Disqus - Latest Comments for Stephen L. McKay

Re: Howard Lindzon » Is This a Bear Market?

Stephen L. McKay — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:33:25 -0000

Great post, and insight, as always Howard!
PS:
Congrats on LifeLock's (I am a customer) second round!

Re: Confidence Crash…Your Mommy Can’t Save You!

Stephen L. McKay — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:02:46 -0000

Howard,
Just back yesterday from Canada, and don't let Andy kid with you (Canada is not a fad), Ha!
love your post! Sounds like my take, and as I told Andy yesterday, in response to his comment on Fred's blog (gotta start twitting), I'd rather have buying power than a discount on debt anyday!
Great post, and thanks!

Steve

Re: I Like JetBlue…But…

Stephen L. McKay — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:38:17 -0000

Howard,
I don't comment as often as I used to, but I read you a lot and like your takes, including this one.

My approach is not as scientific, as I'm more an investor in private markets, but the "smell" test applies to all (I hate the smell of aircraft processed air, hate the smell of jet fuel, and hate the smell of most of the people on the planes).
When it comes to investing in companies that don't pass the "smell" test, I'll do like Barney does when his master (G.W.B.) calls him. I'll run the other way.

Re: Than, Then, It’s and Its’…You spell tomatoe, I spell tomato?

Stephen L. McKay — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:00:52 -0000

Never gave it a second thought. I have the same problem, but that’s because I’m dyslexic (going over their, to see there new house), and have been all my life. I have several phone numbers, and when I get a new one, or change one, I have to write it down, and it takes about a month at least for me to remember it by heart!

I know you were an econ major, and whatever you think of Dian Swonk, she did pretty well for herself, considering she too is dyslexic.

You, on the other hand, may just be, as you said, “Lazy”. Somehow I don’t care, and will continue to enjoy reading you!

Re: CBS Acquires Wallstrip – You Can Make Money From Blogging!!!

Stephen L. McKay — Wed, 23 May 2007 01:47:30 -0000

Atta Boy Howard and team! I'm out of the country right now, but heard a la internet about the acquisition!
Don't let the A holes get to you. How many of them put together a business that was purchased by old media in a little less than 8 months?
Good for you, and good stuff to hear for sure!

Re: American Culture is at an all time high…Stop Hating It!

Stephen L. McKay — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 20:53:11 -0000

I like it when you expound a little. I read you often (love WallStrip), and your little quips are great regarding stocks, the market trends, etc., but we really get to know you a little more when you let go and write a bit.

Speaking of resilience, if you were in our beloved Battery park you may have seen a Turkey or two (of the feathered kind). Yea, they still nest in southern Manhattan, and it’s pretty cool!

Re: The Street.com is looking to Grow

Stephen L. McKay — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 21:47:55 -0000

At some point, WallStrip will either become a candadate for acquisition, or a practitioner of accretion.

Re: Wallstrip on VEOH

Stephen L. McKay — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:15:18 -0000

Cool!

I like the larger imbeded screen, and the video quality seems to be a lot better than most of stuff at YT, although this may be due to the quality of what is being uploaded, it just doesn't have that jerky feel to it like most YT vids. I'm no expert here. I like Veoh (and WallStrip, and Average Betty) though!

Re: Wallstrip goes All Gore…

Stephen L. McKay — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 12:37:50 -0000

I just returned from San Fran, and the valley, and this is all you hear people talking about! It's THE buzz.

Like I told Andy, it doesn't matter what your motivation is; "welcome aboard"

Re: My Top 20 Movies

Stephen L. McKay — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 18:44:15 -0000

That's a solid list! I would have to do a top 30 as there are a few more I couldn't leave out, but your right on!

Re: Finger CRACK – Research in Motion (RIMM) is Back on Wallstrip

Stephen L. McKay — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 17:29:50 -0000

This was one of the funniest things I have seen in some time! My sense of humor is a little warped, but I was falling out of my chair.

Re: The Blackberry, Crackleberry, RIMM phenomenon continues

Stephen L. McKay — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 20:41:17 -0000

The above post was written on a "Crackberry" Pearl. It is small, and takes some getting used to to do it without "slippage", (I meant to say spelling errors).

Re: The Blackberry, Crackleberry, RIMM phenomenon continues

Stephen L. McKay — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 20:30:22 -0000

I'm in the later group. I got a Pearl for Xmas, and love it (paticularly like the little "pearl" track ball for nav.!. Think you are right on about this one. Add music? Are you kidding! this will rock (pardonthe tacky pun)!

Re: Satellite Radio – Lot’s of noise as usual and no one cares!

Stephen L. McKay — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 20:37:28 -0000

Who even bothers with these today? It's just beyond me who buys this stuff.

Re: Wallhogs – I am hog wild for them

Stephen L. McKay — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 14:08:56 -0000

Very, very cool!

Re: Barbecue Music

Stephen L. McKay — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 20:39:09 -0000

I couldn’t agree more with Fred.

First of all, kids today, no matter where you live, are exposed to all sorts of things at a very young age. Attempting to put the lid down upon what they can see and hear, will only make them more likely to seek these things out, as they think they are “cool”, because of the taboo, and will rebel against their parents for forbidding them. On the other hand, a parent who teaches by example, and who is involved in their child’s life (explaining, working with, and being a regular, full time, although working parent), can expect, for the most part, a kid who knows the difference between what one hears and sees on TV, YT, at a concert, or anywhere else, and the real world they are expected to be a part of.

Please don’t underestimate our kids. They are smarter than you think, and I would just bet that Fred’s kids are all going to turn out just fine!

Re: Unlocking My iPhone

Stephen L. McKay — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 21:43:39 -0000

Fred,
I'm not wealthy. My net worth is probably one tenth, and probably somewhat less than that of yours, but please, give your daughter a contract plan. Teach her responsability, by giving her some!
You seem like such a great dad, but prepaid is so expensive Vs. a plan, and if you are the owner of the phone, you have ultimat control.
Why would you go with pre-paid?

Re: AT&T Is Discriminating Against People With Good Credit

Stephen L. McKay — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 16:50:43 -0000

To "Not a Deadbeat". While Fred's remark may sting to some, please remember that those who have never been there don't know. From what I understand, Fred could pay cash for neurosurgery, if he needed it, and I certainly hope with all my heart that he never does.
I went from rags to riches, back to rags, and then made a comeback again in my 47 years on the planet. It took me 7 years to re-build my credit. It was hard work, but I still realize that even though some of the situation that got me in that place was out of my control, part of it surley was.
Don't be so hard on Fred. I'm sure he didn't mean it the way you took it. I didn't.

Re: AT&T Is Discriminating Against People With Good Credit

Stephen L. McKay — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:19:10 -0000

To "Fakerichardbranson"
I looked at your site, and agree with Fred. Your the kind of jerk that makes space shuttle jokes. The sort I walk away from in bars. Won't get into a dialog on Freds blog, but you are, well, what was it Fred called you?

Re: I Just Read My Entire Blog Roll

Stephen L. McKay — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:48:44 -0000

Fred,

I like you a lot, but you have way too much time on your hands! Don't flaunt it so much, or if you want to, go out and make a Taco, hand it to a homeless Mexican, and tell him/her why they should support the most politicaly attached and influenced mayor since Rudy!
Fred, your stuff is good, but you are getting farther, and farther away from the person you used to be, and the one I started reading.
Latter old buzzard...
Ha! Just Kidding (about buzzard)!

Re: Thanks

Stephen L. McKay — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 19:19:33 -0000

Fred,

I have to say I agreed with Michael for a while, and I know that I have been “over the top” at times when expressing my thoughts. However, I never miss a day of reading AVC, and your most recent posts; “Peak Oil”, and “Technology Trumps Government”, as well as “Thanks” the cartoon is hysterically true for most of us, and all three posts are absolutely great!
We (your readers) are also interested in the person and the motivation behind the keypad, and I once criticized you for name dropping (WOW, did you pretty much stop doing that)!
Here is something I would love to see: A widget at the top of the right side bar of your blog with the header, and first story on “Fred Wilson dot vc”, and then your Voki below it. This widget would update automatically as you posted to fredwilson.vc. That would be great exposure, allowing people to look at it, if they are interested read it, and learn what tumblr has to offer without you having to mention it periodicaly, but I don’t know if such integration is possible.

Don’t get me wrong, you know that the better you are to begin with, the more we expect of you, and that’s both true, and somewhat unfair!
Hope you and your family had a great Thanksgiving!

Steve

Re: The Open Mobile Network

Stephen L. McKay — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 23:23:07 -0000

I'm with you as far as opening up all divices = choose your own carrier.
As for poking and prodding, glad all went well (no gall stones, or inflamed organs), but that's so 19th century. What are your blood test results? I'm sure they are on target, and I hope so! That's where we really know if we are healthy.

Re: Fear and Loathing Is Not A Great Brand Image

Stephen L. McKay — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:29:33 -0000

Fred,
You are so right on this subject! To all who don't get it, just imagine if a very few years ago, you bought an RCA (CRT) telivision, and it would only receive analog signals from NBC, which was an RCA owned company!
You always nail it on these things Fred, and for those of us old enough to really make the analog, old media comparison, we hear you!
Thanks,
Steve

Re: Thinking About Non-Competes

Stephen L. McKay — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:14:59 -0000

Fred,
Once again I must agree with you. I have to say that as a long time ago, low level employee of a compny called "Guest Informant" (long before they were bought by Lin, long before more, and long before our tech age), I made a move to replace some of the markets the company was dropping due to lagging sales, with my own books, and was hit right in the face with the "legal team". I was not going to take any market share that the company had not already given up, but who knows where it may have gone.
The line is fine for sure, and I don't mean to press the point, but old media/ new media is not a fluid transition. As we endure this rocky road however, some of the old rules of business will always apply.
What I would like to see are the stats.
Who (not names, just stats) have either of your firms incured losses (had defectors) directly related to violations of the clause?

Re: I Told You So

Stephen L. McKay — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:14:01 -0000

To Dave, do we not like aesthetics? Look at the stark, almost bleak, but very efficient architectural designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. A master for sure, and I have been in many of his creations, from Pasadena, to Chicago (Oak Park). Personally, I’m not a fan, but some jump through hoops to see a Wright, or a Mees Vanderow “Glass Tower”. It’s all about Marketing. I think most of us get that, and if a glass spiral will bring in onlookers, some will become buyers.

Steve

Re: I Told You So

Stephen L. McKay — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 23:12:15 -0000

Azimuth,
You are correct in what motivates most of us, Vs the true creators (like them or not), and I would put Apple in the former catagory, just like I would the hotels that you mention. Not that this makes them bad. Not too many marketers today are capable of real "creation", most use a variance of something that already works, and with that variance, comes some sort of evolution, that leads to something new, and different, and that's what drives us all.

Re: I Told You So

Stephen L. McKay — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 22:47:37 -0000

You HAVE ONE (life, that is), and it's COOL to discuss these peripheral things. The things we spot, or pick up on, are all part and parcel to the larger picture, and how we read them is important.

Re: I Told You So

Stephen L. McKay — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 22:54:33 -0000

Funny thing only the guys commenting think of this! GIB (give it a break) Ha!

Re: Scar Tissue That I Wish You Saw

Stephen L. McKay — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 21:16:23 -0000

Fred,
GOOD Lord, are you soooo back on track ! I love it!
I also agree with you, completely.

Re: Heartbroken

Stephen L. McKay — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 20:57:21 -0000

Fred,
I was so happy for you and your son (and just a bit friendly envious, until the broken finger thing happend). I remember seeing Zep at Cobo in Detroit, long, long ago. Sometimes it's like a real good old flame. Memories are better than reality.
If you hook up tix to anything upcoming that we don't know about, please let me know. I have credit cards, paypal, and pigion drop for ZEP!
What a great way for us to shake hands and say "hello"!

Re: Heartbroken

Stephen L. McKay — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 23:05:26 -0000

Josh is a fortunate one indeed, and I guarantee you, if he doesn't understand all of this just yet (he probably does), he will one day!

Re: Twitter's Business Model

Stephen L. McKay — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:38:44 -0000

To the Douglaskarr,

Your missing it. Fred is not saying that you can’t build a successful, very profitable “mom and pop” web business, especially if you use and understand the tools at your avail. It’s just that these models are not what private (VC) funds are looking at, as far as an investment that will provide the returns limited partners, and the fund managers are interested in.
No offence to you Douglaskarr, but it’s apples and oranges. Your 100 profitable sites are great, and may make you a bundle, but your not going public, or going to be bought out by a larger player on the scale that counts in the private equity (includes VC) world.
On the positive side; Stick around! Fred is a good guy, very smart, and if you’re here to learn a little, or just wet your beak, this is the place!

Steve

Re: Twitter's Business Model

Stephen L. McKay — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:50:56 -0000

Fred,

My point exactly.
There is so much, and so very many oportunities out here right now, and it is all do-able!
It's where we want to go, and what we want to do.

Steve

Re: Kind Of Funny, Kind Of Ridiculous

Stephen L. McKay — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 20:35:12 -0000

Fred,
Glad you and fam. had a GREAT trip!
Sounds like jetlag to me. It will disapate over the next few hours (you sure wrote a lot since landing!). If your like me, the internal clock will chime, you will hit the sack, and you will be at the office by nine.
Great appreciation for your take on Josh's view. He sounds like me at his age (curious, but also outspoken). Without the two, we don't learn.

All the best, and Welcome Home!

Steve

Re: Kind Of Funny, Kind Of Ridiculous

Stephen L. McKay — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 20:53:59 -0000

Fred,

And they will (run such businesses, or run other very profitable concerns that benifit us all)!

No doubt, the apples don't fall far from the tree!

Steve

Re: Kind Of Funny, Kind Of Ridiculous

Stephen L. McKay — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 21:12:27 -0000

Yea, but I'll still bet on your kids!

Steve

Re: Thoughts on New Hamphsire

Stephen L. McKay — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 11:06:05 -0000

Fred,

On McCain you wrote; “I don't agree with him on many positions, but I think he'd be a fine leader for this country.”

I don’t get that. It’s like hiring a well respected architect who specializes in, and is a fanatic about ultra modern to design your house when you want a colonial. Sure he/she will get the job done, but will it be the job you wanted?

Also, I think Courtland is right. I have seen glimpses of McCain’s temper, and it can be pretty nasty (remember when he cursed at Maria Shriver in 2000)!

McCain deserves my respect for his service, but not never my vote for president.

Re: Where I draw the line on transparency

Stephen L. McKay — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 23:29:15 -0000

Fred,
Yea, but you do let the cat out of the bag when you praise a business (Wasabi, for example), just before you make an investment (I just knew that a USV investment was coming after your posts). Nothing wrong with that at all, and I like it. Your not doing anything unethical, and your giving a little insight into what kind of investments you believe in, and why. All are good things, and one more reason I read you faithfully!

Re: We Can Be Highline

Stephen L. McKay — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:11:07 -0000

As a New Yorker, I can't wait for the High Line fest, and I can't believe it won't become an annual event, and a venue for others.
Isure hope so anyway!