joelhaus's comments

joelhaus | 1 year ago | on: Automattic–WP Engine Term Sheet

Adding to the strangeness, as the owner of WordPress.org, is Matt violating the trademark owned by the foundation or is there another undisclosed licensing agreement?

joelhaus | 6 years ago | on: Finding My Next Bootstrapped Business Idea

Agreed. Just launched my company to help the types of agents you're talking about: GeneralReferral.com

Brings technology to an underinvested corner of the traditional brokerage.

Could use some marketing help...

joelhaus | 9 years ago | on: Bitcoin hits 3-year peak, nears record high on U.S. ETF approval

Your point illustrates why half of the federal reserve's mandate from congress is price stability. See Macroeconomics 101... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Money_supply

OP's point seems to be that inflation of bitcoin value is built in, effectively resulting in de minimis velocity and seeking out of alternative stores of value which are more stable. Bitcoin is how I would design a currency if I wanted it to self implode.

joelhaus | 9 years ago | on: Google Pixel: the Android iPhone you've been waiting for

Wouldn't it actually depend on when you buy the phone? If I buy a Pixel in one year (just before the "Pixel 2" is released), presumably I will still receive the two years of updates...

Alternatively, if I buy the Pixel on it's release date, is it safe to assume I will receive 3 years of major updates + 1 year of security updates?

joelhaus | 9 years ago | on: Ask HN: Who is hiring? (August 2016)

It can be expensive, especially for someone not familiar with the area or who's lacking substantial credit history (sorry that I'm about to go slightly off topic). If you don't have luck on Craigslist, our new real estate brokerage in Hoboken has access to most of the rental inventory on the New Jersey side of the river (cheaper than NYC with most of the same benefits). We also learned the business in this market and can help you successfully navigate all the little quirks.

Happy to help anyone looking to relocate or anyone looking to help their employees relocate.

Feel free to reach out: [email protected]

P.S. We're also looking to hire agents, new or experienced. Must be a self starter with an appreciation for persistence. Hudson Cove Realty has relationships across the area with owners and investors, we provide training and tools to help you operate remotely while still maximizing productivity. Reach out at the same email above if you're interested!

joelhaus | 10 years ago | on: Bill Gross – Banking/finance “permanently damaged” [pdf]

For the reason you mention, there would be substantial upside from increased infrastructure spending & the timing is pretty close to optimal.

What's interesting is that through greasing the wheels of the economy via infrastructure investments (e.g. better broadband, connected/wired roadways, upgraded utilities and transportation hubs) you would see productivity gains which, over time, would further diminish the value of labor.

Have always been interested in how long-term goals of social/economic policy should influence short-term decision making, but there aren't any easy answers.

joelhaus | 10 years ago | on: Tech workers are increasingly looking to leave Silicon Valley

This is an interesting "investment" example. In addition to the listed trade-offs, the mortgage would've likely allowed 25% cash down in 1976, approximately $18,000. Furthermore, savings in rent would've largely gone toward mortgage interest, repairs and capital expenditures. Given these assumptions, the result over a 40 year period would be an annual return of 10.12%[0].

Even so, the approximate return from the S&P 500 (reinvesting dividends) over the same period would be 11.468%[1].

[0] http://www.moneychimp.com/features/portfolio_performance_cal...

[1] http://dqydj.net/sp-500-return-calculator/

joelhaus | 10 years ago | on: How Uber Takes Over a City

In theory, the traditional model, which might include a hotel chain in the transaction, would funnel a greater percentage of funds away from the local economy. Under the "sharing-economy" model, more of the funds exchanged in the transaction stay local.

joelhaus | 11 years ago | on: Show HN: Rent camping gear and get it delivered up to 1 hour before the trip

Loved shopping at Campmor growing up, but definitely appreciate this concept. Scouting trips were typically once a year, but need reduced over time as did camping trips.

May also want to check out growth opportunities with other charities. Used to participate in an annual event called Kayak for a Cause with a couple of hundred people. 85% of them needed a kayak for one day... not exactly something everyone is going to purchase.

Good luck!

joelhaus | 11 years ago | on: Wikimedia v. NSA: Wikimedia Foundation files suit against NSA

Well put. Another comment ITT[0] also pointed out the global surveillance arms race and the futility of pressuring the US to unilaterally disarm. This is particularly true in light of the many legitimate global threats to freedom mentioned in your comment.

Knowing how unpopular this opinion is here, I still feel the need to share... Lawsuits like these strike me as either incredibly naive or a cynical public relations stunt. I don't enjoy my donations supporting either kind of effort and unfortunately, will likely cease future contributions.

The NSA does not surveil domestic communications without a court ordered warrant and I have heard no arguments to convince me that this is not a legitimate use of authority. If there was a single change to the NSA that I could advocate, it would be stronger and harsher mandatory minimums for anyone found in violation of the existing prohibitions on domestic surveillance.

[0] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9177073

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