This isn’t a retro post…this is my first current post haha

We were down in Manhattan Beach,CA last night BBQ’n and the whole Motown thing came up in conversation, as a couple of our friends wanted an update on MI’s progress. One of them pointed out something very interesting.  Apparently, without even having capital on hand, I can obtain a valuation for Motown Initiative.

One of our other friends actually got valuation for his start-up by presenting his business plan alongside some basic webpage examples.   I think if I take the time to refine my webpage wireframes as well as the appearance of the business plan Motown should be able to seek out valuation. This is exactly what we need to further pique the interest of some investors.  Without a fully functional product, market traction (aka your support) and valuation are key.   (follow jump for more)
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March 22nd, 2009…I spent the better part of my Saturday sitting in my living room with a white board and a marker, drawing a user interface for this so called broadband video idea I’ve been pondering.  As I continued to review the competitive battleground and our notes from the conference on Tuesday, I began to question the business model that I’ve had in mind.

Now there is nothing particularly wrong with the model; in fact I personally still think its great, but there is a fundamental problem with the direction my business seems to be going.  It looks as if I’m trying to replace cable TV.  Now some of you are saying “that’s a great idea, I wish I didn’t need cable”, but the fact is there is quite the business model attached to traditional TV.  I can tell you right now, major networks and cable providers are not about to part with their billions in ad revenue.

I decided to just start typing down all the potential components of the business model and how they may actually fair in the eyes of major networks and investors.  The list got pretty long, and my mind went pretty numb, so I had to call it day.   To compliment a day’s work, I decided to go visit my friend’s house and they just got a PS3 and Wii….sillyness…

Side note:  I did enjoy my gaming night but it was somewhat discouraging.  Remember the 8^th grade, in your parent’s basement? Yea you do…playing video games until they’d force you to go to bed.  Well I sure can’t do it anymore.  After 3 hours of Street Fighter IV, I not only felt like I just took a 5 mile run but my thumbs were sore too.  In fact, forget past tense, my thumbs ARE STILL sore.  I hope when I wake up my thumbs are back in commission :-/

March 19th, 2009….Yesterday one of my partners in NY attended the VideoNuze conference and he came back with a plethora of knowledge.  We even spoke with our first VC, which was kinda exciting.  An entire report has been compiled on our activities from the event, but I have to keep that document somewhat internal. I will entertain you guys with some very key excerpts though. (follow the jump)

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Greetings to all,

This is my first entry,  im getting settled into the site and what not, so bare with me.  Overtime it should start looking a little more cool and hopefully I’ll get you guys engaged through commentary / suggestions.

My writings here will serve to keep everyone abreast of Motown Initiative activity from an “insider” perspective.  What is the Motown Initiative you may ask? Well let’s start with the word Motown.  If this word doesn’t automatically bring the city of Detroit to mind, you’re gonna wanna start by clicking here (a little wiki action for ya :)).   Now going back to complete name.

Motown Initiative is actually the code name for an upcoming tech-start up I believe has the ability to  breathe new life into Detroit.  By bringing relevant business that is non-automotive dependent to the heart of the city,  Motown Initiative hopes to rebuild the economy of Detroit step-by-step.   Imagine a broadband tech company that not only defines its success by monetary measurement but by social impact as well.   Working with local community organizations, educational institutions, philanthropists, broadband industry leaders and local businesses, Motown Initiative will work to redefine Detroit business.  This is in short the best description of the business Motown Initiative will establish.

So if you are like me, and you have a genuine interest in seeing the historic city of Detroit revitalized,  I encourage you to track my blog rss feed.   As time goes on the direction and details of the Motown Initiative plan will be revealed.