http://www.chezjays.com/

One of the things I love about that place is that the website is actually pretty accurate in that even though they are a dive bar they have a killer steak. So, on one side of the bar you are sitting there eating peanuts and drinking beer (peanut shells are to be thrown on the floor, by order of management) and you slide on over to the other side and have one of the best steaks in town.

And, even though it’s a dive, many celebs pop in for a drink or two so if you’re into the whole star sightings you can find them there chilling over a cold beer.

You can never look at it as a hassle because some ideas actually will be good. But you made me chuckle when you mentioned people’s reactions to advice.

One that will always stick out in my mind was from the dotcom days. This guy who was a struggling television writer had an idea for a product that was dead on arrival. I won’t go into any specifics but the reasons for it being a no-go ranged from the fact that two of the largest software companies in the world already had competing products already on the market (which he was unaware of) to the fact that his idea wasn’t even as good as those existing products.

After spending a half hour explaining all the reasons why his product wasn’t viable he looked at me with a smile and said “See, that’s why I need you to come on board and advise me. I would be willing to give you 10% of the company if you can polish up this idea and help me get it to market.”

Man, I even remember the bar. Chez Jay in Santa Monica on Ocean Blvd. For me, the absurdity of the whole situation cemented that little dive bar in my mind as one of the best places in Santa Monica and have a drink and some peanuts.

Bill

It’s the nature of the beast really, and it will only become more previlant. Not that it’s a bad thing, because one out of 1,000 will be interesting, and 1 out of those 100 chosen will most likely be the homerun. just gotta find that “one”.

Good Post

Well, I don’t know if it’s a pain but contrary to popular belief we don’t sit around on our yachts all day sipping pina coladas and lighting out cigars with hundred dollar bills (too smokey, use Euros). :-)

Bill