There is a saying that when you scheme to make yourself and the company successful its called 'leadership' and when you scheme to make only yourself successful its called 'politics.' (some cynics add that if you make the company successful but not yourself its called 'stupidity' :-)

The exhortation 'go big or go home' is clearly a challenge to 'win' at all costs. How people internalize that challenge reflects on their character and their moral compass. Its all about what someone considers and 'acceptable cost' at that point.

I think that people are aware of the distinction, but they feel that Groupon, while it might have been a "go big" hope, it is distinctly leaning towards the "go home" while at the same time it is trying to IPO. This means that some now interpret it as a "pump it & dump it" scheme, especially given that the major founders are selling stock by the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Sure, Groupon could go bust.

Me, I have no idea what will happen.

On the one hand, Groupon resembles a lot of fads. On the other hand, I've admired their execution and innovation over the years.

I can't predict whether they will succeed better than a coin flip.

If you can, put some money on it. :)