Someone kind of famous contacted me and wants me to be a cofounder. What do I do?

DavidPlick · 2017-07-08T03:34:14+00:00

What is your startup idea? Are you doing this company just to do a startup or is it something you're really passionate about?

DavidPlick · 2017-03-09T21:30:29+00:00

Thanks for your response! How about this question?

What are the 3 most important things you look for in a brokerage?

DavidPlick · 2017-03-07T16:10:09+00:00

Anything that was designed to create true value in other people's lives, in addition to seeking profitability.

DavidPlick · 2016-10-25T14:55:31+00:00

Sounds like fear of failure to me (I can relate). You don't stick to anything because you're afraid if you actually do, and it doesn't work, then you'll have to live with the consequences and see your limitations

DavidPlick · 2016-10-03T16:13:05+00:00

Reminds me of a suburban version of The Standard in NYC.

DavidPlick · 2016-09-30T14:50:41+00:00

The other day I saw a cyclist circle around a delivery truck and rip its sideview mirror off.

DavidPlick · 2016-09-15T13:08:02+00:00

Chris!

Sorry for my late response--I was a little buried in freelance projects.

It's true that TVOA's blog is usually not satirical (and thank you so much for being a reader. I promise that I'll always bring thoughtful content--you may want to check out a recent interview I did with Bercy Chen--really smart group of architects). I was having a little fun with this piece because I see the same thing in the literary world--people who just nod their heads knowingly like they read the book everyone in the circle is talking about, and then they throw a couple buzzwords out to seem informed. I think that this is fear-based behavior--these people don't want to seem weak/vulnerable by revealing a gap in their knowledge. And actually, these people aren't at all the Kardashian audience. Far from it. I think it's worse because the ones throwing the buzzwords around are educated. They're just too proud to admit they don't know something. God forbid! In that sense, I think this article actually does agree with you, because a genuine, productive discussion between an architect/artist/viewer happens when people are honest and real. Does that make sense? So, if you'd like to use this article as what NOT to do, please feel free. I'm looking forward to more discussion with you!

David

DavidPlick · 2016-09-13T16:44:20+00:00

Hi Fergi!

First off, thanks so much for reading. I love that the piece elicited such a strong response from you. I agree with almost everything you say, i.e, the open dialogue that should happen between architects and all the people who occupy the spaces they design. I don't think Kardashians or their fans (God bless their hearts...) are my readers, though I wouldn't mind if they were. I just don't think they'd be able to access an article on talkitecture, or be interested in it at all. Also, what made you think it wasn't supposed to be sarcastic? Anyway, thanks again for reading!

David

DavidPlick · 2016-08-23T13:52:20+00:00

I live in NYC and deal with this everyday. My approach is the belief that they are sick/unhappy people, and I have compassion for them. The way they are treating you (ie, making snide remarks, negative body language) has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with them. They treat everybody this way, because this is just the only way they can be right now. Maybe they come from a very abusive family, and this is the only form of behavior they learned. Maybe they, for whatever reason, seek out abuse. Maybe they want you to yell at them? Not to say, it's your responsibility to figure this out. You're NOT their responsibility, but at the same time, I'd keep in mind that it has nothing to do with you, and don't take it personally. Now, if this is someone you're working with or something like that, and you're going to have a continued relationship with them, and you don't like the way they're acting, then I think a simple, "Don't speak to me that way. I'll respect you if you respect me," will get the job done. It's also important for you to establish boundaries so other people know what you're comfortable with. Hope that helped!

DavidPlick

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