That is why I can't stand California. Everybody is trying to "sit next to interesting people" looking for an opportunity to "break into circles". Quotes from here: http://andrewchen.typepad.com/andrew_chens_blog/2007/02/how_...

I especially dislike this common "you must have a blog" bullshit.

The "networking class" in Silicon Valley is indeed one of the lamest things about the culture. However, if an EIR works for a good VC firm they can be useful to know. In fact, the only money I've ever raised was from manipulating an EIR.

Sounds like there is a good story here...

I'd let you know but I'm pretty sure all the parties involved are regulars on this site, and I've already revealed too much...

I think it's kind of funny that this post mentions nothing about, you know, actually building a product.

I don't think this post isn't geared toward those who are building a company right away. Rather, I think the target audience is people who want to move to SF/Silicon Valley, meet people, and get on the right direction to build something at a later date.

Ironically I may use some of this advice when I move away from SF and to Seattle -- the opposite of what Andrew did -- later this year. :)

That's probably because this guy's a poser. You can do all the networking in the world but, sooner or later, someone's gonna ask what he's got. All he'll be able to say is a rolodex.

"Build something people want."

Not "Meet people who want something"

I feel like there is a lot you should do to solidify your network, your resources, your outlook, your team, your understanding of markets, and your philosophies on product before you even build one so I think he is spot on.

Sitting down and just building something cool without the above is generally a recipe for disaster.

"Sitting down and just building something cool without the above is generally a recipe for disaster."

Doing all of the above without building anything is a bigger recipe for disaster.

All that other stuff is important, but at the end of the day, someone who has already built something others want will be way ahead.

that's what EIR's do :)

Startup from any city.. not just San Francisco! From my bedroom in Baltimore my startup has been recognized by prominent publications and is backed! I have ventured out to San Fran a few times and have enjoyed my visits, but it's cheaper here to live!

There is also a vibrant DC tech community an earshot away!

I'd be interested to hear more about your b'more startup. Link or email?

I think this makes a better case for the anti-Bay Area argument than DHH does to be honest. :-)

The post isn't really that bad. Some people are into "networking" and I guess this is a post for that kind of people. I'd rather find a handful of people to bounce ideas around and hack on projects than accumulate 1000+ connections on LinkedIn.

Total BS, Andrew.

"My general take on it is that ideally, you want to hang out with people who are a lot smarter than you ;-) Because of this, if you are hanging out with junior entrepreneurs all day (for example, the YCombinator folks) then you might not learn as much as if you spent time with people who have done a lot more than you."

oh god. please stay where you are, rents are already too expensive, an this city has too many guys and not enough girls already.

At least find a job first.