Success in Silicon Valley, most would agree, is more merit-driven than almost any other place in the world. It doesn't matter how old you are, what sex you are, what politics you support or what color you are. If your idea rocks and you can execute, you can change the world and/or get really, stinking rich.

I dont claim to be a journalist. I hold myself to higher standards of transparency and disclosure.

Customer research produces bland products. We're producing a piece of art.

Write good content about stuff that you love. Readers will find you.

I believe the term "blog" means more than an online journal. I believe a blog is a conversation. People go to blogs to read AND write, not just consume.

Im nearly certain that Google accessed my Gmail account after I broke a major story about Google.

I live a fairly simple life, and that didnt change much after I sold TechCrunch in 2010. I didnt buy a new house or even a new car. The one thing I did splurge on was a boat. Nothing too fancy or large.