[smt88]

For the vast majority of people, starting companies will only be a money-losing effort. Don't criticize people for choosing not to take this risk. Not everyone can (or wants to) afford it.

For the vast majority of people, joining a startup in Silicon Valley costs more than it's worth. Salaries are not pegged to the cost of living in SF. Some startups have a work culture that demands long hours, little time with family, and accepting illusory equity instead of cash. Don't criticize people for choosing not to live their lives that way.

[adambrod]

I agree, you can spend almost an entire years worth of office rent from the midwest and spend it in a month in Silicon Valley/SF. Sure some people may benefit from the high density of funding but if you're just working on product... why burn through so much? Also off topic but being outside the echo chamber is valuable for most products.