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The Valley’s Next Source of Funding? Nigerian Scam Artists

With Venture Capitalist funds quickly drying up with the tightening economy, there's one group of investors who are newly flush with cash and eager to help: Nigerian Scam Artists.

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VC’s Are Livid With Digg: Wanted Cash For Digg “BlackMarket”, Not “More Bongs and Beer”.

Digg VC's at Highland Capital Partners are absolutely livid at the press conference that Jay Adelson gave today, and one of folk behind the scenes gave us an unprecedent view into exactly why they're so angry. In a phrase, they want less bongs and more cash.

Asides

• Steve Ballmer amazes me, in the same way, say, Republican strategists, amaze me. In spite of obvious evidence to the contrary, they're happy to shine the steaming pungent cow patty in front of you and tell you, to your face, that it, in fact, doesn't stink -- and perhaps, that it isn't even cow shit. And they'll do it in such a certain way that makes you actually doubt yourself. Maybe this isn't cow shit after all. How could it be, when they're so certain that its not? Apparently, for example, Vista was the right choice because Windows gets statistically better with each release. "Statistically?" I guess it depends on what metrics he's using to define "better". Here's a tip: maybe the sheer volume of calls to their call center aren't really calls to thank Bill Gates to thank him for releasing Vista, Steve. Maybe all they do need are 1.2 Gigawatts for that 5 year plan. #
• Congratulations to Danah Boyd in her new job. I'm sure joining Microsoft will provide, amongst other things, job security, a regular paycheck, and an opportunity to meet more like-minded people in the business. I wonder, though -- isn't the price of one's soul often valued a little higher than that? Wow, I kid, I kid. Well, I mostly kid. No, seriously, though. I hope that Microsoft can do something with Danah's considerable talents. Microsoft puts millions of dollars into ground breaking research. Why can't some of it (like, a little bit, maybe), go into making ground breaking products that people actually like? It doesn't need to be overly complex like futuristically expensive tables that function as novelty tech, but something imminently simple and lovely. I'm not saying you need to be like Apple, but yes ... I am saying, please be more like Apple. And that way you won't have to tell people how awesome you are. You would merely be awesome. And it wouldn't cost $10 million dollars to say either. Just sayin'. #
• In a recent write up on TechCrunch they detail a "Web 2.0" / social network in Japan involving virtual boyfriends which cater to lonely females, called "Webkare". What's interesting is that there is absolutely no reciprocal coverage (or, a token tip of the hat) on the long and colorful history of virtual girlfriends and dating sims, and the entire genre of computer gaming known as Bishojo. I know no Japanese and I have never lived in Japan, but I would be happy to eat my own shoelaces if there wasn't a "Web 2.0" / social network devoted to the care and management of virtual girlfriends, compete with the usual genre trademarks of "love meters", matrixed genitalia and very lonely users. In fact, a Bishojo version of "Second Life" has already hit Japan, called ai sp@ce. Where's the TechCrunch coverage in that? Or, do I merely need to wait until Wagner James Au covers it? (whoops, looks like it flew under his radar too). #