Chillin' (literally) in Mountain View...

It is getting colder and colder here in Mountain View. The temperture has dropped into the mid 30s-hard to believe I am living in California!

I got no plans for Christmas yet-but I will be sending out ecards to friends and potential clients soon. I like to keep in touch with people who helped me out in the past-so few people fit that description, particularly when building a startup company. Most are looking to take as much money as they can from you and run. 

I found many professionals more interested in bilking startups out of as much money as they are in stealing the "idea" itself.  Most are too dumb or lazy to even examine your "idea"-they seek a quick payoff and will say crap ideas are works of genius-for them money is money. Crappy ideas make them the same amount as good ones.

I find that many professionals of such low caliber dominate the sponsored search results on google. I do not know why but some of the worst companies I have ever had the displeasure of doing business with are the heaviest sponsored pay per click advertisers on the major search engines. Many may be forced to advertise on pay per click because they cannot keep existing customers satisfied. 

Myabuy hates these type of "professionals" but unfortunately they outnumber the honest ones by a large number. 

Chief Myabuyer signing off-to all a good night!

A cold bleak day in Mountain View...

Well it is freezing in Mountain View now. I am chilly just typing this. I notice that most apts in this area are built in the same cheap way-with paper thin windows that let in drafts, and no insulation whatsoever! 

This may help anyone planning on coming to Mountain View-paying more does not result in higher quality building standards. Also be prepared for the gut wrenching PG&E bills both in Summer and winter. I wonder if the owner of this building would ever live in this apt unit-I highly doubt it. 

Being cold is not good for the mind. When i have to try to get warm it wastes time. I hate wasting time-that includes time wasted on the web- waiting for pages to download, trying to get rid of annoying banner ads, removing the pop ups that seem to lurk on every mainstream site.  

I wonder if the sites allowing pop ups to sprinkle my screen realize how annoying this is. I wonder if they would tolerate and enjoy the pop ups if they were in the users place. Very little online is worth enduring the hell most people go through just to read the news, or go to a site.

That is a pet peeve-why do SO many sites force the viewer (me) to endure some wretched commercial or unwelcome ad that I have to click "X" on, just to get the content I desire. Do these sites know how much of my time they are wasting. Perhaps it is some experiment-how many hurdles with a person go through to get to the content they want. 

When myabuy.com is fully launched (soon now) web users will realize much time the sites make them waste to get what they desire. I welcome web users to experience the web without obstacles, hurdles, and pop ups, rollover ads, and banner ads- better then anything anyone can imagine.  

Cheers!

Chief Myabuyer-

the man behind myabuy.com!

The benefits of NOT seeking VC funding!

I know most startup tech companies in this area rely on and are consequently beholden to Venture Capitalists. Many do not realize what exactly they are giving up by seeking Venture Capital financing right off the back. The earlier you seek the more they will demand. 

Capital is becoming very expensive, loans are harder to get and Venture Capital will want more and offer less (money that is.)  Many startups (venture capital backed or not) will probably not survive this recession. Big companies with far great name recognition have already gone under-and there will be more to come. The storm has arrived and is still gaining strength. 

Those who manage to keep a big stake in their startup, and can survive without Venture Capital are in a better position than many bearish economists think. And I have a huge stake in myabuy.com-100% to be exact. I will not let this company fail, because it is my capital on the line-not Venture Capitalists. Walking away and calling it a day is not a viable exit strategy.

This is an atypical startup-but it is also one that will be successful. I would not bet my capital on "a dog with fleas" (a term coined in the movie Wall Street.)

Chief myabuyer wishing all who read this (however many that is) a good nite.

Still cold and dealing with another doubter!

It is still pretty darn cold in Mountain View. Coming from the East Coast I am used to cold, but still. 

Also dealing with another doubter-a friend who suggested I find a job in the area and give up on my web 2.0 dream myabuy.com for now. I did not reply to his email but alas I do not agree with him. First I came to Mountain View for myabuy.com-that is it. Not for the weather-which is not as good as LA or Southern California. Not for the women-who are not remarkable either-and certainly not for the down home hospitality. I came to do business and make myabuy.com a success. 

I am starting to realize that social life in this area is not important. I can develop a nice one later. Making life long buddies in this area should not be a priority either- I have more then enough friends both in Southern California, on the East Coast and in pretty much all the major Asian powers or emerging superpowers. They are true friends-not business contacts, or casual buddies. 

Myabuy.com is shaping up pretty well. In a startup determination is a big factor-at least in my case. I have had more people tell me to give up on myabuy.com and get a 9-5 job then supporters. They seem to think that I have all the time in the world. Well I just turned 30, and me and my family have sacrificed a lot to help me get to this point-I am not going to settle for a 9-5 job.  Their sacrifices will not be in vain. 

It is my time for myabuy.com to shine-and prove to the doubters that myabuy.com is more then just a far fetched dream-it is the future of the web.

xoxo.

Chief Myabuyer

Its getting damn cold in Mountain View!!!

I did not realize how cold the mountain View area can get. It is too cold for me to get to sleep-and considering many apts (including mine) still use single pane, thin windows I am feeling every bit of it.

I notice apts in mountain View believe it necessary to include basic utilities like free central heat-in my apt I am lucky to get free hot water and trash pick up. WTF is that about. It is not like living costs in this area are cheap. or that the apts are super nice and luxurious.

I often wonder if the owner of this building would ever live in my unit-my guess is no way. He would be as cold now as I am. I know there are people who are living in far colder places then Mountain View, but still...

With my web 2.0 site myabuy.com geting close to launch and completing an online MBA at University of Wales I have a lot on my mind already-and the darn cold is not helping!

Catch up with whoever reads this blog later. I will be trying to get some rest-if possible.

-Chief Myabuyer

Myabuy.com brings order to the chaos of the Internet. P.S.-I came up with that slogan just now:-)

I hate rude people!

I hate some of the rude people I meet in this area. At a drugstore I made an offhand comment to an old lady who was browsing the ice cream freezer that "finally the ice cream is on sale it used to be $3.99" and she nastily replied " I do not need a running commentary when buying ice cream". I was shocked at the reply and did not say respond even though my first thought was "who the fuck is this wrinkly hairy old crank." I may be new to this area but I know a hairy old crank when I see one.

That is the tough thing about moving to a new area like Mountain View. It is considered impolite to respond to nasty comments with one of your own. The police here seem pretty strict. In Baltimore I could have said a number of nasty things to that old crank and no one would think twice. The police wouldn't give a damn, and I would not even get any stares from those passing by.

I guess the freedom to express myself in whatever way I see fit is what I sort of miss about baltimore. In this area people are very P.C. Baltimore is more of a free for all where no one person is off limits (including the old cranks.)

A lesser man may be reluctant to open his mouth to people he does not know, but not me. I am still relatively new to this town and the only way I am gonna meet nice people is if I try to start a conversation (although next time i will avoid cranky old hags like that lady.) LOL

While this may not have much to do with www.myabuy.com, the more people I know here, the better my life will be as I build the web 2.0 site. Bye for now. XOXO

-Chief Myabuyer

Doing whatever it takes to triumph over haters and doubters!

A friend told me recently that he thought I should give up on myabuy.com and go out and get a regular 9-5 job. He is a good friend but he did not think I could handle this because the site had taken a while to develop.

Well even though I did not say anything, I wanted to tell him and all the people who thought I was crazy/naive/indecisive to come out to a city where I know no one and have no roots whatsoever that I am not giving up or quitting. Not now, not ever.  People have been underestimating me all my life. 

Well myabuy.com is too good of a site to fail. And I will do whatever it takes to triumph over all the doubters, the nay sayers be they friend or foe and prove that good ideas just like good web.2 0 sites are bulletproof. The site will be the breakthrough site of 2008 and I do not need V.C.'s or anyone to validate it.

In fact unless you follow this blog most people will not see myabuy.com coming. But for the non-believers and doubters, don't say I didn't warn you. I am going to change the way web 2.0 and social networking is done. Peace for now.

-Chief Myabuyer

A word of warning when visiting the Silicon Valley area!

For those of you thinking of moving to Silicon Valley a word of warning. The area takes some time getting used too. The atmosphere adds a lot of stress at least for me.

After living for 5 years in Baltimore, Mountain View and to a lesser extent San Jose and the surrounding areas are very different. For example here everyone recycles. This is a good thing but it also makes throwing out the trash much more of a chore, Where I lived in Baltimore (first in Charles Village and then Roland Park) recycling was not really an option. Garbage was garbage. You could find all sorts of shit in the trash, from tree branches to pieces of furniture.

Of course in Baltimore people tend to not confront each other about garbage matters. There really is no social pressure to recycle when no one else is. I know I would never risk getting beaten up or mugged lecturing a total stranger to separate their paper and glass. It could happen and it is just not worth it.

From first hand experience I know trash is the least of Baltimore (and most other cities) problems. Here in Mountain View it is different. I mean I see old women actually crushing cans and cardboard with their feet, just so that it fits in the recycling bin. Is it the social environment that causes such altruistic behavior? Heck in Baltimore you would not catch any person, young or old going through much trouble for their trash. Of course in Baltimore it is hard to find a recyling center either. Why bother going through your trash if you are not going to get paid. LOL

There are a lot more tips I have learned since moving here (believe it or not Sunnyvale does not live up to its cheerful name) Sunnyvale is mostly strip malls, big box retailers, car dealerships and more fast food outlets within a 5 mile radius then you can ever imagine. How they can all stay in business is beyond me.

A burger from Carls, Jr is the same as one from Burger King, Anyone that tells you different is full of it. Carls, Jr. is a fast food in California although there is food and business model is pretty much the same as any other fast food chain. They do serve some exotically named burgers, some of which cost twice as much as a Whopper. FYIthey taste about the same.

Well Ciao for now.

_Chief Myabuyer

Today starts a new day for myabuy.com!-and me!

I am writing ready to get the best shopping social network utility myabuy.com off the ground. while I may not have prior paid work experience I am capable of running and making the best new web 2.0 site the gold standard of sites. I am determined to follow the simple matra that Great customer service and a worthwhile product/service (myabuy.com) is all it takes to suceed in any business.

That is what I will bring to the table. I know from history that such a simple mantra has been the hallmark of great companies that leave a lasting legacy. The Enrons, WorldComs, or Global Crossings, that decided that short term shenegains to boost stock prices (pump and dump tactics) will not survive nor leave a posting lasting legacy in history. Myabuy.com will leave the type of positive legacy that people 10., or 100 years from now will say-wow Myabuy broke new ground in the web field. They were a company that lasted long after the flash in the pan venture capital funded "next big things" are long gone and buried.

It will happen. I will show you.

-Chief Myabuyer

Got a reality check from a friend re. my writing.

A friend told me that my writing is too long and filled with too much pleasantry filler that is not efficient to read. I guess because I try to be so polite and and ask pleasant questions about the other persons day and circumstances, it makes my written communications longer. In this day and age, brevity seems to be more valued then politeness. I am willing to change as the times do and will practice brevity in all my writings both on www.myabuy.com and in all correspondence with everyone including on this blog.

Thanks for reading.

-Chief Myabuyer

Modifying myabuy to make it more practicable...

I realize that my perfectionist leanings towards myabuy is not the best mindset and am changing course, thinking more about the necessity rather then just the visual beauty.
Now I will settle for the practical edits that are needed right away.
Today has already been a tiring day,as I am also dealing with some seriou unrelated family business.

I will definitely run a cold shower to get me more energized and ready to go.

The family business that I am dealing with unfortunately requires a lot of attention. I will just have to do some major multi-tasking to get through the day.

Thanks for reading this and sorry if it sounds more like ramblings then a real coherent blog:)

-Chief Myabuyer

Time for myabuy.com to start shining!

I wonder whether this relentless pursuit of getting the site right so there are no glitches has been the best strategy for myabuy.com. I suppose I am doing so out of pride.  

I do not want myabuy.com to be seen as buggy and frustrating to use, even if it is just starting up.  I owe new users a great experience, even if myabuy is free to join (and I receive no monetary compensation from them)

I guess that is why I want myabuy.com to be working flawlessly before officially launching,

-Chief Myabuyer

The Chief Myabuyer has a new breakthrough-at 4:03 AM LOL!

Well I am up late and came up with a new breakthrough idea for myabuy.com. Although I am so very tired right now, I thought I would share this in my blog, just to put it on record. 

Although it is getting cold outside in Mountain View, the PG&E gas company is raping me in fees and charges despite the fact that I have no huge energy consuming appliance in my place, I will adjust. 

I really hate dealing with PG&E but unfortunately they have a monopoly in this area, and I have to pay for gas/electricity where I live.

Well I went off on a tangent there. I figure that my breakthrough idea may be out of the box but that may be a good thing. More on the breakthrough later... gotta get to sleep:) 

Peace!

Chief-Myabuyer 

The ugly side of "professional Business services"!

I realized long ago that finding good help when starting up a web 2.0 site, is difficult. I have had to deal with so many crooks, liars and fakes I am glad to be about finished by now.

Many Professionals in the business world will take your money and produce little. In the past Myabuy.com had encountered some of the worst types of "professionals"  The ones that promise you the world and deliver nothing.

There is also a dirty little secret when dealing with dishonest "professionals business services" They care about money, and very little about whether your business idea is good. They are too LAZY to even consider stealing a business idea unless they can sell it off quickly. Recovering the money they took from you however can be the most time consuming and hellacious expeirience alive.

It is amazing how many so called "professionals" are out there who are allowed to continuously engage in illegal, immoral activity without repercussions. There are so many it is damn scary the more I think about it. 

It is sad that many entrepreneurs including me, have to learn the hard way which professional providers are good because the majority of professionals you meet or see on search engine ads are not. 

Getting my atypical start up www.myabuy.com going in the right direction was the most frustrating and expensive lesson learned.

I dealt with companies that spent all their money on search engine ads and nothing on customer service or competitive pricing. Many of the large companies I had experience with,  engaged in sales practices that I found out were illegal, unethical and against standard industry practices.

The first merchant account company I dealt with are one of the "biggest" players in the merchant industry. They say so on their site, Their heavy search engine sponsored ads are shown anytime someone types in merchant acoount.  No where on the companies site, or on the web was there any mention of the company receiving a F with the BBB and complaints so numerous that the company had to agree to not mention BBB in any of their operations.

In the old days this merchant account company's actions would probably be investigated and shut down by the government and alas that is not the case. Even as I write the same merchant account company is still heavily advertising on the major search engines luring a whole new generation of inexperienced first time entrepreneurs into their unending trap of bills.

New start ups will meet and may do business with a lot of jackals that claim to offer professional business services.

Best of luck and God speed.

-Chief Myabuyer

Not your typical Start Up

Why am I here?

I came to Mountain View, CA to assist my web 2.0 start up Myabuy.com. 

 Many assume web start ups are funded by big venture capitalists who throw millions of dollars at companies that may or may not succeed.

This is not why I came though. While it would be nice to have millions of dollars thrown my way by Venture Capitalists, I have never sought Venture Capital help with this atypical web start up. 

The Millions of dollars the lucky, very few start ups receive come with a Catch-22. Your start up is not entirely yours anymore. In many cases you go from being the majority shareholder(s) to minority shareholders who may be seen as expendable. 

Many friends assume I came to Mountain View, California to seek Venture Capital funding but that is not the case. I came to an area that I had only been to once before to immerse myself in Silicon Valley culture, make connections and learn from entrepreneurs who had "been there and done that."

I want my start up to be a success, and unlike some of the more stubborn entrepreneurs out there, I know I still have a lot to learn. Money and Venture Capital funding comes and goes but accurate business insights last forever. 

 That is why myabuy.com and the company I founded Myabuy, LLC is an atypical start up.  I did come to Silicon Valley to make my fortune but more importantly I want myabuy.com to make it's mark on popular culture. To create a site that has a positive lasting legacy in the minds of Internet users worldwide.

-Chief Myabuyer