How to compete with Silicon Valley

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I just saw this excellent rant on what makes Silicon Valley special: its people.

I disagree with several of its other claims. First of all, that it's just a parking lot. That's true if you look at it from one angle. But, it has several Fry's. And TONS of infrastructure that makes it easy for geeks to get going.

Also, getting geeks to move away from concentrations of other geeks is INCREDIBLY hard. I'd love to move to Montana, for instance, but there's no way I would do that. I'd be bored there in a few weeks. The TechRanch there is fun, but sorry, when I'm down in Silicon Valley there are just so many people to talk to and so many interesting companies doing interesting things.

That said, there are several places in the world I keep hearing about: China and India. Look for the next Silicon Valley to appear there. Why? For exactly the reasons Paul gave: people.

I just added Paul to my reading list. Good stuff.

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Published by Robert Scoble

I give you a front-row seat on the future. Focusing most of my efforts now on next-generation augmented reality and artificial intelligence, AKA "mixed reality." SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER: http://clevermoe.com/scobleizer-news/ BUY OUR NEW BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Fourth-Transformation-Robert-Scoble/dp/1539894444 "The Fourth Transformation: How augmented reality and artificial intelligence will change everything." WATCH MY LATEST SPEECHES: State of VR with Philip Rosedale (done in VR itself, very cool): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zAA1EVGUZU At GEOINT, June 2017: http://trajectorymagazine.com/glimpse-new-world/ Augmented World Expo, June 2017: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4xHILvLD8E At Leade.rs, April 2017: https://youtu.be/52_0JshgjXI +++++++++++ BIO: Scoble gives you a front-row seat on the future. Literally. He had the first ride in the first Tesla. Siri was launched in his house. He's been the first to share all sorts of technologies and companies with you, from Flipboard to Pandora to Instagram. Today he's focusing on mixed reality, AKA "next-generation augmented reality" which will include a new user interface for EVERYTHING in your life (IoT, Smart Cities, driverless cars, robots, drones, etc). That's based on his view thanks to his past experience as futurist at Rackspace. Best place to find Scoble? On his Facebook profile at https://www.facebook.com/RobertScoble He has been a technology blogger since 2000, was one of five people who built Microsoft's Channel 9 video blog/community, worked at Fast Company Magazine running its TV efforts, and has been part of technology media businesses since 1993. ++++++++ SPEAKER PITCH: Apple and Facebook now have revealed their Augmented Reality strategies, which means your business needs one too. Rely on Robert Scoble, the world's top authority on AR, to bring to your conference what businesses should do next. SPEECH ABSTRACT #1: TITLE: The Fourth Transformation: What's next in mixed reality (AR and AI) and the future of technology? Here's an example of this talk at Leade.rs in Paris in April, 2017: https://youtu.be/52_0JshgjXI Why "the Fourth Transformation?" Soon we will have phones and glasses that do full on augmented reality. Everything you look at will potentially be augmented. This world is coming in late 2017 with a new iPhone from Apple, amongst other products. Microsoft is betting everything on its HoloLens glasses that do mixed reality and the industry is spending many billions of dollars in R&D and funding new companies like Magic Leap. This future will be the user interface for IoT, Smart Cities, autonomous cars, robots, drones, and your TV. This is a big deal and Robert will take you through what mixed reality is and how it will change every business. Learn more about Robert's speaking style and contact his agent at http://odemanagement.com/robert-scoble/Robert-Scoble.html ++++++++ SPEECH ABSTRACT #2: "The Next Two Clicks of Moore's Law." Over the next four years, or two clicks of Moore's Law, a ton about our technology world will change. Scoble will bring you the best from his travels visiting R&D labs, startups, and innovators around the world. He views the world through his rose-colored-mixed-reality glasses, which will be the new user interface for self driving cars, Smart Cities, IoT, and many other things in our world. He'll send you off with some lessons for companies both large and small. ++++++++ SPEECH ABSTRACT #3: "Personalized Meaning: What is Augmented Reality For?" As we enter a far more technological world where even cars drive themselves, I predict we'll see a blowback toward the analog, more authentic world. What role does augmented reality play in both worlds? Get Scoble's insight into where augmented reality is going, see tons of real-world demos, and understand what he means by 'personalized meaning.' CONTACT: If you are looking to contact me, email is best: scobleizer@gmail.com. ++++++++ ENDORSEMENTS: IZEA Top 25 Tech Influencers: https://izea.com/2017/07/07/25-top-tech-influencers/ Time: One of the top 140 Twitterers! FT: One of the five most influential Twitterers! Inc. Top 5 on list of Tech Power Players You Need to Know: http://www.inc.com/john-rampton/30-power-players-in-tech-you-need-to-know.html Next Reality: #4 on top 50 AR influencer list: https://next.reality.news/news/nr50-next-realitys-50-people-watch-augmented-mixed-reality-0177454/

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69 thoughts on “How to compete with Silicon Valley”

  3. ALOHA ROBERT,
    I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BLOG UPLOAD TO ROJO WHEN I CAME TO YOUR PAGE.
    I FOR ONE AM SO VERY THANKFUL FOR SILICON VALLEY. (EVEN THOUGH I DONT KNOW ON A MAP WHERE IT IS)
    IF IT WAS NOT FOR THERE WHERE COMPUTER STARTED. I WOULD NOT BE ON MY DELL NOW WRITING YOU.

    ONE MAN SAID YOU NEED A DIFFERENT INTREST.
    YOU WILL LIKE MY INTREST, FENGSHUI.
    I NOTED YOUR MENTION OF CHINA WHERE FENGSHUI STARTED ABOUT 6000 YEARS BEFORE DELL.
    WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP BETA TEST OUR PAGE AND TELL FRIENDS IN SILICON VALLEY ALSO?
    NOT TO WORRY OUR BLOG HAS PROOFREAD BY PROFESSIONAL TO MAKE IT EASY TO READ.
    I HOPE YOU HAVE TIME TO TAKE NOTICE IN SOMETHING YOU HAVE INTREST IN, FENGSHUI WILL FIND YOU AS I JUST DID. GOOD QI CAN TRAVEL ANY LENGTH LIKE THE WORLD WIDE WEB. WE HOPE TO INTREST YOU, AND LOOK FROWARD TO YOUR RESPONSE.
    ALOHA FROM MAUI,
    HONG AI LI
    PHOTOGRAPHER

    Like

  4. ALOHA ROBERT,
    I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BLOG UPLOAD TO ROJO WHEN I CAME TO YOUR PAGE.
    I FOR ONE AM SO VERY THANKFUL FOR SILICON VALLEY. (EVEN THOUGH I DONT KNOW ON A MAP WHERE IT IS)
    IF IT WAS NOT FOR THERE WHERE COMPUTER STARTED. I WOULD NOT BE ON MY DELL NOW WRITING YOU.

    ONE MAN SAID YOU NEED A DIFFERENT INTREST.
    YOU WILL LIKE MY INTREST, FENGSHUI.
    I NOTED YOUR MENTION OF CHINA WHERE FENGSHUI STARTED ABOUT 6000 YEARS BEFORE DELL.
    WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP BETA TEST OUR PAGE AND TELL FRIENDS IN SILICON VALLEY ALSO?
    NOT TO WORRY OUR BLOG HAS PROOFREAD BY PROFESSIONAL TO MAKE IT EASY TO READ.
    I HOPE YOU HAVE TIME TO TAKE NOTICE IN SOMETHING YOU HAVE INTREST IN, FENGSHUI WILL FIND YOU AS I JUST DID. GOOD QI CAN TRAVEL ANY LENGTH LIKE THE WORLD WIDE WEB. WE HOPE TO INTREST YOU, AND LOOK FROWARD TO YOUR RESPONSE.
    ALOHA FROM MAUI,
    HONG AI LI
    PHOTOGRAPHER

    Like

  7. I have also recently been wondering about what it takes to build another silicon valley. To me, as a non-valleyer, the one thing I feel I miss the most is sharing knowledge and networking (that’s just a disguise for people!).

    I wrote about this today, actually, on my blog:
    http://www.iseff.com/2006/05/essay-second-life-as-new-silicon.html

    I came to the conclusion that, while it may be very difficult to build a physical new silicon valley, we should begin to use technology available — in this case, Second Life — to try to spread some of the key strengths of Silicon Valley (the sharing and networking and people).

    Ian

    Like

  8. I have also recently been wondering about what it takes to build another silicon valley. To me, as a non-valleyer, the one thing I feel I miss the most is sharing knowledge and networking (that’s just a disguise for people!).

    I wrote about this today, actually, on my blog:
    http://www.iseff.com/2006/05/essay-second-life-as-new-silicon.html

    I came to the conclusion that, while it may be very difficult to build a physical new silicon valley, we should begin to use technology available — in this case, Second Life — to try to spread some of the key strengths of Silicon Valley (the sharing and networking and people).

    Ian

    Like

  9. You weren’t already reading Paul Graham? But but but….he’s like required reading!

    Him and that Scoble guy. And the Winer dude. And Spolsky. Tell me you’re reading Spolsky? And while we’re at it – Damian Mulley and Piaras Kelly. Om Malik too. And of course Guy Kawasaki.

    These are the most interesting blogs. And no they ain’t paid me to say that. And if you’re not on that list….well…I probably read your blog but can’t spell your name 🙂

    I wouldn’t bother with that MJ guy from Infurious. He’s crap 🙂

    Like

  10. You weren’t already reading Paul Graham? But but but….he’s like required reading!

    Him and that Scoble guy. And the Winer dude. And Spolsky. Tell me you’re reading Spolsky? And while we’re at it – Damian Mulley and Piaras Kelly. Om Malik too. And of course Guy Kawasaki.

    These are the most interesting blogs. And no they ain’t paid me to say that. And if you’re not on that list….well…I probably read your blog but can’t spell your name 🙂

    I wouldn’t bother with that MJ guy from Infurious. He’s crap 🙂

    Like

  11. Hey Robert Dude – why don’t u pay Bangalore (India) a visit sometime? NOT EXACTLY like SV – but pretty close – u find nobody but Geeks down there! 🙂

    Like

  12. Hey Robert Dude – why don’t u pay Bangalore (India) a visit sometime? NOT EXACTLY like SV – but pretty close – u find nobody but Geeks down there! 🙂

    Like

  13. Hmm

    I think he mises the presence of a lot of aerospace and defence companies in SV and the big fat defence contracts. and no mention of HP Sacrilege!

    Like

  14. Hmm

    I think he mises the presence of a lot of aerospace and defence companies in SV and the big fat defence contracts. and no mention of HP Sacrilege!

    Like

  17. First of all, to my fellow Americans, I just want you all to know that ManBearPig is real, I’m super cereal. Secondly, this guy is talking out of his butt. He’s apparently forgotten that Gateway, the king of all computer companies, is in the middle of noplace special. Same goes for Micron in Idaho, the semiconductor companies in Northern New England, General Motors in Michigan and so on. After you all see my film, you will realize that these technology hubs are not important given the fact that we’re going to be wiped off the face of the earth by both the environment and ManBearPig. I’m super cereal.

    Like

  18. First of all, to my fellow Americans, I just want you all to know that ManBearPig is real, I’m super cereal. Secondly, this guy is talking out of his butt. He’s apparently forgotten that Gateway, the king of all computer companies, is in the middle of noplace special. Same goes for Micron in Idaho, the semiconductor companies in Northern New England, General Motors in Michigan and so on. After you all see my film, you will realize that these technology hubs are not important given the fact that we’re going to be wiped off the face of the earth by both the environment and ManBearPig. I’m super cereal.

    Like

  19. I wonder though how much of this “I love SV” attitude really has anything to do with the place itself or the fact that you were born there, grew up there, when to school there (and a lot of “firsts” in your life happened there)? Do you still refer to it as “home”?

    Anyway, I hope the next few weeks of your life are better than the last few weeks.

    Like

  20. I wonder though how much of this “I love SV” attitude really has anything to do with the place itself or the fact that you were born there, grew up there, when to school there (and a lot of “firsts” in your life happened there)? Do you still refer to it as “home”?

    Anyway, I hope the next few weeks of your life are better than the last few weeks.

    Like

  21. While there are a lots of people in Silicon valley, i also finds that its interesting that there is a lot of echo-boxing there too.

    Like how many me too web 2.0 companies are being funded. It harkens back to the last bubble. It seems to be that there is no fresh thinking on business models.

    It seems to me that a place like Livingston Montana has more ‘real’ people whose problems can be solved by smart developers. If its a feature useful to someone there I guarantee you have got a winner. Plus that area of the world is amazingly beatiful. Surely that would provide for inspiration.

    But yes, a lack of people. Like Philly here, somewhat. Thats a problem. I suspect that will change though..the demographic of lot of mountain towns is changing as people move there to connect with the earth..take Durango, Bozeman, Salt-Lake City and Boulder for example in rough order of increasing techiness…

    Like

  22. While there are a lots of people in Silicon valley, i also finds that its interesting that there is a lot of echo-boxing there too.

    Like how many me too web 2.0 companies are being funded. It harkens back to the last bubble. It seems to be that there is no fresh thinking on business models.

    It seems to me that a place like Livingston Montana has more ‘real’ people whose problems can be solved by smart developers. If its a feature useful to someone there I guarantee you have got a winner. Plus that area of the world is amazingly beatiful. Surely that would provide for inspiration.

    But yes, a lack of people. Like Philly here, somewhat. Thats a problem. I suspect that will change though..the demographic of lot of mountain towns is changing as people move there to connect with the earth..take Durango, Bozeman, Salt-Lake City and Boulder for example in rough order of increasing techiness…

    Like

  23. Robert

    I am not sure that you need to be in Silicon Valley to do things. As you prove by blogging on the road you could be many places doing many things.

    Being in places were exciting things are brewing can be good , it also makes us feel important but we all need some distance, some time to reflect.

    I think we should all focus more on quality rather than quantity.

    Serge
    Biz:
    http://www.njconcierges.com
    Blog:
    http://www.sergetheconcierge.com

    Like

  24. Robert

    I am not sure that you need to be in Silicon Valley to do things. As you prove by blogging on the road you could be many places doing many things.

    Being in places were exciting things are brewing can be good , it also makes us feel important but we all need some distance, some time to reflect.

    I think we should all focus more on quality rather than quantity.

    Serge
    Biz:
    http://www.njconcierges.com
    Blog:
    http://www.sergetheconcierge.com

    Like

  27. Serge, no, you don’t need to be in Silicon Valley to do things, but some things are easier there. First there’s the money that’s available. Second, there’s the ready supply of geeks who can help you build things. Third, there’s all the other people who can help you (lawyers, accountants, marketers, etc). And there’s tons of infrastructure (it’s easy to get a server farm setup there, while other places it isn’t as easy).

    Brian: I do love the place cause I grew up there, but there’s a lot more to it. There is no other place in the world with so many high-tech headquarters and no other place I’ve visited comes close to as high a quantity of geeks.

    Like

  28. Serge, no, you don’t need to be in Silicon Valley to do things, but some things are easier there. First there’s the money that’s available. Second, there’s the ready supply of geeks who can help you build things. Third, there’s all the other people who can help you (lawyers, accountants, marketers, etc). And there’s tons of infrastructure (it’s easy to get a server farm setup there, while other places it isn’t as easy).

    Brian: I do love the place cause I grew up there, but there’s a lot more to it. There is no other place in the world with so many high-tech headquarters and no other place I’ve visited comes close to as high a quantity of geeks.

    Like

  29. I don’t understand the desire to be so close to geeks.
    Personally, I grew up in “SV” and it’s not the same place I grew up in. One fella had it right back there. The price of houses. All of California in general.. Try raising a family here. It sucks. The public schools suck, the traffic sucks, the taxes suck, the gas prices are among the highest in the country, ever go to the mall on a Friday night? It takes 45 minutes to park anywhere. Try taking the kids to the zoo or aquarium where they are exposed to freako’s and people pretending to be stuff they’re not. And the mentality of some folks around here, that if nooone is physically getting hurt, then anything goes. I mean yeah there’s a ton of geeks and places to work, and I love my network of people I have worked with (that includes your bro Alex) and my job I have now is the best I have ever had. But the truth is, I’m outta here. I’m moving the family to another state in August. Anyway, So where’d you go to school Scoble? I went to Del Mar class of ’89.. Later..

    Like

  30. I don’t understand the desire to be so close to geeks.
    Personally, I grew up in “SV” and it’s not the same place I grew up in. One fella had it right back there. The price of houses. All of California in general.. Try raising a family here. It sucks. The public schools suck, the traffic sucks, the taxes suck, the gas prices are among the highest in the country, ever go to the mall on a Friday night? It takes 45 minutes to park anywhere. Try taking the kids to the zoo or aquarium where they are exposed to freako’s and people pretending to be stuff they’re not. And the mentality of some folks around here, that if nooone is physically getting hurt, then anything goes. I mean yeah there’s a ton of geeks and places to work, and I love my network of people I have worked with (that includes your bro Alex) and my job I have now is the best I have ever had. But the truth is, I’m outta here. I’m moving the family to another state in August. Anyway, So where’d you go to school Scoble? I went to Del Mar class of ’89.. Later..

    Like

  31. It’s weird that there are so many nerds there. I wouldn’t go there precisely because it is a giant parking lot.

    Like

  32. It’s weird that there are so many nerds there. I wouldn’t go there precisely because it is a giant parking lot.

    Like

  33. Prospect, class of 83.

    Agreed on a whole lot of that stuff. But, I like being around geeks too. Why? Cause they create things that I find useful. I met lots of creative and interesting people in Montana too, but they don’t create things I find useful. Just a different world, that’s all.

    Like

  34. Prospect, class of 83.

    Agreed on a whole lot of that stuff. But, I like being around geeks too. Why? Cause they create things that I find useful. I met lots of creative and interesting people in Montana too, but they don’t create things I find useful. Just a different world, that’s all.

    Like

  35. Prospect 83? Do you know a guy called Keith Hollar? I know he was a wrestler. Cool guy.. anyway small world, we probably know common people.. If this is off-topic, go ahead and delete it… take it easy..

    Like

  36. Prospect 83? Do you know a guy called Keith Hollar? I know he was a wrestler. Cool guy.. anyway small world, we probably know common people.. If this is off-topic, go ahead and delete it… take it easy..

    Like

  37. The post raises some interesting aspects, particularly around people.
    One difference between Silicon Valley and, say, New York, is the percent of optimists vs. pessimists.
    A former colleague moved from New York to (southern) California a few decades ago. When I asked him the difference, he replied “In California, when I tell people about my idea for a business, they all root for it. They tell me how good an idea it is and offer to introduce me to others who might help. In New York, when I mention the same concept, all I hear is that it will never take off, there’s too much competition, etc.”
    New Yorkers are natural skeptics. So, while California’s culture will foster more entrepreneurs, I’d staff my due diligence team with New Yorkers.

    Like

  38. The post raises some interesting aspects, particularly around people.
    One difference between Silicon Valley and, say, New York, is the percent of optimists vs. pessimists.
    A former colleague moved from New York to (southern) California a few decades ago. When I asked him the difference, he replied “In California, when I tell people about my idea for a business, they all root for it. They tell me how good an idea it is and offer to introduce me to others who might help. In New York, when I mention the same concept, all I hear is that it will never take off, there’s too much competition, etc.”
    New Yorkers are natural skeptics. So, while California’s culture will foster more entrepreneurs, I’d staff my due diligence team with New Yorkers.

    Like

  41. John: that name sounds familiar, but isn’t bringing up any memories.

    Laurent: possibly! But I didn’t see the concentrations of geeks that leads me to believe a new Silicon Valley is possible in Europe. That said your skiing and hottubs have many positive attributes! 🙂

    Like

  42. John: that name sounds familiar, but isn’t bringing up any memories.

    Laurent: possibly! But I didn’t see the concentrations of geeks that leads me to believe a new Silicon Valley is possible in Europe. That said your skiing and hottubs have many positive attributes! 🙂

    Like

  43. Robert…geeks, money, server farms, and accountants are available *everywhere*.

    The only thing SV has is proximity, for saving travel time, and bandwidth. There’s massive bandwidth in SV all over the place.

    That’s not to say you can’t get bandwidth in other places, but it’s easier to get there.

    Like

  44. Robert…geeks, money, server farms, and accountants are available *everywhere*.

    The only thing SV has is proximity, for saving travel time, and bandwidth. There’s massive bandwidth in SV all over the place.

    That’s not to say you can’t get bandwidth in other places, but it’s easier to get there.

    Like

  45. This is a great question. The challenge is in mindset, people who share the passion and approach. I believe that true Innovation can not be taught in a school. Certainly there are many different aspects in terms of methodology and approach. But this is truely about passion, tenacity and surrounding yourself with dreamers.

    Since the days of the goldrush in California all of these things have been true.

    As well the weather breads a certain style. Just like Seattle and Vancouver are different from the south left coast.

    But largely I fall back to the people who inhabit the place and their style. Innovation is an art not a science.

    Like

  46. This is a great question. The challenge is in mindset, people who share the passion and approach. I believe that true Innovation can not be taught in a school. Certainly there are many different aspects in terms of methodology and approach. But this is truely about passion, tenacity and surrounding yourself with dreamers.

    Since the days of the goldrush in California all of these things have been true.

    As well the weather breads a certain style. Just like Seattle and Vancouver are different from the south left coast.

    But largely I fall back to the people who inhabit the place and their style. Innovation is an art not a science.

    Like

  47. It’s just what a needed to hear tonight as I am trying to write — and I am inspired by your sense of stepping back from the things that make complaints to some… in order to look through another lens for a better view. It’s a bit like walking into the castle of this blog and lokking out tower after tower to see many different views. Thanks for the thoughtful landscapes that make it happen!

    Brain Based Business

    Like

  48. It’s just what a needed to hear tonight as I am trying to write — and I am inspired by your sense of stepping back from the things that make complaints to some… in order to look through another lens for a better view. It’s a bit like walking into the castle of this blog and lokking out tower after tower to see many different views. Thanks for the thoughtful landscapes that make it happen!

    Brain Based Business

    Like

  49. SV geeks are best? I disagree – they are mostly arrogant without cause is all. I’ve worked with many better.

    Furthermore – not to rock your world too much – but as of last census, Denver Colorado had more programmers per capita and the quality of everything was higher. Of course, all those developers were working on real business systems that have to do work rather than dot bomb flameouts that just waste money.

    Also, SV cost of living sucks, terrain sucks, lack of culture sucks, salaries as measured in median home prices are lowest anywhere and everything you can buy at Frys you can order from Amazon or someone.

    SV is a lousy place to start a tech business.

    Like

  50. SV geeks are best? I disagree – they are mostly arrogant without cause is all. I’ve worked with many better.

    Furthermore – not to rock your world too much – but as of last census, Denver Colorado had more programmers per capita and the quality of everything was higher. Of course, all those developers were working on real business systems that have to do work rather than dot bomb flameouts that just waste money.

    Also, SV cost of living sucks, terrain sucks, lack of culture sucks, salaries as measured in median home prices are lowest anywhere and everything you can buy at Frys you can order from Amazon or someone.

    SV is a lousy place to start a tech business.

    Like

  51. Pingback: The Monash Report»Blog Archive » Paul Graham on making more Silicon Valleys

  52. The article was very interesting. I also agree with him on many points. I live in NorthWest Indiana and the only type of geeks around here are 40-something network admins still trying to get their MSCE or LAN party geeks (which are fun if they can stop talking about CounterStrike for a while). I used to work in Chicago for Sapient during the dotcom boom days and there was a lot of innovation and new ideas in the city. The River North area had lots of web design and development shops that were pretty cool. I haven’t worked in the city since 2001 so I don’t really know how it is now. I also lived and worked in Seattle and Bellevue (even Redmond at MS for 2 months) and could definitely feel the geek vibe. It is all about the people and location just like the article says.

    The cool thing though is if you don’t have other geeks around you to talk to you can always scour the Web for people with same interests. Also, and I don’t recommend this to everywhere, but you can rename your SSID for your wireless network at your house with something like “Looking for fellow geek – 555-5555” because you know the other geeks out there are scanning for wifi networks in your neighborhood! I actually did this and someone called me. That was almost a year ago and we still chat on a regular basis.

    I also agree with you Rob about India and China. There are some amazing people there. I know from calling Microsoft tech support! 🙂

    Like

  53. The article was very interesting. I also agree with him on many points. I live in NorthWest Indiana and the only type of geeks around here are 40-something network admins still trying to get their MSCE or LAN party geeks (which are fun if they can stop talking about CounterStrike for a while). I used to work in Chicago for Sapient during the dotcom boom days and there was a lot of innovation and new ideas in the city. The River North area had lots of web design and development shops that were pretty cool. I haven’t worked in the city since 2001 so I don’t really know how it is now. I also lived and worked in Seattle and Bellevue (even Redmond at MS for 2 months) and could definitely feel the geek vibe. It is all about the people and location just like the article says.

    The cool thing though is if you don’t have other geeks around you to talk to you can always scour the Web for people with same interests. Also, and I don’t recommend this to everywhere, but you can rename your SSID for your wireless network at your house with something like “Looking for fellow geek – 555-5555” because you know the other geeks out there are scanning for wifi networks in your neighborhood! I actually did this and someone called me. That was almost a year ago and we still chat on a regular basis.

    I also agree with you Rob about India and China. There are some amazing people there. I know from calling Microsoft tech support! 🙂

    Like

  54. Hmmm. Microsoft seemed to be pretty successful before ever setting foot in SV. How many cottage industries did MS cause to spring up in and around Seattle? Oh, I dunno.. Amazon for one. How many VC’s that sprung up in the Seattle area as a result of MS?

    Then we have Austin, RTE 128 in Boston…. Many areas in the UK, France, India, Japan…

    John is right, Scoble. You REALLY REALLY need to take the blinders off and get out more.

    Like

  55. Hmmm. Microsoft seemed to be pretty successful before ever setting foot in SV. How many cottage industries did MS cause to spring up in and around Seattle? Oh, I dunno.. Amazon for one. How many VC’s that sprung up in the Seattle area as a result of MS?

    Then we have Austin, RTE 128 in Boston…. Many areas in the UK, France, India, Japan…

    John is right, Scoble. You REALLY REALLY need to take the blinders off and get out more.

    Like

  56. Pingback: Crossroads Dispatches

  57. dmad: even with Microsoft’s success here in Seattle it’s nowhere even close to Silicon Valley’s diversity and overall success. We have 20,000 workers here. Silicon Valley has more than a million.

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  58. dmad: even with Microsoft’s success here in Seattle it’s nowhere even close to Silicon Valley’s diversity and overall success. We have 20,000 workers here. Silicon Valley has more than a million.

    Like

  59. @30. More than a million working for one company? Really? You’re obviously missing the point. Silcon Valley is not the Zion of geekdom like you believe it is. The Mormon’s made the same mistake about Salt Lake City. 🙂

    Like

  60. @30. More than a million working for one company? Really? You’re obviously missing the point. Silcon Valley is not the Zion of geekdom like you believe it is. The Mormon’s made the same mistake about Salt Lake City. 🙂

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  63. Umm, Silycon Valley for geeks and dot.com fraud twizzleheads, Copper Valley for cmmercial fishers, LA for screenwriters and actors, NYC for theatre mavens. Napa area for Wine Lovers. Arkansas for rusted-cars lawn decorational types. Bloomington, IL and Omaha, Neb. for insurance Execs. Peoria for Caterpillar Tractors, Detriot for the auto industry. Philly and Boston for Historians. Utah for Ski’ers. Chicago for Mercantile and Convention industry types. Palm Beach for Beach and Luxury Lovers.

    Why is this such a surprise?

    Like

  64. Umm, Silycon Valley for geeks and dot.com fraud twizzleheads, Copper Valley for cmmercial fishers, LA for screenwriters and actors, NYC for theatre mavens. Napa area for Wine Lovers. Arkansas for rusted-cars lawn decorational types. Bloomington, IL and Omaha, Neb. for insurance Execs. Peoria for Caterpillar Tractors, Detriot for the auto industry. Philly and Boston for Historians. Utah for Ski’ers. Chicago for Mercantile and Convention industry types. Palm Beach for Beach and Luxury Lovers.

    Why is this such a surprise?

    Like

  65. Pingback: Tecnocitas » Blog Archive » El nuevo Silicon Valley

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