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Comment by pla3rhat3r | Hacker News Reader

Cool idea but I'm not sure I understand how putting Developers and Designers in a foreign country like Costa Rica is any more productive than bringing them together somewhere domestically. Last time I checked apps aren't built with sandcastles and lobsters. Although I'd be willing to invest in something that could be built with sandcastles and lobsters.

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I guess the better question is why not? Technology has unfortunately become very Bay Area centric. Travel isn't for everyone, but it gives people a chance to live outside they Bay Area for a bit. The locations dont directly affect the products, but getting a new perspective on the world can't hurt. Think of it more like travel abroad programs in college.

I didn't say it needed to be in the Bay Area but I see the point. I loved traveling abroad when I was in the Navy but when you've been somewhere you've never been before the last thing you want to do is spend 14 hours behind a keyboard programming something. Especially someplace as beautiful as Costa Rica.

It looks like compensation is equity + cost of living/stipend.

I imagine Costa Rica could be a pretty solid combination of inexpensive + nice/interesting. If they can pay a fraction of the cost of hosting it in Palo Alto, but have it be way more interesting than Arkansas, perhaps they'll attract some good folks.

One benefit might be separating yourself from personal connections and other "distractions." A luxury most easily afforded by youth!

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