Mike, RE: "What do you, and the rest of the people on SI think? "
I think you, Birtles, Cullen, and Lettice should talk it through. I think all 4 of you are reacting, fighting each other, rather than the market place.
I also think Birtles, Cullen, and Lettice's email demonstrates a clear lack of insight into what beta blockers can do to inhibition, and that actually speaks poorly of them, not you.
While I do not agree with your style in handling it (and think you should owe up to this part), I am more offended by their method of handling it. They should have called you, talked to you, and had a more cooperative and questioning style.
One of the posters here said you write many more articles than other writers at other magazines, implying you do a lot more work than the most. Leaving may be one way to solve this problem, but there could be better ways to solve this problem. You could all sit down and agree to divide the company, agree to focus/write on different areas/market sectors for say 3 years, rather than fight with each other. You essentially get back your stock this way too, and so do they. If you all wished, after say 3 years, you all could decide to compete or merge.
So, if you are unable to reconcile your differences (although I would recommend you all try), I would recommend a friendly separation of your company interests. A fighting battle, will simply drain the company, one that you have more than a 20% stake in too, so it doesn't pay to fight each other. You folks need to fight the market place, not yourselves. I think it'll drag the Register down if you fight, rather than cooperate.
The other founders should also be a heck of a lot more understanding than what they are currently demonstrating, given the circumstances.
You seemed to imply they aren't pulling their weight when you questioned the result of their work while you were out, and several posters observed this too, however, even this may be resolvable with modifications: back off, let them grow, and spend your time guiding rather than writing. I have personally learned that when I back off, others tend to step in and take charge after time (but yes, it can be frustrating if the quality slips. But I've learned to put a process in place to catch & fix, and let folks grow, rather than fix something myself).
I'd suggest the following rule: no two founders get to vent at the other on the same day, and give wide room to each other, and always forgive. It's important to respect each other's differences. I would strongly suggest all 4 of you folks stop reacting, and start talking cooperatively.
I also think you should go on a medical leave and take some time off and heal. I also think the Register could be getting itself in trouble if they attempted to take action (aside from a medical leave) against someone for actions taken while newly on beta blockers (since these are inhibitors). These are medical grounds. In the USA, a company loses certain rights on issues pertaining to medical grounds.
Regards,
Amy J |
