Are You A Pirate?

One of the better articles I have read about being an technology entrepreneur was written last year by Michael Arrington.

If you are thinking about starting a business, I recommend you read it because it is treasure map of what to expect in your future. If you have started a business, I recommend you read it because it is proof that at least one other person in the world understands your insanity.

From Arrington:

Entrepreneurs, though, are all screwed up. They dont need to be rewarded for risk, because they actually get utility out of risk itself. In other words, they like adventure.

The payouts for starting a business are just terrible when you account for risk. A tiny minority of entrepreneurs ever get rich. And the majority of entrepreneurs would probably make far more money, and have more stable personal relationships, if they just worked for someone else.

If you have started a business or are in the process of starting a business, chances are that Arrington’s words are scarred into your soul at such a level that you can actually feel them and not only read them.

I dont care if youre a billionaire. If you havent started a company, really gambled your resume and your money and maybe even your marriage to just go crazy and try something on your own, youre no pirate and you arent in the club.

Are Pirates cool?

I think so.