More on web 2.0: Facebook, Yelp, Digg, Revision3, Slide and others

Recently I've been reading Once You're Lucky, Twice You're Good: The Rebirth Of Silicon Valley And The Rise Of Web 2.0 by Sarah Lacy and it is very interesting. I have developed a fascination with capitalism's newest niche, web 2.0 companies run by 20 somethings, or at least started by 20 somethings.

They seem to be a new breed more in line with my business sensibilities. Lacy talks about the differences in the 2.0 entrepreneurs and 1.0 crowd that mostly went belly up. The guys and gals aren't anxious to go public and get into the NASDAQ deal -- they want control of their companies for as long as they can maintain control in order to build something pure and excellent. They don't like venture capitalists either, and most companies don't require a lot of money to start, so they are getting backing from "friend-tors" -- like-minded players in the valley who made money and don't like venture capitalists either (or had bad experiences with some).

The stories Lacy tells are truly interesting and show the efforts of a different breed. It's a different world and a different mindset, and not all laid-back and hip -- some are really dedicated to building something special. I recommend the book, it's a good read.

(photo from www.andybudd.com)