i think people would have a much different view if this wasn't airbnb and was a less reputable company. The things described in the post definitely constitute as spam and violate CAN-SPAM...but these types of tactics do work (if they didn't we wouldn't have spammers) and there wasn't anything malicious about it.
How AirBnB Became a Billion Dollar Company
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Re: How AirBnB Became a Billion Dollar Company
#22Earlier quoted context omitted.
Illegal how? I get the ToS violation, but not sure about legality ... Are you saying it's a violation of the CAN-SPAM act? Or something else?
CAN-SPAM, sending from a fake address (illegal headers). CA has a specific law that pre-empts CAN-SPAM that definitely makes this illegal if sent from CA (don't ask how I know).
I thought according to the article, AirBnB was posting from their own real gmail accounts they made, and the article writer was the one misusing others' email addresses.
Re: How AirBnB Became a Billion Dollar Company
#23I love this. Being scrappy is one of the best qualities among entrepreneurs. The attitude of "do anything" to succeed usually results in success not to mention it is one of the characteristics that PG looks for in founders.
Even when it's illegal? Is this an action that you consider moral but illegal (re: CAN-SPAM and various state laws)? Should AirBnB's investors be worried about the potential liability of lawsuits?
> Each separate email in violation of the CAN-SPAM Act is subject to penalties of up to $16,000
- http://business.ftc.gov/documents/bus61-can-spam-act-complia...
Re: How AirBnB Became a Billion Dollar Company
#24The author uses the term "black hat" way too much and very loosely.
Re: How AirBnB Became a Billion Dollar Company
#25alluded, not eluded
Re: How AirBnB Became a Billion Dollar Company
#26Is anybody else slightly disturbed by all of the 'attaboy!' comments here on a post exposing unscrupulous and probably illegal business tactics?
Think the response here would be the same if it was MicroSoft or the RIAA caught in something like this and not a YC alum?
Anyway, great investigation and great analysis here, I think.
Re: How AirBnB Became a Billion Dollar Company
#27"It is a story of pure unadulterated hustle. And I love it." - Fred Wilson talking about the AirBNB team's Obama cereal hustle. I'd like to borrow his words in regard to this post. Fred's original post - http://www.avc.com/a_vc/2011/03/airbnb.html
'unadulterated hustle' and 'unscrupulous behavior' are surely not synonymous.
Re: How AirBnB Became a Billion Dollar Company
#28I love this. Being scrappy is one of the best qualities among entrepreneurs. The attitude of "do anything" to succeed usually results in success not to mention it is one of the characteristics that PG looks for in founders.
"do anything to succeed" - Isn't that also a hallmark of sociopathy?
Re: How AirBnB Became a Billion Dollar Company
#29Clearly the unethical part of this discovery is that Airbnb used 'shell' gmail accounts to do their work. Instead they should have found a way to present themselves with honesty and integrity to future members.
What are the good reasons for Airbnb's success and valuation? Are there any stories about their actions that inspire both confidence and congratulations. (aside from their Obama O's and Capt'n McCain flash success).
Re: How AirBnB Became a Billion Dollar Company
#30Welcome to The Mesh!
I assume that you are talking about this? http://meshing.it/ the new sharing society?