[MatthewPhillips]

I remember reading those threads and you're right. The positive spin was built around

1) That it was an interesting idea.

or

2) That it was a talented team which justified the funding.

or

3) That being a "fat" start-up they had plenty of chances to get it right.

I don't remember many (any?) people saying it was a good idea that would succeed on its own merits.

[cube13]

Re: 1

It was an "interesting idea" in that most people really didn't know what the heck they were doing, or what problem they were trying to solve.

All anyone really knew was that they got a boatload of money, and spent a lot of money to get color.com.