I don't agree with the author's premise that founding service companies are somehow anymore noble than building a product companies or whatever else. A dollar from a local business is as good as a dollar from an advertiser.

The image of the Silicon Valley douchebag doesn't seem to ring true. My friends who've met Mark have nothing but good things to say about him.

I've had the fortune of meeting some fellow college students who have passed through YC and fit the mold of "young hotshot." Rather than arrogant and brash divas, they've all struck me as thoughtful and responsible adults. They were mature beyond their years. Their respective businesses are well on the way to success.

To each his own.