Isn't the whole point of an IPO to allow everyone participate, therefore letting the market decide?
If you don't like Groupon's numbers, don't buy the stock. Simple enough.
I'm seeing a lot of: "Think of the poor regular investors when it pops!" sentiment. Are not these investors rational people acting on the same information we all have?
Further there are many parties incented to pump hot stocks so they can profit from the fees and possibly from pump-and-dump: investment banks, current investors, soon-to-be investors, etc. I enjoy hearing both sides of the discussion here, and I do feel bad about people being misinformed and taken advantage of, even if it's ultimately their choice whether they buy in to the bullshit.
The major question: is it bullshit, or not? Sounds like HN is undecided
Company IPOs, people buy or don't buy for tons of reasons, the company executes on their plan, and the market adjusts.
Trying to label a company a ponzi scheme seems like little more than sensationalism to me.
That said, I would never invest in Groupon, simply because I don't use the product ever.
That said, I would never invest in Groupon,
simply because I don't use the product ever.