> "So I've made a new rule: unless you've raised money, are bringing in substantial revenue, or have a sizable active user base, don't call whatever you're building a startup."
So... bootstrapped companies can't be startups? What about a funded, B2B service that is bringing in millions in revenue, but only has two clients signed up?
> "Every time you introduce your product to someone as a startup, you set an expectation for where the conversation is going next: your funding, revenue, user base, that sort of talk."
No it doesn't. It only does if you interact solely with people in a very specific subset of entrepreneurs. You know the type - the people who are always at "startup parties" and hanging out in incubators and coworking spaces all day. There is a large, large world out there where the word "startup" doesn't automatically lead a conversation someplace.
And even within that scene, I have rarely run into situations where "startup" automatically steers the conversation towards funding, userbase, and revenue. Methinks the author hangs out with the wrong people.
> "someone tells you they're doing a startup, you ask for details, and it turns out to be pretty nascent. Kind of a let down, right?"
No, because I haven't pigeonholed the word "startup" into something incredibly, and to be blunt, absurdly specific.
> "The more we throw around the word "startup", the less of an impact it has when we actually want it to matter."
Because it doesn't matter. The word "startup" is a general descriptor for the nature and state of your business. If you are throwing that word around for "impact", you are no better than these other people you complain about.