"Smart companies — including Rypple — are happily relocating their cosmetics, er, marketing budgets into product development."

I don't think that redirecting a marketing budget into product development is a great idea. A unique or revolutionary product can stand by itself. However, even products that are breaking new ground still need to get the word out that they exist and importantly what problems they're solving.

I'm Canadian and I completely agree that Canadian companies are in a unique position to kick ass. However, we still have a bit of an uphill battle to face. From financing to taxes it's important for us to clearly announce what products we're making, what problems they're solving and importantly what products we're selling.

Viva la Canada - just don't dismiss marketing - no matter how unconventional it may be.