Mashable - The Social Media Guide - Latest Comments in The Dumbest Startups of 2007

Re: The Dumbest Startups of 2007

Trace Cohen — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 14:53:19 -0000

A little late to the show but I had to add in the fact that I interned for Burnlounge two summers ago and it was apparent from the start that something was smelly. Over my three months working there and getting to understand their business and their revenue streams, it was very apparent there was a pyramid scheme going on.

There where a lot of smart people working there so it was sad to see them close down because the execs thought they could cheat the system, something that is very prevalant today. Luckily for me, even though I was just an intern, I left 3 weeks before the SEC shut them down which everyone knew was coming. RIPieces.

Re: The Dumbest Startups of 2007

Alex Tropnas — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 19:16:32 -0000

How can CHACHA.COM be a failure with more than 600,000 unique visitors a month according to quantcast.com. I am sure this site has the same number of unique visitors.

Re: The Dumbest Startups of 2007

sinema — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 02:51:20 -0000

Another great list....

Re: The Dumbest Startups of 2007

Tara Kelly — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:32:57 -0000

@Jon
I believe he thinks online password management in *general* is a bad idea. Personally, I disagree. That's of course because I run one - PassPack.

But yes, you are correct both Clipperz and PassPack encrypt the data in the browser before it gets sent to the servers for storage.

The pattern is called Host-Proof Hosting:
http://ajaxpatterns.org/Hos...

Cheers,
Tara - PassPack Founding Partner

Re: The Dumbest Startups of 2007

moneybags — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 08:34:25 -0000

23andme is a very smart startup. I bet these kind of services will be worth billions in 3-5 years. Remember where your first read it! ;)

Re: The Dumbest Startups of 2007

Jon — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:59:51 -0000

Can you be more specific about why clipperz is a dumb idea? As I understand it, they encrypt everything so your information can not be used unless somebody figures out your main password.

jon (not a clipperz shill, i promise)

Re: The Dumbest Startups of 2007

whazzzz up? — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:47:09 -0000

Another great list!

Re: The Dumbest Startups of 2007

Anthony Kuhn — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:52:18 -0000

Drama 2.0:

It would seem your list has changed a bit (or might need fixing) since Zivity has been cozying up to you, nu?

I linked to this item from my blog at the Innovators Network in hopes that some of my readership will visit you for more of The Dumbest Startups of 2007.

Happy New Year!

Anthony Kuhn

Re: The Dumbest Startups of 2007

Mark "Rizzn" Hopkins — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 19:22:10 -0000

Hey man, gotta disagree with you on Mahalo.

Despite the over-zealous marketing, I like the concept, and it is fairly useful. And you're completely off on Veronica's show.

Re: The Dumbest Startups of 2007

Raj Abhyanker — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 18:01:56 -0000

Being involved with Fatdoor in its early months, I feel somewhat compelled to respond. I think the concept of getting to know your neighbors is more valuable than you seem to indicate here.

Yes, it is possible to go talk to your neighbor down the street. However, when neighborhood leaders want organize block parties, plan a neighborhood watch, alert each other on crimes in the area, or exchange stuff (e.g., garage sales, tools, free items, services), there needs to be a better way to interact.

The goal is not to use a bulletin board to chat as an alternative to face to face meetings, but rather facilitate communication between neighbors to increase social ties with people and those they live around.

Kind regards, Raj Abhyanker

Re: The Dumbest Startups of 2007

Mitts Kane — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 13:10:12 -0000

hahah great list. I do want to point out, however, that there's a difference between blogs/sites that cost nearly nothing to produce (e.g. your own Drama 2.0 Show, the Pligg-based Dig a SV Girl, etc) and those like Mahalo and FatDoor that have received millions of VC. The former is pretty harmless, and isn't any dumber than any other self-indulgent activity people pursue on- or off-line. Only the latter qualify as dumb in my book!

Re: The Dumbest Startups of 2007

Drama 2.0 — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 01:22:56 -0000

Devindra: I don't really have a problem with the price. I simply think the utility of 23andMe is overrated.

So much attention has been given to services like 23andMe because these services obstensibly enable you to find out if you're at a higher risk for certain medical conditions that might cut your life short. Benjamin Franklin stated "In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes." If people want to pay companies like 23andMe to decode their genome so they can find out if they're more likely to have a heart attack, etc., I personally think it's a waste. You could be driving your car tomorrow and get into an accident with a Mack truck.

You will die one day. If you're busy worrying about how, you're not enjoying life. Better to save your $999 and apply it to your tax strategy because Benjamin wasn't entirely correct when he said taxes are certain. :)

Re: The Dumbest Startups of 2007

matthew — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 23:18:19 -0000

Capazoo.com has a unique business model and a very dynamic site. We are proud of what we have created and are equally as excited about our recent partnership agreement with National Lampoon.

As for our release on the Lohan situation? It was a media reach out idea that was floated as a test case. If you check our media room, you will plainly see it's not indicative of our marketing efforts.

In fact, January and February will yield both new site features and add-ons, and an intriguing new marketing approach.

To reach me, our Director of Communications, simply visit www.capazoo.com/media-room....

Happy Holidays everyone.

Re: The Dumbest Startups of 2007

Drama 2.0 — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 13:30:47 -0000

Yes this article was written by the same smug, arrogant jerk that created The Drama 2.0 Show.

Re: The Dumbest Startups of 2007

Fatdoor is so stupid — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 08:43:59 -0000

I couldn't agree more that Fatdoor is a ridiculous idea. We are fostering a world where people are so scared to interact offline in the real physical world that they need avatars and message boards to communicate with an elderly couple who isn't even online but lives 50 feet away. Stupid start-up, backed by stupid VCs.

Re: The Dumbest Startups of 2007

James Gillmore — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 06:33:22 -0000

Is the guy wrote this article the same "smug and arrogant jerk" that created The Drama 2.0 Show??? ...Not that I disagree with the list at all, or even have anything against smug arrogant jerks (I'm probably one myself)--just, it takes a smug arrogant jerk to write this article lol.

Re: The Dumbest Startups of 2007

inanytime — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 05:15:05 -0000

i think you got two links missing in the chacha writeup, nice article:

as you can see here and here

Re: The Dumbest Startups of 2007

johnyzar — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 02:19:40 -0000

I always love the anti-awards which come right after the real awards!!its like Oscars and the Anti-Oscars.Keep the Great work guys!
John Zarkadas
www.Wishdone.com