Quote of the day: 'Inventor' equals 'strange'

In an interview with CNET News.com, ex-Microsoft exec Nathan Myhrvold, founder of Intellectual Ventures, said that back in the 19th century, people understood the job of an inventor.

"If you go to a cocktail party now and someone says that they're an inventor, it's very strange," he said. "Most people's idea of an inventor is that crazy guy from the 'Back to the Future' movies."

[TomMariner]

Nathan is Correct

His exact scenario has played out with me tens of times as Christopher Lloyd's "Gigawatts" is laughingly tossed my way. Although it is temporarily funny like jokes about links between(low) intelligence and national origin or "old guys" wanting status quo, it reflects a real (and dangerous) national attitude. If you have patents you are a silly geek. 100 years ago one of the richest and most revered citizens was Thomas Edison.

A few years ago I was pitching my RFID company to a venture group and they asked me to explain the technology behind a spread spectrum technique. After their eyes glazed over and I saw a "No", my friend in the firm took me aside and advised, "If investors ask for any technical explanation, politely beg off. They equate high tech skills with bad management abilities."

Gee, do you think there is a link between the Indias and Chinas growing so dramatically and how they treat their techies with respect and honor?

Where were you told that?

I'd be really interested on the circumstances where you were told that. Generally in the circles where I've pitched ideas, the G factor is generally not a barrier.
....bad management skills..! bah!, what good are good mgmt skills, when all they will be left managing is importations.