Black and White

Fred wrote a post about Nick Denton's interview in Playboy.  I read it too and it is a worthy read.

I met Nick years ago when he first started Gawker.  We talked a few times about me coming on to get involved in the sales but I was looking for something else.  I was done with being the number 2 in a start-up. Yet what I have always loved about Nick is he is a no bullshit kind of guy.  He tells is like it is.  He doesn't care about being political, he runs his own company and has zero problem speaking his mind.  He is also extremely bright and understands the world that we live in and where it is going like very few.  

After reading the article I started thinking about black and white.  I have never been one to stand in a grey area.  I have been investing in companies now for over 8 years.  I believe there are a few things that I bring to the party.  I am always honest.  I never hold back.   It works for some and not for others.   Most people who have known me for a long time will tell you I have always been like that.

When I was a buyer at Macys, a very long time ago, I had a piece of paper that was pinned up on over my desk with vendors would reach out to me to see their line.  Once a month or every six weeks or so I would put aside a full day to see these vendors.  I never waivered about their chances of being bought.  When I went to the other side I remember how many people would be polite on the phone and tell me that I should definitely send them something because they were interested.  Then I would never hear back from them again even though they left the door wide open.  I would have rather have someone tell me no and end it at that.  Perhaps in the investing business you always just want to leave the door ajar but I do not believe you have to be vague to do that.

The article on Nick just started me thinking about the way he thinks and how he communicates.  Some could call it arrogant or obnoxious but honestly I think it is refreshing.  Black and white works for me.  I get foggy in the grey area.