thinking of things we need within Baltimore as a technology company...", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723190}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357379.6521499, "message": "we don't have anything to sell to other members", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723220}, {"user_id": 44180, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357918.851017, "message": "@subelsky Isn't StartupBmore heading down that road anyway?", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723285}, {"user_id": 44195, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363995.529618, "message": "the password is \"beat army\"", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723846}, {"user_id": 44182, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356895.7912259, "message": "As more of a general observer of GBTC and its events, I found that attending TechNite was extremely cost prohibitive for me.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723149}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323355925.263345, "message": "Right", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723037}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356184.537102, "message": "re: my dismissiveness, there is a different kind of tech company than is hit by organizations like GBTC", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723062}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323355221.3365691, "message": "Brian S. probably has a better grasp over GBTC's board but I would imagine the majority of them were one of \"us\" during the first .com era, scrappy and energetic with non-bureaucratic outlook on how to get things done.  I don't want to label them otherwise but when I read the BBJ article it sounded like they had elected Jason because he was one of \"them\" and not the \"us\" that they were quoted as saying.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2722987}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323355402.0576911, "message": "@subelsky I've always aimed StartupBaltimore to potentially be that organization.  I always said I was focused on lower-case tech and they were focused on upper-case Tech.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723001}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323354919.482789, "message": "One of the first responses I read was this well-written blog post from Elizabeth \u00bb http://adesignjourney.com/2011/12/women-in-tech-changes-at-gbtc/", "group_id": 360, "id": 2722957}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356278.702193, "message": "there was a funny idea expressed in this article: http://baltimore.citybizlist.com/1/2011/11/17/Editors-Eye-on-Baltimore-Rewiring-Baltimore--A-Conversation-with-Rob-Rosenbaum-CEO-of-TEDCO-(Maryland-Technology-Development-Corporation).aspx", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723072}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356320.9138739, "message": "\"On economic development professionals - when asked what they did, the answer 'we do nothing.\" The Baltimore mission was left guessing. For Rob, this meant 'that they didn't get in the way,' 'they didn't focus on one person or organization over another, they supported the community.'\"", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723077}, {"user_id": 44180, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356395.133986, "message": "I know I could join AIGA or GAG but then I'd be surrounded by graphic designers and illustrators. I've deliberately stayed involved in the tech scene because I want to be surrounded by people who don't do what I do.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723086}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356398.124521, "message": "I'm still the entrepreneur-in-residence at GBTC. I wonder if I should quit now.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723087}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323354757.114536, "message": "In response to the GBTC leadership announcement yesterday it's clear that a some of us are frustrated, some are excited, most are confused.  There's been a lot discussion on Twitter and in order to preserve and focus that discussion, I thought we could express our thoughts in a livechat.  Likely to invite some GBTC leadership once a conversation starts to take shape.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2722941}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356019.819411, "message": "that's a good question", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723048}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356902.6693771, "message": "re TechNite, because it costs $150 a ticket", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723151}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357063.823421, "message": "I've been once", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723173}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357223.48805, "message": "well you obviously had a very different experience than I did. That's one of the only events that attracts a diverse crowd, that wider tech community I alluded to. But sure if you want you can spend the whole time talking to people you already know. One of my most important/valued relationships began at TechNite 3 years ago, with someone you NEVER see at any other event.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723198}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357229.8616791, "message": "@subelsky I also met a lot of service providers", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723199}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357241.123045, "message": "and collected a lot of business cards", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723200}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323355139.96751, "message": "I just posted this in Baltimore Tech after reading the BBJ article:  I found this comment disconcerting: \"Mills said Webb\u2019s vision for the GBTC focused on start-ups and smaller companies. But that did not fit into board members\u2019 visions of the changing tech community depending heavily on investment in larger companies across multiple industries.\" - can it really be the case that no organization in Baltimore has the official mission to encourage the creation of startups? Aren't we always reading how small companies add most of the jobs to an economy? Is the next disruptive, hugely valuable technology going to be built by larger companies? I'm not saying ignore larger companies but do they really need a champion when they already have access to things like DBED, GBC, EAGB etc etc? #confused", "group_id": 360, "id": 2722979}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323355358.48259, "message": "@abachman The BBJ article turned my hopeful smile upside down. My assumptions on why they picked him were thrown out the window.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2722996}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323355878.7334371, "message": "I don't think I understand what you mean.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723031}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323355904.436609, "message": "Not at all.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723034}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323355946.4707091, "message": "well his whole job is to make life more awesome for people trying to start companies", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723041}, {"user_id": 44180, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356196.581408, "message": "For what it's worth, I got a couple of interesting responses to that blog post yesterday. Within minutes of tweeting it, Jason reached out to me for an introduction. And I got a comment from someone tied this : http://www.pathforwardcenter.org/ group.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723063}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356281.69206, "message": "(awhile back)", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723073}, {"user_id": 44180, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356430.7451091, "message": "I wouldn't have held out for GBTC if I didn't have good reason to believe it would change and move away from the big corporate focus.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723096}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [{"date_created": 1323355861.7034121, "user_id": 1294}], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323355697.472661, "message": "I definitely have to call you guys out on the backlash/dismissive attitude towards startups that I saw in this twitter discussion and have heard in conversation. I absolutely love Figure53 and like companies, but the economy also requires high-risk, fast-growing, wealth-creating, opportunity-expanding companies. I recently toured the offices of LivingSocial in DC, and you can't believe what an exciting place it is. We need that dynamism in Baltimore and it's only going to come from startups.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723021}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323355962.749685, "message": "Exactly! when I read that I got a chill", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723042}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356048.694864, "message": "convore is awesome btw, good idea Mike Brenner. I hate their twitter/FB login though, seems like no one can implement that without wanting to post to my account as me", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723051}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356235.4818311, "message": "To be honest, I think the GBTC wasn't just wearing too many hats but too many disguises.  It seemed/still seems like there's a bit of an identity crises of trying to wear a suit at day and jeans at night.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723067}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323355214.8620131, "message": "Biz Journal article in question: http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2011/12/07/gbtc-turnover-from-webb-to-hardebeck.html?s=print", "group_id": 360, "id": 2722985}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323355898.893996, "message": "I was under the impression that GBTC was holding the dismissive attitude towards startups.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723033}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323355921.6500139, "message": "That was Sharon Webb's whole mission -- she went out on a limb to hire Andrew Hazlett for example", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723036}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323355944.047797, "message": "and for her efforts she got: \"that did not fit into board members\u2019 visions of the changing tech community depending heavily on investment in larger companies across multiple industries.\"", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723038}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323355982.839896, "message": "my question, then is how long is the board giving him to look for a new job?", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723044}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356065.952466, "message": "yeah, I followed both links and then backed out and created an account", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723053}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356078.9270771, "message": "super sketch", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723056}, {"user_id": 44180, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356097.7066841, "message": "you can always cut ties after the conversation", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723057}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356230.044769, "message": "Anyway what I'm trying to say is, if GBTC isn't going to focus on startups then there's a role for another group to do that. Elizabeth in reaction to your post, we do need people who want to get build big, wealthy companies, that adds a lot of vitality to the economy. If those people are ONLY focused on getting rich then they'll make sucky companies and wont' succeed anyway", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723065}, {"user_id": 44180, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356255.3084581, "message": "What was more encouraging were the thanks and RTs and DMs I got from people who shared my view. I think that there is a base of people out there who are looking for the same thing I am and thought GBTC would be it.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723068}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356263.325211, "message": "Elizabeth: I still think you should bottle up your passion and energy and start a group for women entrepreneurs.  There's never too many and we don't have a strong one right now.  I'll support it 100%.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723069}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356343.8904619, "message": "that sounds like someone completely missing the point", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723079}, {"user_id": 44180, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356850.695915, "message": "Is GBTC a for-profit organization?", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723141}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356951.9063549, "message": "and for that I get to drink a beer or two with 80% the same crowd I see everywhere else", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723156}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356316.351697, "message": "too many disguises sounds right. It's not easy to change an established organization that had a formula which worked for awhile. Sharon had a pretty compelling vision for how she was going to change it.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723076}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356416.747957, "message": "@subelsky But how long does it take to start executing a vision. <- Not trying to be cynical but I was impatient myself.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723089}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356484.4510601, "message": "@MikeBrenner you're right on, it was taking too long. My hope was that they had such awesome resources they could really be helpful in the long run. For example, through GBTC events I got to meet and have long conversations with Brian Le Gette, Scott Ferber, the BillMeLater founders, etc etc.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723102}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356578.1060719, "message": "I could never understand why more of us weren't at TechNite. That's one of the only places where you'll meet people with lots of resources/influence to help build a business in this town!", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723113}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356657.5524869, "message": "To the folks who aren't interested in that: GBTC should be a opt-in resource, not a force-out industry spokesperson.  They don't seem to do a good job of marketing themselves as such.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723119}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356869.929275, "message": "@MikeBrenner that's where they seem most reasonable as an org, at the fringe of the tech community where it has to interface with the larger political and economic system in which is lies. I probably get too much news filtered through channels that try to put them at the center.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723144}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356994.651211, "message": "@abachman ok have to call you out on that, did you ever go to a technite?", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723165}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357069.3133531, "message": "and stood behind a table", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723175}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357097.1129389, "message": "and don't really enjoy hob-nobbing", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723180}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356533.290168, "message": "@subelsky Which is what makes TechNite such a hit.  I always snub my nose at it until I attend and I'm like, this is a fricken red carpet of success stories!  Access I wouldn't normally have, all in one room.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723104}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356759.695785, "message": "@abachman I was on that trip with Rob and heard the County Exec in Palo Alto say that the best thing than can do is get out of their way.  What he forgot to mention is that they are one of the most helpful organization for getting policy and funding aid in the region, only at the request of the company.  Not as a pay-to-play mandate.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723128}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356870.154717, "message": "no, 501(c)3 that was spun out of the Greater Baltimore Committee in the 90's tech boom", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723145}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357060.6542749, "message": "Adam, ignoring what they actually do, what do you wish the GBTC was able to provide you and F53?", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723172}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323356985.4418881, "message": "I guess much of the discussion hinges on what we mean by \"the tech community\". Through my work with the GBTC I've seen the impact/importance of the more established companies, are they part of the tech community or more like a part of the regular business community?", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723164}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357742.140991, "message": "@subelsky there are lots of groups, true. We", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723260}, {"user_id": 44180, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323359034.6540821, "message": "This platform is a little janky. Thanks for pulling me in, Mike. I'd love to discuss further if y'all are interested.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723409}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357281.5133121, "message": "@MikeBrenner I'm totally fine with StartupBaltimore growing into the organization we need, it's probably too much trouble to get GBTC to focus on us at this point. They've clearly made their bet.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723203}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357289.2997689, "message": "Figure 53 could use someone to find a more permanent home for us. We're working on it, but don't have a lot fo time to spare.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723204}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357200.0260689, "message": "a mailing list? but we kind of already know who we want to talk to, and we just talk to them. \"Hey, want to grab coffee?\"", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723193}, {"user_id": 44180, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357245.52759, "message": "Anyone going to this? http://www.gbtechcouncil.org/events/event_details.asp?id=195997", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723201}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357310.8268771, "message": "GBTC is the type of org where if you ask for 1 it will return you 5.  But if you don't ask for anything, it's useless.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723210}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357400.2737689, "message": "and we don't have anything we want to buy from other members that we can't find elsewhere", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723224}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357590.151504, "message": "@abachman: there are lots of groups that can help with that question already, not sure how much reaching-out Chris has done. But that is something GBTC could help with (or could have helped with) because of their connections and institutional knowledge.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723241}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357343.5480909, "message": "big problem: we're not members and probably will never be", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723215}, {"user_id": 44183, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357345.983325, "message": "I went to technite two years ago. It was interesting to see the other players in the market...but I didn't gain much from the experience.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723217}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357572.444263, "message": "If they were doing great things for us and that was taken away, I'd fight for it. As it is, they weren't and I have little to offer other than snark, which is unproductive and useless to whatever it is they do want to do.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723239}, {"user_id": 44180, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357631.5784919, "message": "@subelsky me too", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723247}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357757.145617, "message": "Chris is a true bootstrapper, he's a free climber that doesn't need the guide rope of the GBTC.  So Adam's right in realizing they're probably useless.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723263}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357820.9124999, "message": "What Adam and others probably want is a much more social community.  One that throws regular launch parties for new products, coworking, ignites, and more.  GBTC shouldn't confuse themselves into thinking they are that organization.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723270}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357830.1601491, "message": "@abachman yeah I'm sort of curious why you're even in this discussion. You strike me as more of an anarchist, why do you even care if an organization like GBTC exists? In my talks with you you seem skeptical of any organized effort to solve problems, is that an exageration? (sorry if this is off-topic, somehow easier to ask it in chat form)", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723271}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357946.17537, "message": "That's an organic organization.  It's #BmoreTech.  It's all of us pitching in to fill in a piece of that puzzle.  It's Figure 53 giving out free tickets to a burlesque to celebrate the launch of Tixato, it's Dave and Julian throwing a free bar tap to get us all to use Shortmail.  I'm Elizabeth throwing a Geeks2Chic fasion show :):)", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723288}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357605.6993871, "message": "PS seems like I am missing some message on convore, need to refresh the browser to keep the thread intact", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723243}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357671.093904, "message": "Good luck to their business model, I hope they find what it is they're looking for.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723251}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357671.6037149, "message": "Yea, sorry guys.  I was just reading their support forums and it looks like auto-refresh is kinda wonky.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723252}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357849.2345779, "message": "@MikeBrenner +++1 let's go and make that organization!", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723278}, {"user_id": 44180, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357897.8609929, "message": "I think I could benefit from GBTC as a connector for new clients but I have a hard time justifying the costs when I would realistically only attend 1 or 2 events a year. They sound like they want to be FUBU for B'more tech. But I probably align myself with more of a Chris/Adam POV.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723284}, {"user_id": 44180, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323358269.33547, "message": "@MikeBrenner I'm horrified by what I see in photos of the B'more Fashion Week. Once saw B'more Sun photog for fashion section shooting this outfit that I would only recommend for Britney (circa 2002). I don't see there being a \"scene\" in Baltimore outside of a few boutiques. And even they have to carry lines they wouldn't sell if they were in DC/NY/LA because B'more wants it. It's just not the place for fashion (forward).", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723337}, {"user_id": 44180, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323358892.0603731, "message": "where did my comment go?", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723404}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323359128.24792, "message": "Need to do this on IRC next time.  Convore is definitely a little janky.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723416}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323359555.5335209, "message": "@jasonpappas Thank you for clearing that up.  My head was spinning when I read that commentary.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723450}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357951.4735229, "message": "@ElizabethEadie totally understand that POV. Sharon was well-aware that you don't really need a connector for that anymore anyway in the age of social media", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723290}, {"user_id": 44180, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323357997.3921161, "message": "@MikeBrenner don't get me started on fashion in b'more", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723298}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [{"date_created": 1323358631.6095841, "user_id": 44180}], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323358358.667115, "message": "@subelsky this is also a http://xkcd.com/386/ scenario, and the urge is strong", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723355}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323358378.291105, "message": "@ElizabethEadie Start this \u00bb\u00a0http://bit.ly/u574ao  Geek2Chic. Not too much geek, not too much chic.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723359}, {"user_id": 44186, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323359583.821811, "message": "The focus of the GBTC going forward. Jason H. comes from a small business background, I run a boutique business and our likely next Chair, Greg Cangialosi, also comes from the start-up community.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723455}, {"user_id": 44190, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363659.7166419, "message": "I thought i cleared the room... Seems like a good service, but \"wonky\" is definitly an appropriate adjective...", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723815}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323358016.2141559, "message": "No, I will get you started on fashion in Bmore.  DO IT.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723302}, {"user_id": 44180, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323358074.573549, "message": "There is a ladies-who-design org (B'more Creatives) but I hardly attend their events b/c sometimes we're too much alike. Maybe I'm too picky.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723311}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323358289.6669281, "message": "FYI: I've invited Chairman of the GBTC board, Jason Pappas, to join this discussion this morning.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723342}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323358873.82511, "message": "I'm getting back to work. It was a pleasure all, take care, make good things.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723402}, {"user_id": 44179, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323358059.6402609, "message": "@subelsky I'm in this to challenge GBTC's claims about their relevance and hopefully catch a few folks who are skeptical of GBTC but hesitant to do their own thing", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723309}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323359742.702446, "message": "@jasonpappas that's a relief to hear. @MikeBrenner it's not that drastic but I don't know what the number is", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723466}, {"user_id": 44189, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323359809.38361, "message": "Not that there's anything wrong with that... gotta defend them patents!", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723476}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323360214.5605531, "message": "@Elithecomputerguy they have spent a lot of time over the past year answering that question, need to translate it into action and new communications now", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723519}, {"user_id": 44190, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323360990.4969389, "message": "@michaelrosner there are a lot of words on the page... But they dont actually say much...", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723598}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323358146.517029, "message": "@abachman well then right on comrade! I have my own doubts about those claims. I volunteered with GBTC because I thought (and was led to believe by some GBTC board members) that they were hoping to spur that next thing. That seems to be not the case anymore.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723321}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323358500.581677, "message": "@subelsky If you were able to have your say on how the GBTC would function, how would you design it?  What additions and changes would you make?", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723378}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323358361.9963319, "message": "@abachman I would say they are/were more relevant than you think as there's a much wider body of concerns for building sustainable businesses (like \"helping us find a space\") - but maybe not much more relevant", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723356}, {"user_id": 44180, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323358420.0824389, "message": "@MikeBrenner The crazy thing is, I was completely enlightened at BetaScape about an intersection between fashion/tech. 3-d printing materials for completely custom design.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723367}, {"user_id": 44180, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323358606.230603, "message": "@MikeBrenner I like that.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723385}, {"user_id": 44187, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323358750.5659781, "message": "Organizations are like people; You can't change them, they have to want to change.  Time to drop GBTC, and just work together.  It seems the startup tech community has all of the resources and connections we need, without the corporate overhead that requires asking other's permission to do great things.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723394}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323358910.9905331, "message": "@abachman Thanks for stopping by.  BTW \u2013 When's the next Baltimore Hackathon?", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723406}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323359971.8998771, "message": "I think some folks were a bit skeptical about people who have found fortune from patents and for that to be have been highlighted as his reason for earmark made some people cringe.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723489}, {"user_id": 44186, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323359688.9812851, "message": "I promise you that focus will not change. BTW, that strategy came from a strategic planning group lead by Greg and the Board, which is still in place. We sincerely think that Jason, being from the community, can execute on most effectively.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723460}, {"user_id": 44187, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323360837.2838161, "message": "http://www.gbtechcouncil.org/?page=Benefits", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723585}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323361701.2147651, "message": "@jasonpappas I often told GBTC staff that they need to have a blog to communicate this stuff. I know personally how much thought you guys have put into this and how aware you are of the things ELi and others here have brought up. A few well-written blog posts (not too long) could do a world of good", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723651}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323359340.8368139, "message": "@abachman LOL on the XKCD thing, I appreciate that. @MikeBrenner the GBTC commissioned a pretty awesome strategic plan that has some good ideas, I'd probably start with that. The issue is GBTC is funded mostly by member contributions, and a lot of the things you and I want are necessarily revenue-generating", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723430}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323359430.3353131, "message": "@MikeBrenner so ideally we would convince civic leaders/funders to back a new kind of organization that helps people start and sustain tech businesses - mostly product companies. No offense to @ElizabethEadie, but service businesses are way easier to start and we already have many of them in the area. We need some more high risk, high reward product companies.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723438}, {"user_id": 44186, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323359486.0899391, "message": "Mike, thanks for the heads up on the thread. I appreciate all of the comments around the GBTC, couple of quick thoughts for you all. Nothing has changed on the focus of the GBTC on the small companies and the new membership model is designed around that. Chris Mills runs a large organization and hasn't been on the Board for months and wasn't active when he was. His view most definitely does not represent.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723442}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323359502.423486, "message": "@subelsky From my understanding, it seems like GBTC has 10% of their membership provide 90% of their funding.  Is that sustainable?", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723444}, {"user_id": 44186, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323359785.727623, "message": "If you look at the new membership model, it's focused on the start up  and growth community and what they actually need. Hope that helps.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723474}, {"user_id": 44189, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323359922.4689009, "message": "@jasonpappas Is there a link online that outlines the new membership model?", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723487}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323361014.545681, "message": "@jasonpappas Jason H. is a sharp guy.  I've met him a few times and he seems like a \"take action\" type of guy, which is something that has seemed lacking lately.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723603}, {"user_id": 44190, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323361933.4828751, "message": "All I ask is that GBTC treats me like the brain addled, overworked, ADD, coffee addicted, nimrod that I am...", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723669}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [{"date_created": 1323360595.606014, "user_id": 44192}], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323360133.4563241, "message": "@mykeln Patent troll is such a harsh word :) He spotted an opportunity before Facebook was Facebook and for that, you've got to give him credit.  I believe and hope Jason has a longer resume that would show why they chose him but I have no idea.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723507}, {"user_id": 44187, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323360141.308321, "message": "What type of support do the individual startups need from the GBTC?  Investment resources, business connections, working space, political connections, etc...", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723508}, {"user_id": 44193, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323360852.4923351, "message": "@subelsky: You're right to call me out on my snark.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723588}, {"user_id": 44186, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323360209.0791609, "message": "@MikeBrenner Currently about 60% of our members are between 1-9 employees and that represents about 45% of our revenue.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723518}, {"user_id": 44190, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323360129.267071, "message": "My main question is simply, \"what the hell does gbtc do?\". I love the startup community, but it seems like most of the events I go to are not actually gbtc...  The breakfasts are GREAT, but they are their own thing.  Other Meetups are wonderful, but again they are not gbtc... So much of what I originally assumed was gbtc it turns out isnt... So my question is what exactly am I paying $360 a year for??  Brian/sharon/Andrew said that they were trying to make gbtc more useful for startups, but... Now what..? i just think that GBTCs PR is crap and they are not putting out a consistant message... seriously, \"what does gbtc do?\" (without all of the catch phrases and sound bites)", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723506}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323360170.455894, "message": "http://www.linkedin.com/in/hardebeck", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723513}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323360272.79405, "message": "@jasonpappas Cool, I wasn't trying to make a negative assumption.  It's a figure I've heard and appreciate the clarification.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723526}, {"user_id": 44190, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323360381.3910251, "message": "@subelsky they've \"said\" a lot, but what they say and what they do dont seem to correlate..? At least to me...", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723533}, {"user_id": 44186, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323360660.1684439, "message": "@MikeBrenner we definitely hired Jason for a bunch of different reasons, the least of which was the recent transaction. He's worked and help build many start up companies in all aspects of tech. Take a look at his resume and see what you think. http://www.linkedin.com/in/hardebeck", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723567}, {"user_id": 44193, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323360976.9885371, "message": "Or, perhaps better to say, my \"backlash/dismissive attitude towards startups\".", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723596}, {"user_id": 44193, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323361078.976366, "message": "Here's my thing: there's a range of ways to be a startup. I have nothing against the basic characteristics of being a \"high-risk, fast-growing, wealth-creating, opportunity-expanding\" company.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723608}, {"user_id": 44193, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323361123.333626, "message": "But there are some attitudes that seem to often go along with that I find toxic.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723611}, {"user_id": 44186, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323361404.952867, "message": "@Chris_Ashworth As you know, news articles are written with an agenda and", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723637}, {"user_id": 44186, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323361922.196358, "message": "@subelsky You're absolutely right. I just saw that Jason H. just jumped in and it's something we've been discussing. I need to bolt, but I really appreciate he thoughts. Hang in there with us...", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723666}, {"user_id": 44195, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363385.4462619, "message": "tap, tap...is this mike on?", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723790}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [{"date_created": 1323360806.7944269, "user_id": 44192}], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323360761.7238989, "message": "@Elithecomputerguy that seems fair to me and you're right to be asking these questions. I'm volunteering there because I believed in the board's vision (as explained to me by @jasonpappas and Sharon Webb) and am hoping we can anchor the great programs you mentioned with an awesome backer that has resources and connections", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723579}, {"user_id": 44193, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323361311.9380591, "message": "Anyway, to get back to the topic at hand, the sum total knowledge I have about it is based on the news articles I read yesterday. Which is to say, very little. But based on those, it didn't feel particularly encouraging of the values I care about. Was disappointed. But {shrug} so it goes. GTBC can't be an organization for everyone. I wish them success.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723634}, {"user_id": 44187, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323360995.9860351, "message": "http://www.gbtechcouncil.org/?page=Tier1and2", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723600}, {"user_id": 44186, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323361537.949585, "message": "A point of view. Although I think the articles were fair for the most part, I don't think they represented where the GBTC is going, nor was that the purpose. They were sound bites for trying to elegantly position what happened.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723645}, {"user_id": 44186, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323361131.9688289, "message": "@Elithecomputerguy All of the criticism of us walking the walk is completely fair and justified. We have struggled with evolving the model to actually create value for the community, as opposed to what we've always done. Compound that with the leadership changes over the past few years and we've come off to some as the Keystone cops. I get it and it's fair. We think we've got the strategy going forward and have the leader in place to actually make it happen. I would never ask anyone to just believe us, but I'd ask that you be open that we've got it right and will begin delivering ASAP on the things we've discussed.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723614}, {"user_id": 44195, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323361419.9463379, "message": "Good morning everyone.  Hope I've gotten here before last call.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723638}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323361468.7620361, "message": "@Chris_Ashworth Before you part, I'd love to ask what you would want from an organization that you think the GBTC is/could be.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723640}, {"user_id": 44195, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363981.095449, "message": "but if you know the secret password, i'll buy your ticket", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723844}, {"user_id": 44186, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323361268.018342, "message": "@subelsky hang in there with us on the vision, it hasn't changed.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723628}, {"user_id": 44195, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363276.6685851, "message": "so did i break this thing?  wouldn't be the first time; it's why i'm not allowed near code", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723784}, {"user_id": 44195, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363742.703563, "message": "i wouldn't be here otherwise", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723826}, {"user_id": 44195, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363952.598387, "message": "whatever", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723843}, {"user_id": 44198, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363089.3174241, "message": "Elizabeth, I'd be interested in working with you on this in any capacity you need.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723765}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363458.1280921, "message": "@hardebeck, no did not", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723796}, {"user_id": 44178, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363471.8891089, "message": "they might be delayed", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723798}, {"user_id": 44199, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363279.0703411, "message": "I think a \"Meet the GBTC Board\" with open ended Q&A would be cool.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723785}, {"user_id": 44195, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363421.2129531, "message": "question to the group; did anyone see the 20+ posts i just made?", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723792}, {"user_id": 1294, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363463.0879519, "message": "@hardebeck Hey Jason.  I didn't see the posts but heard the site was acting wonky.  I see them now (starting with tap tap).  What did you do different?", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723797}, {"user_id": 44195, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363549.2156301, "message": "guess this thing has a rant filter", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723803}, {"user_id": 44195, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363654.0318191, "message": "if they are delayed and show up, great.  the reader's digest condensed version is this:", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723813}, {"user_id": 44198, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363657.1687441, "message": "@subelsky @jasonpappas @hardebeck if you're interested in increasing communication between GBTC, members, & community at large, I'm happy to help with writing blogs, etc. Contact me jess.gartner@gmail.com if interested.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723814}, {"user_id": 44190, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363553.1235361, "message": "@kc_hopson I second this", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723805}, {"user_id": 44195, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363892.3308461, "message": "come to Mother's tonight if you are able.  Members are free, and non-members are $35.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723841}, {"user_id": 44195, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363574.707052, "message": "and here i thought everyone was reading my posts with wide-eyed wonderment", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723811}, {"user_id": 44195, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363733.284867, "message": "we get it.  we really do.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723824}, {"user_id": 44195, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363950.907078, "message": "or $25", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723842}, {"user_id": 44195, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323364064.2419879, "message": "The answer to Mike's question \"Who & What is the GBTC?\" is easy.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723852}, {"user_id": 44195, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323363791.4822309, "message": "i am an open book.  ask me anything and i will answer it.  no bs, no spin.", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723833}, {"user_id": 44195, "stars": [], "topic_id": 48571, "date_created": 1323364067.1057971, "message": "It's you", "group_id": 360, "id": 2723853}]