For example, in conversation he would pretty-much concoct terms and acronyms on the fly, and then act like you are a moron for not knowing what they mean. On later research you discover that Google has never heard these terms either.

He is the type of guy that non-technical people find convincing, and even if you are reasonably technical, it can take a while before you realize he is full of crap, but eventually you will.

I feel sorry for those at the BBC who must work with him now, but I have one tip – next time he casually throws out a term or acronym, Google it before you just assume that he is smarter than you.

(Yes, I’m posting anonymously because I’m a coward and its a small industry, but these words are true).

I wish ‘em well, but there are way too many quicker, cheaper, easier alternatives out there right now.

Here is just a guestimate:

(a) Started with $45m of financing on May of 07.
(b) Estimate $15-$20m just on salaries since then (*)
(c) Infrastructure in Leiden etc, count another few $m.
(d) Not to forget their content costs.

All that probably amounts to around or even less than $20m in the bank. Given their cash burn this is quite alarmning, especialls since they have nothing to show, no user adopton, little or no revenue traction, and management turmoil.

In my view, the BIGGEST mistake was by the VCs who let all this happen. (a) to (d) is a recipe for disaster, don’t they know? Index, Sequoia, etc. they all are too blame. Bringing a corporate guy in in such a situation (“chief spending officer” may be a more appropriate title perhaps) may just have put the last nail on this coffin.

(*) Last spring the headcount was reported at about 100, which then increased to some 130-140 in the fall. Estimate $10-$20k per employee per month, for seven to eight months.