DISQUS

What a great tour of the Roost offices- how convenient that the camera crew came on Foodie Thursday!?! I'm glad to see in person that the group is so cohesive- Drew really is an asset to Roost, what an awesome awesome team!

(1) Jott is a MUST
(2) PimpMyNews reads me my news when I'm jogging or driving.

I LOVE the move toward mobile technology- even a LAPTOP feels restraining these days!

you know, i've seen this clip several times in several ways, but THIS has to be the most hilarious! thanks to the two of you for sharing :)

Jay, thank you so much for spreading the word. This has really been rough on our online family, especially because so many of us have had the chance to meet Sheila. That feeling you had that you could immediately call her a friend is apparently how everyone in her life has felt. Bill said she has always made people so happy and everyone warms up to her instantly. When we met, I knew instantly why Bill is so madly in love with her, even after spending more than 3 decades together. Through this sad loss, our community has done an amazing job in lifting Bill up from within our own thousands of independent cities and communities and I thank you for taking charge in his cause. God bless.

Jeff, thanks for sharing the details. What a sad thing to happen in our online family, I'm so glad we have such wonderful connections built so we may lift each other up in times like these.

WOW!

Thanks for the kudos, Jay. As an aside, thank God for kiddos no matter how expensive they are, right? ;)

Oh thank God, I wasn't going to be able to keep my mouth shut any longer on this HUUUGE news!!!!! (Jay spilled the beans privately over beer, I made sure to give him extra alcohol at Inman) LOL

Jamie, this is the perfect fit for all of y'all, congrats!!!

Just got back and I have to say that Mashable throws one kick ass party! Can't wait to see you guys "next time" ;)

Jay, it was ridiculously fun FINALLY hanging out with you!!! I loved all the posh dives we got to hit up in San Fran and can't wait to see you again! You bring the *cool* to AG, man! :)

I'm biased toward Austin (I've even written about Austin being hot for startups.) The reason there is a shift of new businesses from SF to Austin (and having boots on the ground, I can tell you it's true) is the almighty dollar. Austin's cost of living is ridiculously low compared to anywhere in California- the median home price is up 6% this year but still only at $194k (and we're not talking a 2 bedroom shack here). Office rentals can be found for less than a FOURTH of what is paid in California. So between cost of living and cost of operating being low, Austin usually wins and we're seeing tons of people relocating, especially those starting off on their own.

That said, Austin has always fostered a culture of independence- we've had a massive "Buy Local" campaign since the early 80s and Austin is a creative environment. The University of Texas stimulates this environment of learning, growth, experimenting (all necessary in entrepreneurialship). Those added up make it ideal for entrepreneurs.

What I will say for SF (who I see as the only competitor for startup hotspots) is that the big money is in SF meaning VC and Angel dollars live in Cali- you might bump into a checkbook at a coffee joint in SF.

How dare you give away my secret?? ;) I even write hand-written notes to people who have made a big impact commenting on the blog.

Oh wow, there's nothing more beautiful or smelly than millions of bats flying from under a bridge. :) We've never been to BatFest but we might just try it!

PS: I'm convinced your talking about Austin is a ploy to garner the SEO market for my city so when your nest is empty you can move here and have a corner on the market already. Just sayin'.... ;) haha

Like I said on Twitter... break out the tuxedo shirts!!! AG for the win, baby!!! ;) Thanks for being one of the voices on AG that makes it such an innovative community based on solutions (what a novel concept)! :)

someone has austin on the brain...

were you raised by pirates?

it's a patorch, yo.

I downloaded this plugin about two weeks ago and it is AWESOME! Kind of makes *not* using pictures even *more* ignorant :)

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If that's what *you* look like, I can't imagine what those turds look like! Way to stand up to them, Jay. That's what makes you who you are and why we love you :) Get better soon and just do Utterz this week!
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Hugs from Austin- God bless. You know who to call if you need anything!

As a daily Starbucks drinker, I can say that I faithfully stick to my tall peppermint mocha, even in the summer- I don't even have to tell them what I want. That says about me that (1) I'm loyal (2) I don't like to try new things (they'll be gross, I just know it)!

My husband though mixes it up but it's never froofroo, so marketers should know that (1) he's willing to stray from the norm and take chances and (2) he is open to being sold new product (in the form of flavors).

Really, really interesting dissection... I'll keep thinking about this theory, John.

If it has to be alcohol, it has to be beer, and none of that fancy German junk- Bud Light in a bottle. Welcome to Texas livin'! :)

Thanks for writing about the [help] campaign! Our country is hurting and needs our help to rebuild!