And you're right about the gratuitious French bashing, it's a cultural thing and it takes part on both sides of the Channel, there's nothing to be offended about, it's funny if you take the right stance.
http://www.onemanandhisblog.com/images/2007/Loicandjason.jpg
Jason, as great of a guy you are...
Note: I've figured out how to get wifi to work at a conference.... run ethernet cables to everyone's seat.
Seriously, that's how we've solved the problem. I've told the tech people every year that wifi sucks for large groups, it doesn't handle 1-3k connections in a 30,000 square foot room and that ethernet cables are rock solid.
every time the techs fight me, every time I force them to run ethernet and every time i'm right.
very frustrating... i will NEVER use wifi as anything other than a backup at a conference. Run ethernet cables people... it's really that simple. also, get three different connections and run three separate networks for each 1/3rd of the conference. then if things go down at least 2/3rd of the people are up.
One thing that characters like this have in common with upper managers in large corporations is a remarkable ability to frame failures as successes, at least in terms of promoting themselves personally... which is what they really care about.
That said, I hope he does well. I can't see the value in what he does, but then I'm not likely his target market (though I certainly tried Seesmic, and tried to like it). And I haven't a clue as to where the revenue stream was supposed to materialize (product placement? Brand communication channel?) But as an entrepreneur, I would hate to see him fail badly, as you put it - his family is here, he's put a lot of effort, etc.
Although I suppose you didn't explicitly state that you take pleasure in watching another who's risked quite a bit fail spectacularly, I thought I might just drop my two cents.
Truth is he is a serial entrepreneur who's had great success, who works hard and makes a ton of mistakes like all of us do. No one is perfect, and trust me layoffs SUCK for everyone including the person who has to do them. I've had to do layoffs at two of my four startups and those days were the worst days of my professional life.
give the man a break... he created an event for startups to come together and the wifi didn't work.... and it was cold.... and maybe it was a little boring. however, i'm sure the parties and networking were great... and it's Paris.
i mean, come on... it's paris! (note: i canceled my trip because i've got project A launching on Monday and i needed to be focused. )
Humphrey: "If the French have the bomb, we must have the bomb" PM: "But isn't the Russians we are worried about"? Humphrey: "well yes, right now, but what about the last 1000 years?"
Also, checked out your startup. 2 thumbs up :)