Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1350IR // #c1350Synthesis

"In twenty years of doing this shit, I’ve learned that it is far easier to work with nobodies or people who are on their way up than established stars." "But the more you pay people, the more they feel that they’re doing you some kind of favor."

— In our words · Source: Cancel Me If You Can (Dave Portnoy)

[Use when]

You're deciding between a proven big name and a hungry up-and-comer.

[Why it matters]

Portnoy paid an unknown $20,000 for an entire spring tour and had a great time. On the next tour he paid established acts over $100,000 a show, and they arrived late and didn't care. The money bought less commitment.

Filed under situations:When the team is looking to you to leadWhen the other side has more leverage

More from Cancel Me If You Can

#c1344"At this point the business model was pretty simple: if I could sell $3,400 worth of ads in the newspaper, I would break even."You're running a new venture on thin cash and the finances feel vague. #c1345"How do you sell ads for a newspaper that doesn’t exist? On promises."You need paying customers before you have a finished product. #c1346"I’d sift through all my competitors’ publications in Boston and call every single one of their advertisers every single week to poach them…You're looking for your first customers and your competitors publish who theirs are.

Same situation, different book

#c1324It's always easier to vote noYou support a compromise that has obvious flaws and opposing it would be easier.From Courage Can Save Us #c1316Every system thinks it's the smartest in the roomYou're mediating between teams, partners or systems that each insist on their own way of working.From Digital Impact #c1298Your reputation is a teacupCutting a corner or snubbing someone junior looks free in the short run.From Trade Outside the Box #c1269Constituents need to know whyYou're closing a deal at the top that the wider team will have to carry out.From The Oxford Handbook of Modern Diplomacy