In this case, data table does exists in separate PDF. Can we get context more tightly integrated into actual dataset? YOU CAN’T USE DATA YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND
LISTEN, UNDERSTAND, AND RESPOND “We invest a lot of time and engineering resources to search for and integrate with government datasets. It’s hard work, but we really try not to pay for data that’s already out there.” MICHAEL CARVIN, FOUNDER OF SMART ASSET
Smart Asset is a web app that helps consumers make important financial decisions like renting vs buying a home It uses dozens of data sources to do things like calculate property tax across income brackets and locations. LISTEN, UNDERSTAND, AND RESPOND
Innovators like Michael face a dilemma: LISTEN, UNDERSTAND, AND RESPOND 1) Pay 3rd party aggregation services for standardized, easy-access data 2) Spend days, weeks, or months aggregating the data themselves
Both these options are stifling innovation. Let’s build a 3rd way: LISTEN, UNDERSTAND, AND RESPOND 3) Readily available datasets & API’s that are simple to implement
Building strong two-way communication with the tech community will accelerate our ability to serve their data needs and get consumer facing products to market. LISTEN, UNDERSTAND, AND RESPOND
LISTEN, UNDERSTAND, AND RESPOND COMPETITIONS OFFICE HOURS FACE TO FACE A few ideas: I’ve participated in Startup Weekends and Demo Days. I know how put on an effective competition for building apps on government data. People often have many questions but don’t ask because they won’t get a response. We can host live, online office hours to get people talking. Nothing beats in person interactions. I already have deep connections with the startup, tech and venture capital space I can leverage to reach the most influential players
APPS BLOOM INNOVATION IS SURPRISING & HAS A HIGH FAILURE RATE “The best startup ideas seem at first like bad ideas” PAUL GRAHAM, PARTNER OF Y COMBINATOR EVEN WORSE:
APPS BLOOM INNOVATION IS SURPRISING & HAS A HIGH FAILURE RATE LAUNCH A LOT OF (CRAPPY) APPS So instead, let’s embrace a culture that recognizes “quantity has a quality all it’s own” and knowing that the biggest consumer impact comes from