Ask HN: Does appearance matter more than we admit as founders?
4 pointsby jmaha4 hours ago4 comments
  • JohnFen2 hours ago
    I think it matters about the same as it always has. Appearance is a critically important part of communication and social interaction. Always has been, and always will be. As Frank Zappa once said during a concert: "Everybody in this room is wearing a uniform, and don't kid yourself."

    I never thought this was some sort of taboo "nobody talks about this" topic, though. It's been openly and freely discussed for longer than I've been alive.

    • jmahaan hour ago
      I think it's more that it's generally not as common a topic in SF, where aesthetics don't seem to matter as much. This might be different with founders and tech workers in places like NYC, but in SF it definitely doesn't seem that common.

      Although not entirely appearance related, Slow Ventures put out books and seminars to help founders not only look and dress better, but also be more intentionally professional, that seems to suggest there's a drift away from startup swag to sport coats.

      That got me wondering if aesthetics like hair transplants, breast implants, and similar were as common in tech as they seem to be in Vegas, Miami, or LA, but that it's just not discussed as much.

  • conartist63 hours ago
    Matters less than it ever has. Everyone and their grandma is obsessed with appearances only right now. The winning move in that game is not to play
  • NotParth113 hours ago
    honestly, i believe this is more about basic human nature. Tell me, who are people going to take more seriously at first glance. Someone who shows up to a seminar with a bed head and a crappy physique, or a person who takes care of their body, makes sure he looks well. But at the end, the product is what matters.
    • jmahaan hour ago
      Definitely agree the product is what matters, but it (likely) helps to either be physically attractive or confident, or both, conveying to investors, customers and whomever else to offer their time and attention to listen to you.
  • arm323 hours ago
    Extremely true. Come on. It's obvious.