[joshu]

I've also seen some interesting stuff, too. Nothing actionable.

I guess I want to see screenshots and actually get a hint of what they're doing and why it's interesting.

I get:

- request to come meet so they can tell me the Big Secret (can you just tell me so I can figure out if it's interesting?)

- no screenshots or link to prototype

- an understanding of what angels do (stop asking for a million dollars)

- pitching ideas very far away from what I invest in (multiple pet product pitches already)

Thomas's "catch me in person" via 4sq etc scares me. I even find referencing a joke I made on twitter somewhat creepy (it smashes the register frame.)

[NEPatriot]

Can you guys put together a few basic questions (to filter) you would want answered? Or link to a best practice guide somewhere on the web and make it required reading prior to email pitching? Or a slide deck template? Something like Guy Kawasaki's 10 slide presentation?

Perhaps get VH to tell e mailers to use this?

[joshu]

Well, a bunch of things are specific to me. I care more about screenshots than pitch decks.

OTOH, a "I'm a high school student and entrepreneur, and I've got an idea that is going to change the world! Let's meet to discuss" gets tired pretty quickly. Given that I have an enormous load already (day job, plus the other incoming requests) anyone who can't figure out that lowering, rather than raising, other people's transaction burden is necessary is probably someone I wouldn't invest in anyway.

[NEPatriot]

Perhaps ask VH to create an 'email requirements' section? In which you could state "Meeting in person probably won't happen, let's start by you sending me screen shots"

[joshu]

Nivi, above, is part of VH.