Great follow up to the diatom bloom analogy. Investors are partially to blame when they suggest we entrepreneurs "look at what XXX startup and YYY startup is doing." If your idea or market segment is too new / under-served they get scared. Sheep mentality runs rampant on both sides of the table.
Excellent post - and timely. So many problems to be solved (i.e., opportunities) in the world.
Greater things are accomplished by collaborating - within and outside the organization. And the goal must be bigger than the individual contributors.
Sometimes it feels like Hollywood. So many entrepreneurs because it s kool not because they like real hacking and innovation (not just in marketing and social tools).