Dot.com to Dot.Bomb

This presentation was very interesting to me as I was in high school when all of this was going on. I graduated in 1994 in the height of the dot com era and during the bust that followed shortly thereafter.  Although I was heavily invested in my own learning of technology, there wasnt really any classes being taught (at least in Auburn, WA) that would get me the kind of insight that Mr. Fry was able to shed on that time for us in the lecture. 

I was amazed at how much work it took, the friendships that must have been tainted and the subsequent demise of these companies.  It was a crazy time.  Who would have thought that getting in early on the dot com craze would have made people instant millionaires and then within just a few short years later bust them in the process.  I took home some important tools with me after this presentation, first, if you want to be rich in this country, you're never going to get there working for someone else (unless you get in on a start-up early on that happens to makes millions), so you got to do it yourself and start a business.  Working for state and federal government work for 12+ years sort of taught me that anyways, but understanding the game and knowing that when you take on a start up, that you need to have a lot of structure and discipline.   Knowing what is best for your company and having the right people around you is paramount to success. If you have to let these people go one day, what is it going to cost you (besides money)?.

I feel that this was one of the best lectures we have had this quarter as it gave me a lot to think about.  I have a couple of great start up ideas, but understanding what it takes to make those dreams a reality and knowing the sacrifices that come with them is one thing I think a lot of people dont think about when they take that plunge.  Mr. Fry gave us a lot of tools in recognizing our potential in this area, and seeing the pitfalls for what they are.   For that I am thankful, and also cautious at the same time.  I know now that if I'm going to make a killing in technology, its going to take having a solid business plan, the right and idea, and a group of dedicated business partners to pave that path.  Bravo Professor Fry!  You really hit it home with this presentation and it resonates with me, and will do so until I reach my goals of pursuing my start-up business and taking it to its IPO.  :)