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Tell HN: I'm Afraid We're Shutting Down

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Re: Tell HN: I'm Afraid We're Shutting Down

#31

Post by buf »

This really bums me out.

I was a convicted felon at 18 years old, poor, living on the street.

It wasn't any government re-integration program that helped me, it was a random person I met in highschool.

I worked my way through everything -> college -> jobs -> startups -> lucky windfalls -> owning my own company. I've immigrated to Europe (3 times in the last 10 years technically), beating the legal issues each time.

And finally, after 17 years, I'm no longer a felon thanks to a pardon and expungement.

I really wish something like 70MR would stay up. Not everyone can be as lucky as me. Is there some place I can donate?

Re: Tell HN: I'm Afraid We're Shutting Down

#33

Post by BenjiWiebe »

ipaddr wrote: post #24
RBBronson123 wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yes, we did get some PPP money, and it sustained us for some time, but it dried up quickly. Thanks for your comment and your kind words.

Quoted post unavailable.

I took it to mean 'dried up suddenly'.

Sustained for a while, and then suddenly you realize that's the end of that.

Re: Tell HN: I'm Afraid We're Shutting Down

#34

Post by EarthLaunch »

0des wrote: post #5

> Several prominent organizations have indicated their interests in me assuming a leadership role. I need to work, and I need to continue my work. Take the job so you dont starve, and so you can begin to rebuild. It's not time to shut the doors, it's just time to take a knee and get your game plan together. It ain't over yet, it's just halftime. This will help: https://marker.medium.com/reflecting-on-my-failure-to-bu…

Not OP but is exactly what I needed to read for my own project, thank you. I’ve been searching for this.

It’s hard to find discussions about the real downsides of using VC money. For instance, what happens when growth fails? Do you lose ownership of the business? From reading this, the answer seems to be: Kind of, yeah. You have to buy your way back.

Another one: What happens if you want to do something extremely risky? My project is a game; what if an asteroid impact seems best for the design, but runs the risk of literally destroying the player base? I can’t imagine that would receive creative encouragement.

So as the author said, it depends on how value is to be measured.

Re: Tell HN: I'm Afraid We're Shutting Down

#35

Post by WheelsAtLarge »

buf wrote: post #31

This really bums me out. I was a convicted felon at 18 years old, poor, living on the street. It wasn't any government re-integration program that helped me, it was a random person I met in highschool. I worked my way through everything -> college -> jobs -> startups -> lucky windfalls -> owning my own company. I've immigrated to Europe (3 times in the last 10 years technically), beating the legal issues each time. A…

It's your type of understanding and fervor that's needed for a 70MR to move forward. Have you considered taking it over? Think about it. Sometimes you're the solution.

Re: Tell HN: I'm Afraid We're Shutting Down

#36

Post by quadcore »

You have as rare a courage as Steve Jobs and others if you'd ask me. The only startup I remembered in a long time if that count. I sincerely hope you've had fun and that you'll keep enjoying your life. Speaking of which Id recommend to laugh it a good time and move on. Dont play what if and Cluedo because you are exactly where you should be, in a positive way.

The past doesnt matter, only the present moment does and it's wonderful.

Re: Tell HN: I'm Afraid We're Shutting Down

#37

Post by mikekij »

toomuchtodo wrote: post #4

Hi Richard, I'd like to donate towards retiring the debt you've personally guaranteed. How can I do this? Thanks for trying, it's more than most do. My genuine condolences you were unable to maintain traction due to the macro. (agree with 0des' sibling comment, hibernate the effort vs this being the death of it)

Same. GoFundMe?

Re: Tell HN: I'm Afraid We're Shutting Down

#39

Post by ushakov »

spaniard89277 wrote: post #26

I'm not even from the US but props to you man. I know some words from random internet people don't fix the situation but to me you're an inspiration. Hopefully, some day, with some more money, wiser and with skills that I'm lacking, I can make a company to solve a real problem like you did. It's sad that the amount of money floating around doesn't pour into a company like yours.

> It's sad that the amount of money floating around doesn't pour into a company like yours.

money is put where profits are

this seems like a low-margin low-profit business

it’s not the investors who are the problem, it’s the capitalist system which encourages this behavior

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