But seriously, it’s way too early to say who’s going to win. I like the fact that both Airtime and Nyoombl are pushing the envelope. Each will make the other stronger. Products will ultimately decide winners. I reject the notion that a high-profile launch equals success (Cf. Color vs. Instagram).

People often create startups with a goal in mind. ‘I want to sell for X!’ or ‘we’re going to go public in 201x!’; really the battlecry seems to reflect the VC economy that so permeates the valley.

There’s nothing wrong with venture when value is created. The exchange of ideas has tremendous value. It is the ethos we attempt to tap into when we write poetry or type a blog entry. I have a thought that I want to share.

It’s that simple idea that’s spawned Empires. Now, do I want to chat with a random stranger or listen to an exceptional debate? Frankly there are times for both, but I think the latter has much more societal value.

I think airtime is tinsel and Nyoombl is a forum for thought. One creates value and the other extracts it. I personally would love to see Nyoombl form partnerships with companies like Quora and distribute the conversations to a wider audience.