Bootstrap Yahoo Groups

• TinyURL for this page: http://tinyurl.com/29l79o

Bootstrap online groups are forums organized by stage, industry and topic. We currently use yahoo groups to send messages, however, you must have an OpenID validated by the Bootstrap (aleph) server, and join the appropriate groups on BootKarma first. Once you do, you will get an invitation to join the appropriate yahoo group. Read How to Join Bootstrap Austin to create your validated Bootstrap OpenID and BootKarma profile.

How to Engage

Please follow these protocols, they preserve the integrity of our online discussions. You manage your online reputation by the way you conduct yourself on the group. If you are ever in doubt about the appropriateness of a post, email Kevin or Bijoy.

1. No promoting your business unless in direct response to a question posed by another bootstrapper asking for help.
2. No job requests unless you are filling a position for your company. If you find yourself back in Ideation and having to look for a job, check out Hire Austin and Indeed
3. No questions about non-venture-related issues.
4. No posts relating to "what's broken about bootstrap." Add these directly to the wiki page Suggestions to Improve Bootstrap or get in touch directly with appropriate leads.
5. Represent your needs only. A bootstrapper that needs help must be on the list. Requests for non-bootstrap entities are sent directly to Bijoy.
6. DO ask any question that will help you move your venture forward
7. DO share resources, news, connections, information that you think will be relevant to your fellow-bootstrappers.
8. DO post events you think are of interest (WITHOUT REMINDERS) to the calendar. These could also be any events that your company is putting on that you would like bootstrappers to know about.

Kevin's FIGHT CLUB RULES of Bootstrap Austin

As you might have seen in Fight Club... and trying my best Brad Pit impression...

1. The first rule of Fight Club is we don't talk about Fight Club
2. The second rule of Fight Club is we don't talk about Fight Club

Applied to Bootstrap Austin:

1. The first rule of Bootstrap Austin is that we don't talk about Bootstrap Austin or make commentary on the main bootstrap-austin email list except for targeted request that support us in bootstrapping our businesses. If we are replying to a list, we do our best to stick to the entrepreneur who has made a request in responding to their request (if copying the whole list).
2. The second rule of Bootstrap Austin is that we don't talk about ourselves on the bootstrap-austin list... that is, we do our best to limit our marketing conversations... no spamming the list... but if you have something that you need to make something happen in your business (other than spamming the list outright) then share it. If you know of great resources available, especially for the bootstrapper that is suffering right now in their garage... then let us know. But don't push widgets.

These rules are purposely vague. This is my interpretation of the "protocol" that we use to utilize this list. This is a protocol, not a set of rules. (the use of the world "rules" comes from Fight Club). We create this space, where the value is everyone's attention in this space that we can all leverage, and we use it, but at least try to not abuse it (so that as many of us as possible can leverage it).

I am saying this for two reasons:

1. To ask those who want to debate about the appropriateness about something take it off list. If you have a debate about something, and you think someone is abusing the list, talk with me or Bijoy, or send a private email to the person that is out of line and work with them. We try to gently guide the list to staying valuable. Sometimes we kick ass at this, sometimes we screw up.... but we have found that the best way is not to talk about Bootstrap Austin (its problems, or abuse of the list) on list... but to handle it behind the scenes.
2. To ask those that are suffering with some business issue to SPEAK UP! Don't let the four walls of your garage kill your business. If you have not been using the list, please do use it. We are about to have more space on the list given that there will be less debate and commentary... but more time for supporting you and your business.

Oh... and if you have not seen Fight Club- rent it... or come borrow my DVD. Or my book. Or come work out at the martial arts dojo that I practice at.  :-)