[rdtsc]

> It would be an interesting research project over time to see if a culture of decent, respectful relations and manners led to the same or better VC investment returns.

What has to happen is there has to be near unanimous backlash against loud b.s. talking assholes. Silence and pause often is interpreted as agreement.

In other words unless the environment of respect and normal discussion is not defended it will end up being dominated by a few assholes. I've seen in this meetings most often, you've seen it too.

They dynamic is often interesting to observe. Get enough people in a meeting and you'll see it. Normal meeting agenda devolves into bikesheeding and the tempers get hotter over which color the buttons should be. Those in charge will always say something. Because if they don't they often can't justify their leadership position. There is a little part of the their brain says "How can I just sit here. I am paid 3x these people, I am supposed to lead, I better say something forceful and impactful". -- "No, no, the button is the wrong shade of green".

It is also interesting how there are "body languages how to own the room and project confidence" tips. Stuff like "Lean forward, extend the fingers if your hands, touch the tips of fingers of one hand with corresponding fingers on the other hand". I saw someone try those tips ones. They were just going through a list of those things, because they've probably read them in book. It looked very artificial and forced, and instead of projecting confidence it projected, well... the opposite.

[lifeisstillgood]

Aren't you both arguing for a culture of science? Of discussions dominated by experimental results and data driven decisions?

You can be as loud an asshat as you like, but if your opinions disagree with experimental results, tough.

Of course you can still be a loud asshat and right but that's a different class of problem.

[deciplex]

The problem is that loud, wrong assholes tend to be be highly skilled at manipulative strategies e.g. Gish Gallop, etc. In fact, it's selected for. And you can't always counter disingenuous debate with honest debate - you just have to kick that person out of the room.

[jgalt212]

> What has to happen is there has to be near unanimous backlash against loud b.s. talking assholes.

This is basically every VC out there who maintains a social media presence. They just shout and scream how great the teams/products they just invested in. As if yelling and screaming will force these ventures to success.