Monday, December 12, 2011
Posted by
Robert Hatta
Yes, it is true. But some believe that we are all gonna die… at the same time… on 12/21/2012, the date at which the ancient Mayans (and John Cusack) predicted the world would end. As the end of another year approaches, it’s fun sport to make predictions for the next year. However, in light of the morbid outlook we have to expect in 2012 from our Mesoamerican friends, I thought I’d highlight a few predictions that did not come to pass, or proved outright wrong.
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Darryl Zanuck, a movie producer at 20th Century Fox, said in 1946 that television wouldn't last because "people will soon get tired of staring at a plywood box every night."
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In 1977, Ken Olsen, founder of Digital Equipment Corp., stated, "There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home."
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In a 1995 Newsweek column, Clifford Stoll said that "no online database will replace your daily newspaper, no CD-ROM can take the place of a competent teacher and no computer network will change the way government works."
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Finally, as recently as 2007, Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, said, "There's no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share. No chance."
I’m sure a few folks predicted in 2004 that technology startups in Northeast Ohio had little chance of getting off the ground. However, there are about 60 open positions and I predict more to come online as we enter 2012.
Today I want to draw attention to two young client companies in the internet space.
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The fact that we are all going to die (someday, a long, long time from now) can be viewed as a business opportunity. eFuneral is changing the way that families in-need and funeral directors connect with one another. The young startup is a graduate of the 10-xelerator program and is preparing for their product launch in early 2012. I’ve worked closely with the company’s two founders and expect great things as they seek to disrupt a large market with some much-needed innovation. eFuneral is currently seeking a Web Designer.
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Quixby is also seeking a Web Developer (in fact, if you know any web developers, please send them my way). This young startup is still in stealth mode. The company is developing a web service that allows users to search, shop, and purchase computer hardware in the most simple, efficient and effective manner– a larger opportunity than you would think.
To access the complete list of job openings at technology startups in the region, click here and follow @JumpStart_Jobs on Twitter for continuous updates and new listings.
Live long and prosper!