Oh boy. Looks like I’ve hit a nerve by taking Startup Riot as an example under “Ambiguity” category in my last post. I confess I’m flattered that my two cents caused such a stir. Thank you for listening and for expressing your views. But, I’ll attempt to clarify a few points in order to eliminate any confusion and/or anger for daring to be vocal. Hopefully, comments with profanity will not need to be moderated – it’s not asking too much to be civil even in disagreement. Is it?

Firstly, I or my company, Simply Web, Inc. does not in any way benefit commercially from Atlanta technology startups scene. It simply isn’t our market – Startup Riot being one of them. Neither am I affiliated with any of the startups and/or individuals mentioned. My personal interest in technology leads me to attend startup events nationwide – call it a hobby. Some of the best minds can be found in these unstructured events which often lead to innovation, another of my passion.

So, if I’ve no vested interest why the write-up? Because, that allows me to be objective but, more importantly, I’d like Atlanta to lead technology innovation in the Southeast. The chance of that is slim when closed door policies, unfairness and/or favoritism are practiced. It is very easy to agree or be popular – it takes courage to voice difference. Criticisms are designed for improvement and not personal attacks – unless you choose to take it so. Or, just ignore.

Apart from the comments, I was made aware that there apparently is a huge buzz around my post on Twitter. Since I don’t know who or what they are I cannot address them. But, debate is always welcome – it illustrates enough people are listening.

THEOLOGY

a) Established: Both TAG (Technology Association of Georgia) and TechLinks newsletters used to include Breakfast Bible Study (or similar) serieses. Since I’m not a reader of newsletters any more because of time constraint, I’m not sure if it’s still practiced. Religion should not be included in technology scenes. b) Startups: Founders of various organizations often mention religious services – church services, High Tech Breakfast, Bible breakfast meetings, etc. What a person does during his or her personal time is private, but, when wearing a company and/or organizational hat, he or she must be neutral. That takes me back to my original question: what does religion have to do with technology? Nothing.

Conclusion: Religion is heavily embedded in Atlanta technology scene. It’s a fact – I’m often asked about my faith first in these gatherings, before any conversation starts. I’ve not encountered the same in tech scenes in other cities. Not only is the question rude but is irrelevant. Although I’ve adapted to these ignorant questions, these practices simply cannot continue for the community to lead.

UPDATE: I was asked by the executive editor of a local tech blog if they could post a rebuttal I may write in response to the buzz created by my last post. I agreed but was vetoed by their CEO and editor, one of the five reason being -

3) How exactly does the South’s Christian-slant on religion hurt our (technology hub’s) international stance and talent pool?

Does any one else in the Atlanta tech scene see a problem with that question itself? It should be noted here my suggestion was to exclude any and all religion (non-religion) from tech scenes simply because, again, religion has absolutely nothing to do with technology. If no one else can see the danger in bringing religion (and politics) in the tech scene, then we have much bigger a problem than I thought and much work lies ahead to eliminate those challenges.

AMBIGUITY

Startup Riot

a) I initially took an interest because I was told, repeatedly, that it was THE Atlanta tech startup event to attend. b) Some of the people attending were from the service industry. At the same time, it came to my attention that many people from the exact same industry (staffing companies, angel investors, seed funding, social media, marketing/sales) were not allowed. c) Not knowing much about the event/organization or organizers, I turned to their web site to learn more. Sure enough there was a “Who can’t attend” section with service industry excluded. Having confirmed unfair practices, I simply chose not to participate. d) Why was Startup Riot an example? That was the first event that came to my mind, perhaps because it had taken place recently as were the complaints made. e) Why did I hear alarm bells? If that was THE event where double standards were practiced, then we have a problem. Something must be said – who better to say it than someone who is neutral and has nothing to gain? f) Why the public post? To quote someone (?) at a conference call with SAP, “if you see unfair practices, raise your hand and scream, if discussion through private channels doesn’t work“. Numerous private conversations with influential people didn’t receive as much attention as this blog did. Perhaps going public is needed for change. g) This event/organization is merely an example of what’s ailing startup tech community in Atlanta. Some organizers doing it right are user groups/barcamps – Atlanta Web Design Group, Atlanta Mobile Developers Group, Atlanta PHP User Group and many others.

As I mentioned in earlier post, more pointers are forthcoming. Why? Perhaps I want to share my experience and my observations because I myself was a startup once and know the challenges all too well. Unfortunately, not much mindset has changed in the last three years or so. It will happen – it’s simply taking a little longer than I had predicted.

Tags: Atlanta Mobile Developers Group, Atlanta Web Design Group, startups, TAG, tech, TechLinks, Twitter
Posted in Best Practices, Technology |