[methehack]

I agree with timr here. You guys are missing the point. It's not math. It's trust.

There's no way to predict the outcomes. Options are little more than signals of intention. At point of exit, everything is in the air and you are not part of the negotiation. What's it worth? Do you have to move? Do you report the Chief VP of Total and Complete Meanness?

You get paid because someone is looking out for you.

The way to evaluate the deal you're getting from a founder is to ask yourself whether they would pay you out of their own pockets. There will be a moment when, in effect, they make that choice. The good ones won't be able to enjoy the money unless their team shares in the wealth. The bad ones will cobble together a rationalization about risk or how smart or deserving they are. You don't assess the offer, you assess the people. I know because I'm not very good at assessing the people ;)

[throwaway7808]

Hey, do you want to join a cool startup that I'm working on? I'll look out for you, no worries. Just work and have fun, and I'll take care of the rest.

By the way, there's also an investment opportunity, you see I've recently came into ownership of a certain bridge....

[methehack]

No thanks.

I'm not saying you shouldn't have an agreement or you shouldn't make it as solid as you can. Obviously, you should do this. I'm saying that's not enough. The perfect agreement means very little if the agreement is with someone untrustworthy.

Trustworthiness is often harder to judge than you might think because untrustworthiness and charisma seem to intersect pretty heavily to me. That leads to the unfortunate situation that assholes are likable. Boo hoo.

[hmsimha]

> I've recently came into ownership of a certain bridge

Sorry, I'm saving my money for this sweet deal that's coming up on the Eiffel tower.

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-smoothest-con-man-...