fitzbookworm
Corporate Placement Holding
Daikoku Trade Syndicate
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Posted - 2006.09.15 16:44:00 -
[1]
 Originally by: Hexxx
If I am correct, the single biggest criticism of a IPO template is the following:
"An IPO Template should not exist. Templates such as these give scammers a roadmap or blueprint for how to scam. People doing IPO's should be judged on what they are able to produce on their own, not on their ability to complete a pre-defined template."
Are there any other well articulated criticisms for having a IPO template?
Just trying to get more information here.
Regards,
Hexxx
Hmm. I will try to take a stab at this as well. I applaud you Hexxx for trying to get some more accountability into the IPO market. However, I also concur with Erfnam and Dr. Slurm about the potential usefulness of a "template" for a would-be scammer.
If I am a smart scammer, I would look into how the community views the template. Your disclaimer at the top notwithstanding, I believe that constructing a template, having it become "officially" recognised, and then seeing it put into place by one or two successful and legitimate corporations will give it an air of authority. The smart scammer preys on the air of authority, says and does the right things, and then walks off with the isk.
Now I still think it is a good idea for we in the community to hammer out what we think is important to be disclosed to the potential investors from any public CEO. So I will try to answer your question in another way. Does this template take into consideration different kinds of business? I think it could be modified as such, but there is a difference between saying "I have built this outpost, or that research station -- come look" and saying "I trade in some things that only I know about, but I need some extra isk for the job. And, no, I am not going to tell you about my trade routes/method of making money." Both IPOs can be legitimate, see ISS and Power Corrupts, but both can also be a scam, see PRIG and any number of people who want help funding their "secret" trade routes.
The thing about a template is that it always privileges the former type of business -- one where you can point to material assets. How does the next Proton Power or Stingey CEO meet the template's criteria, especially without giving away the trade secrets that make his or her business possible?
Just some initial thoughts. I will try to post more after I get home and give it some more thought.
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Associate Manager, CRA |