You Know You're a Dork When...

It's 1PM on a Saturday. It's beautiful out (at least the sun's out). Your friends are playing in a beer pong tourney. And you keep hoping they don't call so you can keep working at the corner coffee shop you're now sitting in.

There's a huge correlation between the ownership you have in what you're doing as it relates to the time you want to put into work. That's why stock options are such a great motivator. Everyone knows stock ain't worth a damn until a company makes it. But it gives someone a stake in what they'd doing. You get 3,000 shares in a company that's got 700M - and well, that's not much of an interest. Which was my signing bonus at Gap... Plus, you're just a cog in the wheel. You do your work or not...nothing changes. That's why so many people in big companies just punch their time cards. 9-5. Because there's nothing in it for them. A lot of people are happy to do that. But not a lot of entrepreneurs. It's not in their DNA.

Point is, I start feeling bad if I'm not doing anything work related...even if its a few hours some days. And even if I don't have much to do (as in, I'm waiting on some things to get finished).

My friend up in Vancouver emailed me last night that he was out at the bars last night. And he couldn't stop thinking about going home and coding. Yea, he's a dork too. Maybe more of one, because usually once I'm out, I'm alright. We started asking each other whether it's our age that's doing this to us or just our dorky nature? I'm thinking it's got a bit to do with both.

Man...not even done this post and I got a call that I'm missing the tourney.

Mozilla Labs - Firefox Personas, Skin Your Browser

I just noticed Firefox Personas this morning. Since it takes me a while to actually wake up, I decided to play around with it while rubbing the sand out of my eyes. It let's you spice up your browser with a skin, just like Winamp used to let you do (is that even around anymore?). Every once in a while I do get sick of the status quo so this is a nice change.

I imagine it's pretty easy to create your own skin, though I haven't really looked into it. It seems like it's just an image file. But there are plenty to choose from that other bored people have already made.

http://www.getpersonas.com/

Today's Google Post - Google AdSense is down... And Google Voice Arrives! I Already Love GoogleVoice!

I was just going to check my AdSense account because it's a great indicator of site traffic. And I get to see how many cents I earned today. I count in cents (single cents) though some days that's hard because I don't earn anything. Ahh, the life of a struggling blogger/entrepreneur.

Anyway... there's a point. AdSense is down. Never seen that before so thought I'd share it in case anyone else is wondering what's up?

More importantly. As a GrandCentral user, I got an email today that GrandCentral is migrating over to Google Voice. It instructed me to convert my account, which was nothing more than a simple GMail sign-in. And yes, you can change accounts, you don't need an existing Google account Very cool. It's still in beta, but should open up soon.

Here are the additional features they're offering now, from their email:

"In addition to the GrandCentral features you already know, we've added voicemail transcription, SMS support, conference calling, Goog411, enhanced spam protection and low-priced international calling. We have also integrated GrandCentral with your Google Account and your Google Contacts list."

Voicemail transcription? That rocks! I mean...this should kick some serious ass. I've started to use it a bit for a side business...which is very cool, because it keeps my personal number separate. You can see when a GrandCentral number is coming in since your GrandCentral number comes in on your caller id (for AT&T customers at least).

I feel like this is a big opportunity for people wanting additional numbers for businesses (now that phone numbers are portable, it doesn't do as much for regular users that don't care about the Google Voice features). As an entrepreneur/small business owner this is great for keeping things separate - and keeping restrictions on your business line (hours, messages, separate lines, etc). And for conference calling. And for free calling. And for free SMS. And for cheap international rates. I hope this integrates with GTalk soon. I can't imagine it not. And then I hope it kills Skype... because I hate anything owned by ebay.

Ok...so you can call anywhere in the US. And Google Voice will call that number and then ring yours. Free. You can use this for international calls (for a fee) and it will call your cell phone too. Bye bye Jajah. I used to use Jajah a ton when I was living in Hong Kong. If this works internationally, then they'll be in trouble soon. Google is really integrating all this awesomeness into their product. Of course with a ton of crap that gets filtered out when users don't start using it en masse.

IP Baby Naming Rights for sale on Ebay! Seriously?

Ok, this is great. I was sent an email by my friend and actually had to confirm with him that this was legit. He's offering up baby naming rights for his next child, which is expected in late May. There are some rules to this, but they're pretty fair for the bidders. I have to say, knowing this guy, I was a bit surprised. He's a tax attorney in Massachusetts, with a very normal life. He lives in suburbia so I'm sure this will be big news there. But hey... if you can drum up support, I'm sure a company like GoDaddy or GoldenPalace.com would love to bid. After all, they've bid on toast that has a picture of the Virgin Mary before (here).

There have been others who have sold baby naming rights, for a song (here). That's just ridiculous.

Anywhere, here's what you get (link to the auction here):

1. The name must relate to a genuine for-profit business and must be for purposes of marketing in connection with the business.
2. The business must be a family- or child-oriented businesses, and the name chosen must relate to the business.
3. The name chosen must be appropriate for a baby boy, not a baby girl, and must be an appropriate name in an English-speaking country. By way of example, "General Electric" is an acceptable name. However, "Weirdo" is not acceptable, even if "Weirdo" means "General Electric" in some foreign language.
4. The winner will receive the following rights:
a. to choose the child's first and middle name,
b. the right to forty (40) hours per year of the child's time for marketing campaign purposes at no additional cost, other than reimbursement of travel and other out-of-pocket expenses;
c. in addition to the time set forth in the preceding paragraph, the right to have a representative present and to record (by video or audio) birthday parties, sporting events, and other normal childhood events.
d. the exclusive right to require the child to use products and/or services relating the relevant business (e.g., a certain brand of diapers or baby food);
e. the exclusive right to the baby's image and likeness, other than a reserved right for family and friends to use pictures of the little guy for normal family (non-marketing) purposes.
f. the right to a daily blog created by his parents for the purpose of memorializing the child's life, experiences, etc.
g. the right to change the child's name in the event of a merger, etc., of the relevant business, subject to the foregoing restrictions and limitations.
5. The agreement will cease on the child's eighteenth (18th) birthday.
6. Such additional rights and obligations as the parties agree to prior to closing the agreement.

All terms and conditions to be agreed to by the parties in good faith prior to any payment being due under this auction.
Ultrasound pictures can be provided upon request.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140312612135\

How To Stay Motivated as a Startup Entrepreneur

Motivation is a huge issue with starting a company. It's actually a huge issue anywhere. When I used to work as a developer and I'd be given crappy tasks, I'd lose motivation quickly. With this startup, I find that I have days and even weeks were my motivation seems to dry up like the Sahara.

So what are you to do when this happens? There are actually a few options.

1) Use your co-workers, co-founders, whatever. If you have them. Feed off their passion and excitement. This is the one reason why I'd never do a startup without passionate people. Even if they're the best programmer in the world, if they're not bought into your idea, they'll hurt more than they help. Everyone has their ups and downs. And with passionate partners, you can feed of their ups and they can feed off yours when either party is feeling down. Otherwise you'll run the very possible risk of both feeding off the negatives instead of the other way around.

2) Set timelines. This is the hardest thing in the world for me to do. I'm typically very scattered. I'll work on something...get distracted and begin working on something else, often leaving the first task. If you create timelines, it gives you something to work towards and allows you to complete your tasks sequentially. I have a feeling most engineers have this distraction/procrastination thing going on - so try try try to create to-do lists and timelines consistently!.

Last week I was feeling overwhelmed. Our beta testing is far behind schedule. We have a lot of bugs and functionality to add before you can see our work. I was so overwhelmed that I felt I couldn't get anything done. So I pulled my mom in and asked her to help me setup some tasks so I'd be accountable to her. Not ideal. But it worked. Use the resources you can to help you hit your milestones.

3) Use your friends/support. I met with a classmate at the end of last week - and realized that everyone has these ups and downs, especially when you're working by yourself most of the time. Or have a distributed team. We decided we'd meet weekly to keep each other motivated in our respective endeavors even if we're working on different things. This is where finding other entrepreneurs is great for your own moral.

Entrepreneur College - That Time of Year Again!

I've been getting some emails from Wilson Sonsini (WSGR) about their entrepreneur college. I attended last year and was happy with the sessions I attended. I picked and chose what was relevant to me because some of their sessions would have been useless. I've been learning more and more how precious my time is and how it's easy to get distracted from the task at hand. I think that's especially true for entrepreneurs. Anyhow, here's the link to RSVP. Also, Mario Rosati will be headlining the first session. I had him as a teacher at Haas - he's engaging and has a ton of experience to lend to whatever discussion he's giving. This one is on valuation.

Also - the program is available around the country (Austin, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Palo Alto, and DC)

Here's what WSG&R says about their program:

"Given the current economic landscape, entrepreneurs are forced to make many tough decisions and to do more with less. However, innovation is as important as ever, and entrepreneurs will play an increasingly critical role in bringing new technologies and services to the market. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati remains committed to helping entrepreneurs navigate this shifting economic landscape and adapt to new realities. We are proud to present the Entrepreneurs College, dedicated to providing entrepreneurs with the information, opportunities, and network needed to achieve success in these challenging times.

This program includes a series of seminars and networking events covering a wide range of topics to help you focus your ideas and business strategies and runs semi-weekly over the course of 17 weeks. Since its launch, the Entrepreneurs College has met with great success, bringing together hundreds of entrepreneurs to form the beginning of a dynamic and diverse leadership community.

The Entrepreneurs College is exclusive to entrepreneurs and start-up company executives in the Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati network. You will benefit from the largest network in the country of leaders in entrepreneurship, venture capital, angel organizations, and other finance and advisory firms.

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati was built upon the foundation of entrepreneurship. Our commitment to the entrepreneur and venture capital community spans over four decades, during which time we have played an integral role in the creation of many of today’s groundbreaking industries. We are equally excited about the future, and look forward to joining you on the journey that lies ahead."

Wolverine Shows Up Online... Piracy is Killing The Industry. I'm Terrified!

Not really. But it was big news this morning when it was publicized that X-Men Origins: Wolverine, the latest movie in the XMen franchise, showed up on the torrents, way ahead of its release date. The constant realist, something just didn't mesh with the story.

Apparently an "incomplete, and early version of X-Men Origins: Wolverine" appeared to have been stolen from the studio. Fox claims that this version is without the special effects, final musical scores, and editing that will really make the movie. Like I was going to see it in the theater anyway.

So what doesn't mesh? The fact that this is an incredible publicity stunt for Wolverine. Considering the fact that I didn't even know the movie was coming out next month, it creates quite a stir. Also - the movie is apparently quite unfinished, even though its coming out in a month. Compounded with the fact that they claim the movie is forensically marked, which would make it seem likely that they should already know who leaked it.

But the biggest piece of evidence that creates my skepticism is the fact that just next week, US Congressman Howard Berman, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, will be holding a final hearing on the implications of piracy on the movie industry... in nearby Van Nuys. The results will likely drive public sentiment and policy on video piracy. These guys are just like the MIAA... so it wouldn't surprise me if they pulled a stunt like this.

Read on Deadlinehollywooddaily.com (here])