Have you worked at Apple? MANY people spend $1,000+ when new products arrive.

>No but it tells Microsoft that, or Apple. And they've been collecting data like that since XP.

My monitor tells Microsoft and Apple what I'm looking at? Huh?

>A big problem with crowdfunding is that many backers don't seem to understand the risk they are taking on.

That's because Kickstarter advertises the potential benefits and buries the risks.

If you read their KS page [1] it states: "Pledge $185 or more: COOLEST COOLER: Get your very own COOLEST, complete with blender, a waterproof Bluetooth speaker, USB Charger and all the other awesome features. You will be saving $115 off of the retail price of $299. (Just watch people flock to your gathering when you're the only one with a powered blender and thumping music!). You'll also get the COOLEST Drink Guide and all our updates. (add $15 for shipping)".

Now, you and I know that means "maybe", but does the average backer? I don't think so - honest. It says, right there, in black and white, if I pay $185 I get XYZ. Sure, it says maybe not in the contract, but who reads those? Don't forget home loans in mid-2000. In that case, you heard "HOMES FOR $899 A MONTH!" not so much about the adjustable rate and the potential to collapse your living situation.

Ramble ramble...

[1] https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ryangrepper/coolest-coo...

Of course that's their incentive. And because it benefits a few and distorts the market, collusion was made against the law.

So manipulating the market to artificially keep salaries low? Can you see the problem/illegality here?

It's silly how people view this situation here. If one company has the resources to manipulate the market, they will do so outside the talent pool. Apple could buy up most patents and restrict anybody from using them. THEN, you would see the problem. But when it's human resource, you want the free market to be free.

Wealthy friends with promises of a nice job (and other things)

The 'value' can be as simple as a payout. If I could go back, I'd love to invest in Snapchat. I don't think Snapchat will ever have a strong revenue stream but that doesn't matter to me - what matters to me is the buyout.

Hell, I invest in options often. There's no real value to me... only a potential investment payout.

I think it's the same with most investors of technology.

The value comes from the people buying the company then.

Maybe snapchat is going to be a crucial marketing channel for them, which makes it worth it to purchase them. They transfer some of this value, to the original investors of the company who got it off the ground.

There is value, or perceived value at some point in the chain.

I imagine this will do little but raise housing rates.

>isn't on AppleTV

You can use your Sling membership credentials to sign into ESPN's app. The app does not crash from my experience - works a charm.

Yup, that's exactly what I was doing. :)

Sling TV. $15 a month (ESPN/ESPN2 are included).

Just give me that and the BIG10 network and I'm set.