Doing the Metaphorical.*
by Bellanca on Sep 13, 2010 3:31 PM CDT
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On Domination (and Pride, Delirium, and Unearned Triumphalism).
This is a lot of fun and all, and far be it from me to rain on the SMA "We're actually gods in black and gold" meme, but as a guy in the software business, I'm reminded of what happens when a development-stage company, after three years in a very unkind wilderness building its product, makes its first $million sale. Let us Do the Metaphorical, soon to be a weekly feature.
How post-ISU euphoria is like building a software company that makes it's first $1 million+ license sale:
a. the salesmen get out their spreadsheets and calculate that they just have to make seven additional sales of like-quality, and they'll be driving a Modena to work, taking Scarlett Johannsson away from her husband so she can enjoy the majesty that is the after-game party at The Mill, and summering at Madaket;
b. the venture capitalists call the ceo (this really happens) and tell him good job, but he'd better start working harder or he's fired unless he makes 17 like-sized sales in the next three months, because they need to get a $1 billion liquidity event in order to sell their house at Madaket and upgrade to a West Chop compound, complete with the first helipad authorized by Martha's Vineyard in 31 years;
c. some twit from Goldman rings up and says to the ceo that he's a lock for the best software IPO of 2011 if he just completes 250 additional sales of identical class and character in the next 6 months; and,
d. the ceo looks around and sees 75 half-insane people, overcome with pride, relief and wonder, who have been working 24x7 for three years, now strangely convinced that their wives maybe won't divorce them after all (for the gardener, since he's around more often), and wonders: how the hell do I convince these people that the real work has just started? Before going back to doodling about the pros and cons of a clean used Falcon 20 vs. a pleasant little single-pilot Citation, he walks out into his plain of cubicles and hangs a banner that says,
MISSION NOT ACCOMPLISHED.
Iowans do not handle prosperity so well, my friends. It's not in our DNA. The gods have all fall to destroy this fine-appearing, lush crop of football joy: hail, floods, PAULAS, and jNWU. Pride goeth.
*I sorta stole this concept from Spencer Hall. But he deserves it for not mentioning us this week in The Alphabetical.
Unless otherwise expressly indicated by BHGP editors, this FanPost is strictly the viewpoint of the author and is not endorsed by BHGP in any way.
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http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=242620009
Keeping wildlife, an amphibious rodent, for uh, domestic, you know, within the city - that aint legal either, Dude.
by AcrimoniousAngerererer on Sep 13, 2010 3:46 PM CDT reply actions
This
We have enough evidence in the recent past that I don’t think we have to worry about mishandling prosperity. To put it simply, we look much better at this point in the year than last year. Everyone is excited about our potential but not unjustly so, IMHO
"I shoot, I score. He shoots, I score." - Dan Gable
by ClaybornSmash on Sep 13, 2010 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Walner Belleus...
…how do I not remember a man with a name like that?
by Eyeheartfreedumb on Sep 14, 2010 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions
I guess I vaguely remember him...
…but he got thrown out (a.k.a. drank into oblivion) with the dirty bathwater that was that game.
by Eyeheartfreedumb on Sep 14, 2010 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Small picture view:
Ferentz has displayed a knack for learning from mistakes and/or bad experiences by making adjustments in preparation and focus. I know, everybody goes into seizures thinking about six years ago, but I really think it’s time for that to end. This is a different, more seasoned, and more mature team, and Ferentz and staff have seen and been through a lot since then.
Big Picture view: It wouldn’t surprise me if Ferentz has a banner a lot like that , or at least photocopied messages to that end taped on every locker. Our CEO doesn’t have the same outside pressures, at least not anymore. I know Iowans at times have not handled prosperity well. However, who’s to say that can’t change? Last year’s team accomplished things which no other Iowa team has. This team is different, and in some respects better.
Yes, a lot of us expect this team to win. What distinguishes us from some others, however, is that we understand what it takes for an Iowa team to win, and we see the team doing those things. It’s not a blank check that we write, or one on insufficient funds. Starting at the top, this team appears to be grounded and motivated in addition to talented. The mission isn’t accomplished, but all systems are “go”.
In Norm we trust.
Yeah, I don't know why people fear this trip.
Yes the ASU debacle still sticks in many craws, mine included, but this isn’t the same thing. Two different teams, different situations, same coaching staff with a different mentality… I don’t like thinking about the ASU game, and yet people keep bringing it up like it has some relevance- – STOP BRINGING THAT SHIT UP Y’ALL!
Seriously though, yes Arizona is a long road trip to play late at night. And? Is the pacific time zone like Kryptonite? Is the desert the Delilah to our Samson? Was that just one game many years ago, that probably was influenced by the fact that the Hawks (with a young, inexperienced QB on the road) were ready to go and then had to wait for 45 minutes, and influenced by the fact that the other team was very motivated and playing at home in the Sun Bowl (which, I’ve never been there, but it reminds me of Kinnick with the way the seats are practically on top of the players- – maybe that’s just perception, but I doubt that Arizona offers the same ferocious home crowd)… yada yada yada.
They just aren’t the same thing. I hope we get out of there with a quality win, and I can’t say that I’m not nervous, but would everyone please just stop bringing up a game from over half a decade ago?!
[That was kind of an open letter, and not directed at you Grizz.]
by Eyeheartfreedumb on Sep 14, 2010 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
What he said
While I admit that I have a healthy dose of The Fear for this game. None of my uneasiness stems from a completely unrelated game from 6 years ago that just happens to have occured in the same state. That’s like saying we couldn’t beat Georgia Tech because the last time we went to the Orange Bowl it ended badly for us. Doesn’t work like that.
by HawkeyeInExile on Sep 14, 2010 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, but in the first Orange Bowl we played USC, not another Georgia school, so *obviously* it doesn't correlate.
"We'll outfit ya for free, but we get to choose the pants."
by Bucketochicken on Sep 14, 2010 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions
This is a much better and deeper team than 2004.
And the coaching staff has 6 more years of experience.
Be cautiously optimistic.
My blog: http://www.gretainthebox.com
by Leftcoast Hawk on Sep 15, 2010 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm hopeful,
and also wondering how 120 athletes, who have had flowers, garlands and women’s underwear thrown at their feet all week while they traipse to and from class, are going to react.
Mr. Boh Knows ...
True that. From what I’ve seen of the Manzi, he doesn’t seem like that guy. I don’t necessarily know about the Gulk’s, Clayborne’s, Robinson’s. Pretty hard to predict what 18-22 year olds are up to, but the oldsters on this team are mostly not look at me kind of guys, from the outside anyway. I’m hopeful last year was good preparation for the core group.
Doesn't mean it will work out the same, but...
players on 8-0 and 9-0 Iowa last year probably had the same showering of adoration, probably more. That isn’t what cost them their two losses, though it could explain some of the close games. If so, it appears the lesson has been learned.
I think a focus from day one this year has been how you handle success. What I really wanted to see in these first two games is whether the team was coming out in a businesslike fashion and playing with discipline. To me, it would tell if they were still listening to Ferentz.. I don’t know how good ISU is, but not only did we handle them with an ease that no Ferentz team ever has, the way we did it was cooly, methodically, with an NFL-like efficiency at times. I have great faith that Ferentz has the mindset of the team under control.
Swagger does not easily become us. Well, maybe just a little. But the way this team has gone about its business should earn at least our confidence, going forward. I, for one, do have confidence that we will do what needs to be done, the things an Iowa needs to do to win, and that we are good enough to overcome a few things like time zones, game time, a little extra heat. Last year this was a “prove it” game for both teams. It may be again, but this team is now accustomed to the task and has done it more than once, more than Arizona.
In Norm we trust.
In addition to that...
Enough of the senior leaders on this team were around during 2006 and 2007 to know what complacency looks like and to (hopefully) be motivated to avoid those pitfalls now.
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Plus they all remember too well the disappointment of jNW and tOSU last year
They know what its like to be undefeated and are better prepared to deal with that reality this year.
"Have you ever had the Hot Pocket Hot Pocket? It’s Hot Pocket inside a Hot Pocket. Tastes just like a Hot Pocket."
Bellanca, I want to kick metaphorical sand in your face
"Have you ever had the Hot Pocket Hot Pocket? It’s Hot Pocket inside a Hot Pocket. Tastes just like a Hot Pocket."
Peter O'Toole goes to the beach.
"Now you put a Pamper on him and send him back out here." - Ray Isom, 1987 Fiesta Bowl
by ReadingRambler on Sep 13, 2010 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions
We are not gods...yet
and I think having swagger has its limits. I do. Any Hokie who has swagger right now is a lunatic. I think Iowa has lost games like that ASU game due to talent issues…and it seems Ferentz might not have prepared the team very well. But in the last 26 games I have not seen a Hawkeye team unprepared. In that span, we either won or were winning or were tied in every game but two: Northwestern last year and MSU in 2008. And in both those game we could have easily won but for a bad holding call and a coach who did not trust his kicker(s).
"I wish you luck with a capital 'F'" - The Real Elvis.
I meant to say
In that span, we either won or in the fourth quarter were winning or were tied in every game but two
"I wish you luck with a capital 'F'" - The Real Elvis.
We are not gods....
the gods reside in the SEC Olympus. We are more like the Titans; perhaps Atlas or Prometheus.
"Have you ever had the Hot Pocket Hot Pocket? It’s Hot Pocket inside a Hot Pocket. Tastes just like a Hot Pocket."
Prometheus...
…stealing the fire from the Gods tWWL.
by Eyeheartfreedumb on Sep 14, 2010 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Splitting hairs.
But in the last 26 games I have not seen a Hawkeye team unprepared.
Despite the outcome, you feel that the Hawks were truly prepared for the Indiana game last year? Better overall talent and karma won out at the end of the day, but I’m not sure how much had to do with a clear vision for the game married with solid execution.
Oh, and Georgia Tech. What hit us?
Less memorable than Sam Okey's Hawkeye career.
by Kyle McCann't on Sep 14, 2010 2:17 AM CDT up reply actions
I see your point
but when you win a game your head is on straight. Stanzi made some very, very bad decisions with those long balls and the wind and the Sash TD was lucky. But the team never packed it , never panicked. That, to me, is the sign of a team that is ready for battle. (For what not to do, see VT Hokies.)
"I wish you luck with a capital 'F'" - The Real Elvis.
I am not even sure they were bad decisions
That was a fierce wind but the receivers were wide open. I tend think either O’Keefe should have called different plays or emphasized don’t throw it deep. That is a great point about the team being prepared in every game since the end of the 2007 season.
Can teams start laying down for the Braves, so Bobby Cox can go out in normal fashion.... losing in the NLCS?
I've been watching Hawks football since Eisenhower was President.
This is the best first two games I’ve ever seen them play. And Ferentz teams traditionally start behind the curve and finish the season in front of it. So, excuse me if I’m kind of excited.
To continue your metaphor, it’s difficult to concern yourself with a Falcon 20 or a Citation when you’re strapped into the observer seat of a B-1 bomber.
Bring it on.
Question on the metaphor.
Why is this a three year-old software company again?
In my mind that’s where the metaphor breaks down. The better metaphor to me is that of a fallen enterprise. The current CEO brought this company out of bankruptcy in 1999 and has the same executive team in place since he took over. Except for Philbin, who left to become the eventual COO of the Packers.
2005 through 2007 sales fell off because the people got overconfident. They stopped putting in the necessary work on R&D and product development and as a result quality diminished, the competition caught up and people stopped buying. The low point came when the company lost an important order in Phoenix to that upstart company from Kalamazoo at the end of FY 2007.
In 2008 the team renewed its focus on its core competencies and developing their young talent. It helped that they were able to bring a veteran back out of the furniture industry to help the company re-establish its greatness. After two years of increased focus the company is rising back to the top.
By now the CEO has over ten years of experience running the company and has learned from many of his earlier mistakes. The hubris is gone and the top producers are hungry. They saw the results in 2009, they saw how close they were to eclipsing records, scaling to new heights. The difference between 2005 and 2010 is that now the people want to win not on reputation, but on performance.
However, it seems like the CEO is focused exclusively on performance, organizational efficiency and the bottom line. I think what SMA seems to encourage is a focus outside of the business as well and building relationships with institutional investors. If Maria Bartiromo and the talking heads at CNBC discuss what a great investment it is, that draws people in and gets them believing that this is truly a world class business.
At least that’s the metaphorical to me.
by Abbas_Cincinnatus on Sep 14, 2010 12:39 PM CDT reply actions 12 recs
+1
It helped that they were able to bring a veteran back out of the furniture industry
by A True Americanzi on Sep 14, 2010 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Rec'd
That’s a great metaphor.
"You don't become a Hawkeye fan, You're born with Black and Gold in your veins." - Me
by BStylin Hawkye on Sep 14, 2010 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Rec'd
For Maria Bartiromo reference if for nothing else.
by HawkeyeInExile on Sep 14, 2010 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Amazing.
Rec’d.
All I have to add is that I think the parallel for this week’s game is not the ASU debacle but the 2004 Outback Bowl.
A year before Iowa was trounced by USC in the Orange Bowl and Ferentz admitted to mistakes in the way the team prepared for the bowl. The next season, new preparation plan in place, Iowa demolishes the Fighting Zookers.
by Settles'7thYearOfEligibility on Sep 15, 2010 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions
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