ParisLemon » Google Defections, Greed Works.

Google Defections, Greed Works.

So when is a $600-a-share stock price not the best thing in the world? Well, apparently sometimes when you’re Google. Netly News had an interesting assertion today upon seeing another Top Googler (that is, one who has risen through the ranks to become well enough known to actually have a story written about him leaving a company be the lead story on TechMeme) leave Google today: that astronomical stock price could very likely be pushing rising stars away because as good as Google is, there stock is at $600; it’s not going to be doubling anytime soon – those options are not quite as enticing. At a smaller company or startup however, the sky could literally be the limit in terms of getting in early and cashing out rich.

The latest Google defector, Benjamin Ling, is leaving Google for Facebook – which is becoming a familiar trend. Facebook, which many including your’s truly think is going to launch an IPO sometime in the next couple of years offers both the buzz-worthy job AND the likelihood of a huge back-end deal.

The point is, ladies and gentlemen, that greed – for lack of a better word – is good. Greed is right. Greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. Greed, in all of its forms – greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge—has marked the upward surge of mankind. And greed – you mark my words – will not only save Teldar Paper, but that other malfunctioning corporation called the USA.

…It will also ensure Google doesn’t build up a monopoly of all the most talented engineers in the world.

[photo by flickr user greefus groinks]

Post by MG Siegler on 10/10/07
Comments

Duncan

As much as I can see where you are coming from, I don't think it's totally fair that you've drawn this conclusion. Maybe the guy wanted a new challenge? God knows I've moved from job to job over the years looking for something to stimulate me, maybe it was just time for him to find something new.

MG Siegler

Fair enough Duncan, certainly I don't know what Mr. Ling intentions are and they could very well be to pursue a new goal/stiumulation as you suggest (and certainly Facebook would seem a good place to go).

But we are starting to see these defections it seems like more and more (and not just from Google), so I don't think it's unreasonable to think that the cream of the crop would realize that there is probably a much larger upside financially to work for a pre-IPO Facebook than a $600-dollar-a-share Google.

It's not like any of these people have been working at Google that long - Google did just turn 9.

And though it may come off as me chastising these folks if they are following the money, I'm completely serious with my Wall Street quote. Greed does work. There needs to be SOME incentive for all of the best engineers not just to end up at Google by default.