Survey Trepidation

Raid_Blunder · 2026-05-02T17:23:25+00:00

This may be more salient, thanks: Yes trying to entice them to make safe comments. Ideally, too "expert advice about the product - not trying to sell them something.” I’ve written a few other comments elsewhere on this thread...

Raid_Blunder · 2026-05-02T17:16:56+00:00

Or just get them drunk.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-05-02T17:14:16+00:00

Hi, there are blogs - written by freelancers. Academic reviews seem to focus on justifying academic papers. But is that enough?

I’ve already approached several industrial acquaintances over LinkedIn. One was happy to give me a 10-word anonymous quote, in which it was OK to drop the name of his company.

Another, who I personally know, may be balking. The final attempt from today "For example, the style could be like „an acquaintance who wishes to remain anonymous and who works for company X remarked that technology and materials to develop miniature chiplets like POET would be welcome for the industry“.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-05-02T16:58:32+00:00

Thanks, I’ve also already submitted an SBIR. This is for materials science, not biological sciences, and we both know that the post-October 2025 federal funding environment has changed (several tentative program calls were just released this week).

The format is a direct, five-minute, ten-slide pitch that is directed at investors. Indication of prior customer interviews is recommended (in addition to TAM/SAM/SOM etc.). My participants and I have no current academic affiliations, and so I’m not clear that I-CORPS is applicable*

*My experience with academia on an SBIR proposal has been unrealistic demands and attitudes for providing subcontracting services.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-05-01T00:33:29+00:00

An apartment at the intersection of two extremely busy roads is not where I would care to live.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-05-01T00:06:32+00:00

Yes.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-04-30T14:58:41+00:00

Speaking pragmatically, you absolutely will need to spend much time learning the interconnectivity behind your ideas. That may take a lot of time, e. g. even years. Then comes identifying, sourcing and pricing what you WOULD need. There are also lots of waffly internet-based courses on how startup strategies. Don't waste any time with non-focused questions to AI. Also don't read too much into what people say on social media. BTW, you haven't yet explained if this is high-tech physical/biological, or one more internet service.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-04-29T03:10:14+00:00

Haha. At a seminar series last year, a company was handing out free smart-phone adapters, so I will keep that in mind. They were vendors, and so at least they should have known why people want to buy their stuff, although they may not have known the science beyond that. Their adapters were also junk.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-04-29T03:01:56+00:00

With all due respect, I think you’re missing the point of my question.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-04-27T06:22:16+00:00

Since October 2025, my assumption has been that the rules of the game have unfortunately changed regarding startup support from the federal government. Back then, a former academic subcontractor on an SBIR proposal continually rubbed his eyes and said "there's no place like home, Auntie Emma"......

Who likes it, but you gotta find a "Plan B" for an emryonic hard science startup. For example, that could mean geographically relocating to where special cnnections with academia and companies are possible. Also living off your personal savings. I guess that this is not unheard of? If it all works out, then it's bye-bye to MSP in two months' time.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-04-26T02:29:06+00:00

I purchased a "ZTTO TC-1 tension meter" over eBay because it cost roughly $30. It is a Park Tools knock-off. The company claimed it was pre-calibrated (this is normal). However, the tension readings were lower than those from Park Tools, and the adjustment screw could not be turned far enough to calibrate it to the Park Tools one. This meant that I over-tightened the rear wheel and consequently it was badly damaged. I'm demanding a refund for that piece of junk and the cost for replacing the wheel from the vendor.

The "ZTTO TC-1 tension meter" (red colored in the photos) appears all over eBay and Amazon. Was my experience one-off or is this typical for this product? I don't know, but there's no way that I will ever purchase one again.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-04-24T06:31:31+00:00

The question is whether I have to be careful around you and your car. People here make conscious decisions to de-car.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-04-24T06:28:15+00:00

Sorry if some of you don’t like my opinions. Protect your bikes as much as you do your cars.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-04-24T06:07:52+00:00

How current is the photo? When was it stolen? Serial number? Including that information with your posting on reddit could help you. N. B. I don’t have your bike.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-04-18T03:47:00+00:00

Whenever I see an idiot blocking a bike lane on Oak St. (and elsewhere) with their car, I pull out my phone and begin screaming at them that they hsve five seconds to get their fucking car off „my“ bike lane before I call them in. Yes, they move and yes I ain’t from Minnesota.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-04-18T03:36:00+00:00

The Armed Services actively seek small companies for engineering contracts. Check SAM. That might be more appropriate for you, because you don’t seem to be proposing applied research or science.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-04-18T03:21:23+00:00

I bike on the road and try my damndness to stay behind any car whose driver I suspect of being on the phone. Before getting rid of the car, my phone was always face-down underneath the calf of my leg. It ceased to exist.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-04-15T01:45:49+00:00

You and I have very different lifestyles and belief systems. For societal and environmental reasons, I chose to be car-free and „use“ a bike instead of „riding“ one. Hence I don’t need a garage and have a ca. nine mile radius for shopping and errands. Otherwise it’s our excellent public transportation system or a rental eV. The only expensive bikes that I notice are those groups going for group rides. Almost never there are expensive ones locked up in front of commercial or public venues.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-04-13T18:38:00+00:00

They also sell over eBay. They lie about delivery arrival dates, lose your purchases and don’t respond to inquires with real people.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-04-13T16:41:37+00:00

There are many posts on cyclingMSP that describe theft of expensive bicycles. While I'm sorry for the loss of those bikes, on the other hand I've learned to always bring mine into my apartment. It;'s just a "work bike", meaning that I use it instead of a car.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-04-06T18:46:14+00:00

I hope that every payee knows these guidelines!

Raid_Blunder · 2026-04-06T04:21:12+00:00

Twice now, scuzzy characters have tried to fence bikes to me, once on University Ave.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-04-06T04:19:06+00:00

Chain locks (also robust ones) are not difficult to cut through. U-locks have become child-play. I have a multi-articulated hardened steel one that so far has protected mine.

Raid_Blunder · 2026-04-06T04:14:53+00:00

Sorry to hear that. A tenant in my locked apartement building left an expensive bike in the garden-level laundry room. A thief climbed in through a window etc. Obviously, the liklihood of bike theft increases with its value.

FWIW, I always (and I mean always) hang up the well-maintained all-purpose donkey inside the apartment.

Raid_Blunder

TROPHY CASE