Dear Silicon Valley __________ <fill-in-the-blank>,
It is only my hope that this letter finds you healthy and happy. As I follow the news, I am increasingly concerned that you start to mix with the wrong crowd these days.
What is this thing I hear about dragging each other in silly lawsuits all over the world while you also make gentlemen agreements to not poach each other’s employees? You need to either be friends or ruthless competition. Don’t be hypocrites, let the big oil do that when complaining about market downturn while raking in record profits.
And then there’s this other thing about taking action. I mean, if you’re anti-SOPA, pro-consumer rights and stuff, why do you sue each other over government contracts? Let the health insurance industry pretend they actually care about people’s health why they finance election campaigns and rake in record profits.
You used to really care about innovation in general, about making a contribution to a better world. Why do you want to be the only one who has the right to innovate now. Why do you turn into patent trolls, the strategy of over-the-hill companies? The world can be changed only if we gain some critical mass and you will never be strong enough, or inspiring enough to do it all alone. Let the politicians pretend they can while they claim each other’s achievements and blame each other for their own mistakes. And rake in record election campaign funds.
You’ve always been quite an entertainer and people love any escape from reality. Whether its tunes or play, make sure you don’t become the new Hollywood, focused on mediocre quality, high profit margin products. Your big studio friends complain about profits not rising fast enough and lobby to label, obstruct, fine and jail the very pirates they celebrate in their movies.
And if you say you want to empower people, why do you want to track each movement people make and push a personalized marketing offer at every turn? Why do you market your products as if they would add superhero productivity, ability and likeability to their life? Let big pharma and McDonalds claim they can bring happiness, clarity and fitness with their products.
I could tell you more, but I am afraid you’re not able to bear it at this time. As you know, I do love you and wish to help you stay true to your innocent, idealistic goals from your childhood. While seemingly successful, these old money folks you use as role models are on borrowed time, and you know it as well as me.
Sincerely,
M.
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