Let's Throw The DeadPool in the DeadPool

There was an interesting discussion on socialmedian today regarding the daily "deadpool" and "layoff tracker" updates on sites like TechCrunch.

It's sensationalist journalism.  It's done just for ratings.  It's counter productive.  It's hyperbolic.  And it's time for it to go.  There's no need for it and no place for it.

All of us in the "internet industry" are not just in the business of developing new products and ideas that could change the world, we're also all in the business of figuring out a sustainable business model.  That's very hard to do.  Efforts should be lauded.  Mistakes should be acknowledged.  Report the facts when layoffs happen.  But there's no need to go tabloid when startups go sideways or don't make it.

The technology startup industry and supporting economy/financing model is designed to reward trying and failing and trying and failing and trying and failing and hopefully succeeding over time.  Not every startup will make it.  In fact, very few will.  That's just how it works.  So, let's celebrate the entreprenuership spirit and have educated discussions around mistakes made and lessons learned.  But leave the deadpool and the layoff tracker at home.

This writer/startup CEO also wonders outloud if the new media websites/blogs (the TechCrunch's, ValleyWag's, etc.) of the world will be as transparent when they themselves go sideways, screw up, or god-forbid have to layoff some employees.  They too are still figuring out their business models.  And that's ok.

I'd prefer we just change the tone entirely and focus on substance vs. getting ratings out necessary layoffs.  In fact, I'd much rather read a thoughtful post by one of the editors of the new media websites/blogs on why they think tech startups should or should not tighten the belt right now.  Lead that debate vs. encouraging the pile on.  There are going to be A LOT of layoffs in the months ahead in startup land.  We're just getting started on this.  Let's get ahead of it and plan for resources for the laid-off.  Take a leadership position in interviewing and highlighting companies who are hiring.  Be part of the solution.

In sum, I agree with what Fred Wilson from USV said nearly two years ago regarding the deadpool:

"I have to shake my head at the resurrection of the dead pool, which was made popular last time around by Fucked Company. Do we really need to celebrate when companies fail? It's hard enough for everyone involved to deal with the dashed hopes and dreams of a failed startup. But now we are counting them like notches on a sword handle."

...and with what Louis Gray wrote back in August 2007:

"It's a lot easier to criticize those who have tried and failed than it is to try and fail yourself, let alone to try and succeed. For TechCrunch, a growing media site covering companies where 4 of 5 are likely to fail eventually, to delight in others' struggles is ridiculous, and I hope that the arrogance will someday stop."

Please join me in encouraging our blogging friends and fellow startups to throw the deadpool in the deadpool.