[jgh]

Yeah the publicity requirement is tough. In my case it's been a couple of projects I've started (one before was a finalist in TechCrunch Disrupt) and my current startup that have gotten press, but never me as an individual. Fortunately I was able to get founders from about 4 companies (both in the US and international) to write letters vouching for me, as well as a couple investors which helped. I'm considering whether or not it's worth it to try to get an EB-1 now, since it is stricter than O-1 and I would need to do some speaking engagements and get press naming me personally.

[DelaneyM]

I get the impression that a lot of people satisfy the requirements by buying publicity, either placement in trade journals or sponsoring conferences.

Both of those options were suggested by my lawyers, and once you realize it's possible and common one starts seeing it everywhere.