The Startup Ideas Podcast
The best businesses are built at the intersection of emerging technology, community, and real human needs.
Historical Novelty Pattern Recognition
The biggest breakthroughs often seem silly or odd when first introduced, so unusually high novelty scores combined with dismissive reactions can signal future importance
Decision Rule
When evaluating new technologies or ideas, pay special attention to things that seem very novel but are being dismissed - these may be early signals of major shifts
How It Works
Revolutionary ideas often don't fit existing mental models, causing initial rejection, but their novelty is precisely what makes them transformative over time
Failure Modes
Chasing novelty for its own sake without practical value
Ignoring market timing and adoption barriers
Confusing weird with innovative
Not distinguishing between good weird and bad weird
Example Decision
“Bitcoin's first mention on Hacker News was mostly dismissed as 'stupid' but had extremely high novelty - this dismissal+novelty combination was actually a strong positive signal”