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by codegeek 1730 days ago
"Uber might not have lied about their business"

Yea that is what we discussing about Theranos. Theranos was an outright fraud. You cannot say the same about Uber whether they inflated or lied about their profits etc. Uber provides a real service and honestly a good one for people. Theranos on the other hand, played with people's lives by lying about their entire business model and product which never worked. Big difference.
1 comments
MrGando 1730 days ago
I think you're somewhat making an argument that the "means" are justified if the end is noble. I think the whole discussion revolts around the several issues with that "system" or "philosophy" here in the Valley.

I personally don't think it's the right way to do things. Big fraud, small lies (fraud), it's all pretty bad.

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codegeek 1730 days ago
To some extent, aren't startups supposed to be doing things to challenge the status quo which sometimes can mean that they are breaking rules ? Uber overall has been a net positive in my humble opinion so I definitely think that to an extent, the means are justified if the end is noble.
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MrGando 1730 days ago
If we're going to restraint to personal opinions, my strong personal opinion is that startups have to operate in the context of truth, rule of law and business ethics. That would be my hope. I think it's totally possible to succeed and still work through that lens. I think thinking otherwise, is actually a fallacy perpetuated by certain groups here in the Valley.

I strongly believe that you can challenge the status quo and abide by honesty and rule of law.

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