Geek Mythology: What Tech Startups Say vs. What They Actually Do


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RECORDSETTER
Rhetoric: “Our mission is to raise the bar of human achievement.”
Product/service: User-generated world records such as the most hats worn while riding a bicycle, fastest “poking” of 10 Facebook friends, and longest Skype call.

 

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SNAPCHAT
Rhetoric: “Change the way people communicate for the better.”
Product/service: App that sends photos that disappear after a few seconds (useful for sexting).

 

 

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EVEREST
Rhetoric: “How can we turn everyone into a da Vinci?”
Product/service: Calendar app with social-sharing functions.

 

 

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DROPCAM
Rhetoric: “Creating cutting-edge technologies that are revolutionizing the way people view the world.”
Product/service: Nanny-cams that stream on a smartphone.

 

 

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POGOSEAT
Rhetoric: “Changing the world, one upgrade at a time!”
Product/service: App that lets you get better seats at a sporting event.

 

 

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PATH
Rhetoric: “The beginning of history is defined by mankind’s first attempt to record life.”
Product/service: Social network for mobile devices; also sells fancy emoji, such as a red panda drinking coffee.

 

 

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ZAARLY
Rhetoric: “Changing how the economy works.”
Product/service: App that helps you find local goods and services such as Bundt cake, terrarium-making kits, and dance lessons.

 

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SQUARE
Rhetoric: “We want to build products that make people feel like they have superpowers.”
Product/service: Enables mobile payments.

 

 

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EXEC
Rhetoric: Lets “anyone go and do whatever they’re good at.”
Product/service: App that lets you book house cleaners via smartphone (basically Uber for maids).

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In a climate where journalists face mounting pressure to back down, stay silent, or soften their reporting, Mother Jones refuses to flinch. We’re pushing back against intimidation and delivering fierce, independent journalism that holds power accountable—no matter who’s trying to silence us.

But here’s the reality: We’re a nonprofit newsroom with zero corporate backing and no financial cushion. We depend entirely on readers like you to fund the investigations that matter most. The 2X match deadline is just hours away. We need you on the team right now. Please chip in and double your impact.

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