Comment by dasil003 | Hacker News Reader

Comment by dasil003 | Hacker News Reader

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That doesn't really address the original question though does it? In any case, you're still not out of the woods. Here are some examples of things we deal with as an international VOD site:

* Multi-currency support (without Braintree helping us it would have been impossible at our volume, customers DON'T like currency conversion fees). * Non-language localization issues. * Local legal issues (we couldn't offer subscriptions in France due to their bass-ackwards public policy) * Global film rights issues * The fact that films are known by different titles in different countries, even if they are both English. * 24-hour user cycle, no good time for maintenance, have to think harder about when to schedule email communications/feature launches, etc.

Not that that stuff is so terrible, but it does end up introducing a lot of work you haven't anticipated (eg. what happens to account credit when users move between countries), and you're still not really localized.

Great explanations, you have put the gist of the issue here in the most succint way while covering almost the entire breadth of the problem.

I know I may get downvoted for posting just an agreement/appreciation. But sometimes, it just feels good to openly acknowledge good knowledge and logic. So be it.

It also feels good to hear it from someone who can appreciate the issue, since internally all we hear is pressure from partners who are chomping at the bit for full i18n.

Hi,

I was going over your past comments and it looks like we have very similar views (though, mine may be nowhere as extensive). Right from your views on whining about paying taxes, realities of globalization, the tendency to be blunt and directly address the facts underlying an issue instead of being politically correct or soft pedal it, your incisive comments, ability to grasp and have very logical opinions on very diverse topics - they are impressive. I also found your comments, while some were very tough, were also very fair, which I repect in a person.

Can I a request a favor from you: Would you mind reviewing/critiquing my business idea/application for YC?

I think I can be considered as an outsider to the tech industry and relatively new to the world of web startups, the perspectives of a person with as much experience in the technical/start up world as you can be very helpful. (not to mention your no bull but modest approach, as was apparent in your comments)

If you are ok with it, can we discuss further on email? In which case, it would be perfectly fine with me if you want to communicate through an anonymous email id (I can understand, you don't know me) and I can give you information to establish my credentials through my linkedin profile or any other agreeable and credible method.

It would be great if you can let me know either way, either as a reply to this 'comment' or to this email id: skowmunk at gmail.

Thanks, Skomunk.

(ps: Dunno if you would believe, but "Great explanations, you have put ...." and this were definitely not pre-planned or anything like that. It was after posting it that I started going through your past comments and a "why not try asking?" just stuck)

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