Still, seems like a case of "necessary but not sufficient." (Although given some truly awful writing that becomes "bestseller" material, perhaps not)
And I like the focus on the "product" side of writing---we read so many articles on promotion/marketing here (though generally on the startup side of things) that we often lose sight of the power of good copy.
Not to say I disagree, I just found the post refreshing, even if only in a "hello world/writing" way.
I work at a law firm specializing in IPO. I had the same thought in mind when I joined.
Hiring more people does help but there will still not be 40 hour work weeks. In many instances, some people in the team has built up the knowledge on a particular part of the deal that it is difficult to outsource since it would be much faster for the person to complete the work themselves.
Hiring more people also means that the information is diffused around. If one person working on a deal it means that he knows 100% about the deal. If 100 people is working on the same deal, efficiency would greatly decrease as knowledge management becomes important (lots of emails).
Thanks for the info! Is the demand for detailed knowledge 16 hours at a time, or is it more like being "on call" for when a client suddenly gets a wild idea and wants numbers to be run for it?
From interviews by folks on Wallstreetoasis.com, this is my understanding of the hours. Some days they may have 2-4 hour breaks (gym time / internet time), then have to crunch in the evening when a client, or an internal-facing client (such as a Managing Partner) comes back.
In my short time at a small consulting firm (Management / C level), this was also the case.
Many times my long hours were due to "deliverables" (PowerPoints, documents, etc.) being in a choke point based on an Analyst, Consultant, etc.
E.g., waiting on numbers to finish a presentation.
However, much of the time, their is ALWAYS something to do, and much of it is very much face-time (butts in seats = working).
Sounds like they need oil-rig hours. 2 weeks on, 1 week off. Or something to that effect. Make people work insane hours, but give them 2-3 months of vacation a year.
I have had Zalman ZM-K500 mechanical keyboard since September and I can honestly say that I love it. It is also substantially less than $100 (£37) [0]. The quality is not quite as nice as some of the more expensive mech keyboards out (the labels on my meta keys are rubbing off extraordinarily quickly...) there but it is leagues ahead of any of the membrane based keyboards I have tried.
I have a Vortex KBC Poker II with PBT keycaps, probably one of the best purchases I've made in recent years. I blew off buying one for a couple of years because it was "just like any other keyboard" - not true. They switches (I have Cherry MX Reds) make it a joy to type on!
I should have added that I got mine for about $120, including shipping.
The abs/backlit Vortex Poker II is on massdrop, with the lowest level at $94.99. I'm typing on it right now (except I swapped in DSA PBT keys) and it's super nice.
I recommend picking up an IBM Model M. There are plenty out there for around ~ $20 (PS/2, no Windows key). Toss in a PS/2 -> USB adapter and you have an extremely high quality keyboard for next to nothing.
1st rule: you do not talk about the money
2nd rule: you DO NOT talk about the MONEY
3rd rule: you talk about how the acquirer and acquiree shares the same vision and dreams that would enable the acquiree to build great things.
>...it might not seem obvious why Oculus is partnering with Facebook...But when you consider it more carefully, we’re culturally aligned with a focus on innovating and hiring the best and brightest
Looks like ALL companies in this world would be a good fit for a facebook acquisition.
Having the great product != bestselling novel.