Tesla -- My First 30 Days with the Model S -- A Review

I recently became a proud owner of the Tesla Model S.  At that time, I wrote a post about my overall Tesla buying experience (from initial contact to delivery 6 weeks later), as well as my first impressions of my initial drives of the car.  Here is that post -- which has become one of my more widely-shared posts ever, underscoring the tremendous interest in what Tesla is doing -- and how they are doing it.

For that reason, I thought it would be of great general interest to check back in and give my impressions of my overall Tesla Model S experience after my first 30 days with the car, especially because I typically drive long distances -- live in San Diego, work in LA.  That means that my typical commute in the week is about 225 miles round-trip (in addition to local miles in the LA area) -- a trip I typically do once per week.

So, here it is:

First, love the car.  Love it.  Drives more smoothly than any car I have ever driven (and I previously drove a BMW 750 Li).  Shockingly -- perhaps to some (including me) -- its acceleration matches that of my former BMW (which my kids and I had nicknamed the "rocket ship").  So, that says a lot -- especially because my Tesla is the "Model S", not the "Model S Performance."  My advice?  Don't think you need the Model S Performance -- the good old base Model S gives plenty of punch.  Save that cash.

What else?  I have never worried about having sufficient "charge" in my battery for my long trips.  But, then again, I am a planner (which you need to be).  My range (with the 85 kWh battery -- i.e., the bigger one, which I definitely recommend for resale reasons alone) is about 275 miles.  So, I definitely need to charge my car when up in LA -- but, I am a fortunate one.  I have a "ChargePoint" charging station right in my office building's parking lot (which is increasingly becoming a common occurrence).   That gives me the ability to "juice up" on demand -- which I do.  More on that later ....

BUT, although I absolutely believe that Consumer Report's unprecedented "best car ever" review is well-deserved (for all the reasons I state in my initial review) -- and although I am absolutely a Tesla "believer" and love my car -- nothing is perfect.  And, certainly my Tesla Model S is not perfect, even as it strives for perfection.  I gotta keep it real after all.  After driving the car for 30 days -- frequently literally with a smile on my face (a friend of mine in the neighborhood said he drove past me over the weekend and saw me smiling) -- I have identified several issues (a few of which deserve immediate attention).  Here they are (a few of which I identified in my initial review):

(1) soft close "comfort doors" -- I wrote about this in my initial review -- this is an absolute "must" for this luxury car, particularly because the Tesla's doors are heavy and require real muscle to close them; the Model S does not have them; but the Model S needs them; it's that simple;

(2) rear "sensor" when backing up -- yes, the Model S has a great fish-eyed view rear camera; but, shockingly (for me), there are no sensors that give you the expected (and now-standard on all vehicles) "beep beep beep" as you approach anything as you back-up.  That is a big safety "miss" in my book -- and I confirmed this with a Tesla technician who said that this feature was sacrificed in order to get the car out to market.  Because there is no sensor, I essentially feel that I cannot rely upon the rear camera -- without beeps, it doesn't give me the assurance I need; this is another "must have" -- pronto;

(3) sound/audio system that never "sleeps" -- I love the audio in my car.  It is an absolute MUST to get the "Sound Studio Package."  It will blow your mind (in the best possible way).  My 13 year old girl, Hunter, who always tells me to crank up the volume, actually tells me to turn it down in the Tesla!  But, there is no on/off switch.  I confirmed that.  Yes, you can turn down the volume to "0" or mute the volume, but you can't turn it off.  That's just weird to me (although there is no real meaningful adverse impact to the customer experience);  this isn't a "must fix," it's just a surprising quirky thing;

(4) center oversized tablet control panel -- love the industry-changing tablet that is the showpiece of the Tesla's interior (I gushed at length about it in my initial review).  All the controls are on an over sized iPad -- amazing.  All cars from everyone -- every car company -- will go this way soon, very soon.  This will be standard equipment in the next 2-3 years.  BUT, touching touch screens all the time leads to fingerprints.  And, cleaning the console ain't easy to do without triggering all kinds of actions, because the console does not turn off when you wipe it -- at least when you sit in the driver's seat doing it.  You see, the driver's seat is the on/off switch for the car, so anytime you sit down, the car turns on.  That means that all controls become active when you touch the console -- even if you are only trying to clean it!  And, it is a bit disconcerting to have music, navigation, climate, controls, etc. all being activated when you wipe.  I was told that an unsophisticated way to get around this -- a "quick fix" if you will -- is to sit in the passenger seat with the power off as you wipe.  So, try that.

THE BIGGER ISSUE with this amazing center over sized tablet console flows from the fact that it IS so amazing.  Everything -- every action -- requires touching.  You want music?  You touch it.  Navigation?  Touch it again.  Open the retractable roof?  Touch.  Adjust the fan or defrost?  Touch touch touch.  And, oh yes, then there is web search -- right there -- in your face as you drive the car!  It is amazing technology -- but it can be overwhelming (don't do search on Google while you drive, please!).  I frequently found myself looking down at the screen -- being mesmerized by it -- as I drove the car.  And, that can be a dangerous thing.  A very dangerous thing.  This will ultimately become a very significant traffic safety issue for the automobile industry as all auto makers introduce similar over sized tablets into their cars, which they most certainly will.  Tesla -- and all others -- will need to track this closely.  After all, I do believe that we must keep our eyes on the road.

(5) retractable side mirrors -- this one doesn't bother me, but I was told by a proud Tesla technician (yes, they absolutely are proud to be with Tesla -- as they should be) that the lack of retractable side mirrors is one of the most identified issues current Tesla owners have with the car; again, this is standard equipment on most luxury cars;

(6) missing vanity mirror light -- this is another one that doesn't bother me at all; but, in our world of vanity, apparently it bothers others.  My Tesla technician friend indicated that the lack of lighting in the passenger vanity mirror is one of the most requested features;

(7) center driver's arm-rest has not lift-up storage -- this one is a bit odd; there seems like there should be plenty of room under that arm-rest (most cars have that, of course) -- but, try as you may to lift it, it doesn't.  So, at this point, the only place to put your in-car "stuff" (wallet, etc.) is out in the open on the center floor divider between the driver and front seat passenger;

(8) no rear cup holders, really?  Yes, 'tis true -- my "frequently-holding-some-sort-of-drink" kids have absolutely nothing in which to place them.  Hey kids -- NO CUP-HOLDERS FOR YOU!  (channeling the Seinfeld Soup Nazi as I say that).

Anything else?  Well, there was that initial recall (which I took care of this weekend).  An adjustment needed to be made in the rear seat for stability reasons apparently.  But, Tesla did the right thing here.  They were ahead of the curve -- they announced it to the faithful prior to any real meaningful issues in the real world.  And, THAT is why we become faithful in the first place.  Tesla chooses to do the right thing.

A couple other things.  Although I electronically signed my final purchase agreement online about one month ago, I still receive new "DocuSign" e-mailed to me every 2-4 days -- urging me to sign that same documentation that I signed one month ago.  A rare bug in the system.  One more thing -- I am fortunate to have convenient "ChargePoint" stations at my disposal.  But, these cost more to use -- and charge the Tesla's battery significantly less -- than I had anticipated.  As one example, when I got to LA this past week, it cost me nearly $18 to charge my car back up to baseline.  So, it isn't really accurate to say that you can deduct all gas costs from your Tesla's "actual cost of ownership" analysis.  Yes, you save massively on gas.  But, you do pay for electricity.  And, those charges can be meaningful, particularly if you charge your car at home during "peak" hours.  Stick to 12 midnight to 5 am!

FINAL VERDICT AFTER MY FIRST 30 DAYS?  Same as my initial verdict.  Tesla hit it out of the park with the Model S.  The Model S is like Ford's original Model T (that analogy came from my friend the Tesla technician, and he is absolutely right).  The Tesla is a game-changer.  Plain and simple.  It is one for the ages.  Yes, it is not perfect.  But, especially for a first model, it is pretty damn close.  And, there is no doubt that it will be a collector's item some day.

But, why wait?  Drive it now.  Don't garage it.  Discover what driving a car -- and buying a car -- is meant to be.  And, feel really good about it too, as you blow past gas-guzzling snarled traffic whilst driving in the HOV lane -- and breathing clean, very clean, air.

"Moneyball" Investing Poised to Disrupt the VC Game? Google Ventures Thinks So

As the new CEO of Manatt Digital Media Ventures, I play, in part, the VC game.  I and others at Manatt actively seek deal-flow and evaluate investment opportunities with early-stage digital media and tech companies in which we can add value.

Venture investing, of course, is a subjective exercise.  One person's "absolutely-in" investment decision is another person's immediate "pass."

Or is it?

That certainly is the conventional wisdom -- i.e., that venture capital is significantly based on individual differentiated intuitive judgment "calls" and gut feelings.  In the words of Matt McIlwain, managing director of Madrona Ventures, "the intuition part is ultimately the biggest factor."

Google Ventures, however, disagrees for the most part -- and takes its "big data" approach to anything into the realm of venture capital.  In a recent New York Times article, Bill Maris, managing partner of Google Ventures said the following:

"If you can't measure and quantify it, how can you hope to start working on a solution?  We have access to the world's largest data sets you can imagine, our cloud computer infrastructure is the biggest ever.  It would be foolish to just go out and make gut investments." 

Google's "big data" analytical approach to venture capital feels awfully like the Oakland A's "Moneyball" big data analytical approach to baseball that disrupted the game of baseball back in the day --  a sport that had been steeped in the subjective gut feelings of old-school baseball scouts who judged the look and feel of baseball prospects.

So, is Google doing the same thing here?

Let's take a closer look.  First, Google Ventures itself does not rely upon big data alone.  General partner Graham Spencer concedes that he is "distrustful of any single factor in determining entrepreneurial success."  Even further, in his words, "We would make an investment in a founder we really believed in, even if all the data said we're making a mistake."

This sounds closer to the traditional model of investment, although Google Ventures' approach falls significantly onto the analytical side of the spectrum.

Let's look at that "traditional" approach.  Yes, some VCs invest purely on "gut" feels.  But, based on my experience, that is the exception, rather than the norm.  Most VCs, instead, do weigh a number of "objective" factors, including the track record of a start-up's founders, CEO.  There are real numbers here.  According to the New York Times article, blue chip VCs Kleiner Perkins and Sequoia, for example, track "how many times a start-up is mentioned on Twitter, or where it ranks in the App Store."  And, of course, any good VC looks at the trajectory of the company's "traction" in terms of adoption when that kind of data is available.

So, yes, some VCs are purely data-driven, essentially throwing out the concept of subjectivity and judgment (Ironstone, for example).  And, some are on the complete opposite end of the spectrum (although these are very few -- and generally are angels).

In other words, perhaps we're all not so different after all?

At a minimum, I absolutely believe that "big data" will play an increasingly important role in the overall VC calculus.

Generally, the more data and factors smartly considered -- objective or subjective -- the better.

Tesla IS a Digital Media Company

My obsession with Tesla continues.

As you likely know, I am CEO of Manatt Digital Media Ventures, and I keep getting asked the same question -- i.e., what is "digital media"?  And, I keep giving the same unsatisfying answer -- i.e., I define that term very broadly.  Very broadly.

Case in point Tesla.  I could argue that Tesla is a digital media company.

Here is my rationale:

-- It is undisputed that Apple is a digital media company -- perhaps THE quintessential digital media company of the past decade;

-- Why? Because Apple seamlessly combines beautiful hardware with intuitive software and rich media services to create great immersive customer experiences (this has been Apple's recipe for disruption of the CE space);

-- Tesla, like Apple, seamlessly combines beautiful hardware with intuitive software and rich media services to create great immersive customer experiences (that is Tesla's recipe for disruption of the automobile space).  If you haven't sat in a Tesla Model S, go to a showroom near you and do it.  And, just take a look at the over-sized tablet computer that fills the entire console space between the two front seats.  That's where you access all rich media (essentially any music service you could ever want), your Google Maps for full-screen navigation, and -- a bit frighteningly -- full web searching as you drive!  And, Tesla is the first car company that updates your software throughout the life of your car, meaning that your immersive customer experience is always state-of-the-art (so long as the hardware -- the car itself -- can support it);

-- Given all of this above, and by the transitive property, Tesla is a digital media company.

And, for this reason, and as I have argued before, it is not inconceivable that Apple ultimately buys Tesla.  Yes, it would be audacious.  But, strategically, it could be seen as being a very logical move by Apple's part.  First the Mac.  Then the iPod.  Next the iPhone.  After that, the iPad.  Coming soon -- how soon? -- the iTV and Apple's long-anticipated quest to disrupt the living room experience.  What's after that?  Apple in your home away from home -- your car ...

It certainly has the cash ....

Apple E-Book Trial -- Isn't It Ironic, Don't Cha Think?

Apple e-book trial continues today -- and wraps this week.  All digital media eyes are on -- or should be on -- this trial.  Lots of ramifications.  For MFNs that have been at the core of media and entertainment deals since the beginnings of time.  For content creators and distributors of all stripes -- and their business models.

And, here's the ironic part.  In this trial, Apple is seen as being a "friend" of the content creators -- the publishers.  They are the ones challenging Amazon's $9.99 default e-book pricing with their "agency" model (in which the publisher sets the pricing).

Hmmm ... a $9.99 price point.  Sound familiar?  Yes, THAT is the same pricing Apple used as the default album pricing when it disrupted the online music world one decade ago via iTunes.  At that time, the music world viewed Apple as being the unfriendly ones ... like the publishing world views Amazon in the e-book world.  But, now, it is Apple that is fighting that familiar price point.

At the end of the day, content creators and owners of all stripes want MORE, not less, who fight to distribute their wares.  I wrote about this previously in TechCrunch -- and, this is why the Apple e-book trial should be viewed closely ... very closely ... by all in the online media game.

Oklahoma IS Getting Its Music Benefit!

After the recent devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma (and elsewhere), I wrote that musicians should band together to launch a major benefit/relief concert a la the 12-12-12 festival that followed the devastating East Coast hurricane last year.

Well, those wishes have come true!  Kings of Leon and the Flaming Lips will headline a major Tornado Relief festival in Oklahoma City on July 23rd.

The power of music lives on ...

Entrepreneurialism in LA -- My Keynote Speech to the LA Chamber of Commerce

As many of my long-time readers know, I recently became CEO of Manatt Digital Media Ventures and am now based in Los Angeles, where the digital media and technology scene is more vibrant than ever.  Last night, the LA Chamber of Commerce opened the "Bixel Exchange," a new center in downtown LA for tech entrepreneurs that offers (1) mentorship, (2) educational programs and meet-ups, and (3) connections and access.  The Los Angeles Times covered this launch (in an article in which I am quoted).

I was asked to give the keynote for the event, discussing the state of entrepreneurialism in LA -- and I subsequently moderated a panel that featured two LA accelerators (Launchpad and Amplify.LA), as well as Tech Coast Angels.

Here is my full speech:

Opening of Bixel Exchange & LA’S Entrepreneurial Community

MEMBERS OF THE CHAMBER … FELLOW ENTREPRENEURS OF ALL STRIPES -- I AM HUMBLED … AND HONORED … TO HAVE BEEN ASKED TO REPRESENT YOU AS WE CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THE BIXEL EXCHANGE -- A NEW HAVEN OF CREATIVITY TO FOSTER & ACCELERATE INNOVATION … PROVIDE MENTORSHIP AND CONNECTION … AND, A TOAST FROM THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO LA-BASED ENTREPRENEURS.

HERE’S THE THING.   HERE’S THE EXCITING -- BUT FREQUENTLY DAUNTING -- REALITY OF BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR.  YOUR PATH IS NEVER A STRAIGHT ONE.  IT TAKES A CAST-IRON STOMACH.  IF YOUR PLAN IS TO GO LEFT, MORE FREQUENTLY YOU SCRAP THAT ONE AND GO RIGHT …. SOMETIMES BY DESIGN ….  MOST USUALLY, NOT.  CERTAINLY THAT’S HOW MY CAREER HAS PLAYED OUT SO FAR.   AND HERE’S THE BEAUTY OF IT – I WOULDN’T HAVE WANTED IT ANY OTHER WAY (EVEN IN THOSE MOMENTS WHEN I GRABBED THE PEPCID AC).

MY CAREER ADVENTURE – NOW SHOCKINGLY NEARLY 25 YEARS OF IT! – IS ROUGHLY SPLIT 50-50 BETWEEN SO-CALLED TRADITIONAL “MEDIA” (THE MAJOR STUDIOS) -- AND NEW DIGITAL MEDIA/TECHNOLOGY (INCLUDING 4 START-UPS & GROWTH STAGE COMPANIES).  THIS CERTAINLY WAS NOT BY DESIGN (ALTHOUGH I COULD PLAY IT THAT WAY).   BUT, THIS SERENDIPITOUS AND CIRCUITOUS PATH HAS LED ME TO CERTAIN PERSPECTIVES ON WHAT ENTREPRENEURIALISM AND SUCCESS MEAN … I WILL GET TO THAT PUNCHLINE IN A MOMENT.

BUT FIRST, LOOKING BACK AT ALL OF MY MANY COMPANIES, EACH BUILT A VERY DIFFERENT KIND OF MEDIA “PRODUCT”.  SOME CREATED CONTENT.  SOME DISTRIBUTED IT.  BUT, ALL SHARED ONE FUNDAMENTAL THEME – ALLWERE STEEPED IN AND INSPIRED BY CREATIVITY, INNOVATION AND PASSION. INGREDIENTS THAT ARE FUNDAMENTAL TO IMPACTFUL EXPERIENCESIN OUR MULTI-SCREEN WORLD.  AND THAT MEANS THAT ALL OF THESE COMPANIES WERE STEEPED IN -- AND INSPIRED BY -- THE CREATIVE ENERGY THAT ISUNIQUELY LOS ANGELES.

YOU CAN FEEL THIS CREATIVITY – I FEEL IT – IN THE BUZZ AND ENERGY ALL AROUND US.  THAT’S WHY WE ARE HERE TONIGHT.  YOU CAN SEE IT HERE.  YOU CAN SEE IT WITHIN THE EVER-BUZZING WALLS OF THE 10+ MAJOR BUSINESS ACCELERATORS AND SHARED-SPACE START-UP WORKPLACES THAT HAVE SPROUTED IN THE CITY … LIKE AMPLIFY.LA  AND LAUNCHPAD, BOTH OF WHOM ARE HERE TONIGHT.  LIKE WEWORK LABS IN HOLLYWOOD.  YOU CAN’T HELP BUT SMILE AS YOU WALK AROUND THAT PLACE.  THERE IS AN UNBRIDLED URGE TO INNOVATE.  TO DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY.  TO DISRUPT!

I JUST RETURNED FROM A BUSINESS TRIP IN NYC.  I MET WITH A NUMBER OF VCS, START-UPS, MEDIA COMPANIES THERE.  IT WAS ENLIGHTENING.  ONE OF THOSE NYC VCS DIDN’T WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE NYC ENTREPRENEURIAL SCENE.  HE FOCUSED ON LA. “THE START-UP SCENE IS HOT HOT HOT IN LA,” HE SAID.  THAT’S WHY HE NOW FOCUSES HIS NEW INVESTMENTS RIGHT HERE.   I MET WITH A MAJOR NYC-BASED MEDIA COMPANY.  THEY ARE SETTING UP THEIR NEW VENTURE ARM RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW. 

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP’S CEO JUST MOVED HEADQUARTERS FROM NEW YORK TO LA.  IN HIS WORDS, “IF YOU WANT TO BUILD AN ENTERTAINMENT BRAND, THIS IS WHERE YOU NEED TO BE.”  THAT’S WHY GOOGLE IS HERE.  AMAZON IS HERE.  TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES ARE TRANSFORMING THEMSELVES INTO NEW MEDIA COMPANIES.

THIS ISN’T AN LA V. NEW YORK THING, THOUGH.  NOR IS IT AN LA V. SILICON VALLEY THING.  BUT, LET’S FACE IT, ONLY LOS ANGELES CAN STAKE THE CLAIM OF BEING THE HOME OF DIGITAL MEDIA – THE MARRIAGE OF MEDIA/CONTENT WITH TECHNOLOGY TO CREATE ENTIRELY NEW CONSUMER EXPERIENCES, AND ENTIRELY NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.  WHY?  BECAUSE CONTENT IS ABSOLUTELY KING.  AND RELATIONSHIPS DO MATTER.  TECHNOLOGY WITHOUT SUBSTANCE IS USELESS.  AND, LA STANDS APART WHEN IT COMES TO THOSE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS– NO OTHER PLACE COMES CLOSE.

THIS TIME – RIGHT NOW-- IS A SPECIAL TIME FOR LOS ANGELES.  WE ARE ABSOLUTELY IN THE MIDST – RIGHT NOW -- OF A DISRUPTIVE DIGITAL MEDIA REVOLUTION.  FREQUENTLY UNCOMFORTABLE.  SOMETIMES UNSETTLING.  BUT, ULTIMATELY REWARDING.  AND WE ARE FORTUNATE TO BE IN A POSITION TO DRIVE THAT CHANGE! 

THINK ABOUT IT.  DIGITAL MEDIA ULTIMATELY IS ABOUT HARNESSING NEW TECHNOLOGY TO SEND YOUR MESSAGES -- TELL YOUR STORIES  … TO VIRTUALLY ANYONE ON THIS PLANET -- ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.  THAT’S WHY THE THIRD SCREEN – THE SMART PHONE -- IS SO REVOLUTIONARY – IT IS WITH EACH OF US VIRTUALLY 24/7.  THINK ABOUT THAT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY!

BUT ALSO THINK ABOUT WHAT STORIES YOU WANT TO TELL, BECAUSE THIS REVOLUTIONARY FORM OF NEW DIRECT GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT CAN GO MUCH FURTHER THAN EXCITING NEW BUSINESS MODELS. 

 SOMETHING THAT IS PARTICULARLY EXCITING TO ME, IS DIGITAL MEDIA’S POWER TO ENABLE EACH OF US TO GENERATE GREATER SOCIAL IMPACT THAN EVER BEFORE POSSIBLE.  TO AMPLIFY OUR INDIVIDUAL VOICES.  TO REACH A GLOBAL AUDIENCE.  TO ESTABLISH NEW COMMUNITIES.   TO DO GOOD.  REAL TANGIBLE “GOOD” … AT SCALE.   WORLD-CHANGING GOOD.  

THAT’S WHAT LA-BASED PARTICIPANT MEDIA IS DOING.  IT IS A “DOUBLE BOTTOM LINE” MEDIA COMPANY WHERE SUCCESS IS MEASURED BY BOTH PROFIT ANDSOCIAL IMPACT … THE GREATER GOOD.  YES, IT IS OKAY TO LEAD REAL CHANGE, AND MAKE MONEY IN THE PROCESS.   THE COMPANY’S SELF-PROCLAIMED MISSION IS TO CREATE “ENTERTAINMENT THAT INSPIRES AND COMPELS SOCIAL CHANGE.”  I LOVE THAT WORD – “COMPELS.”  THEY ARE TRULY SUCCESSFUL ONLY IF THEY MOTIVATE ACTION.   THE FOUNDERS COME FROM SILICON VALLEY.  BUT THEIR OPERATIONS, CREATIVITY AND INSPIRATION ARE BASED RIGHT HERE – IN LA.   AND THEIR IMPACT IS GLOBAL IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD.   

ANOTHER EXAMPLE IS LA-BASED DIGITAL MEDIA START-UP GATHR, WHICH UNIQUELY HARNESSES THE CONNECTIVITY OF THIS BRAVE NEW ONLINE WORLD TO DRIVE DEMAND FOR GROUNDBREAKING INDEPENDENT FILMS.   TO FIND AN AUDIENCE FOR INSPIRING STORIES THAT OTHERWISE WOULD GO UNHEARD.

THAT’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN LA RIGHT NOW. 

SO HOW CAN WE BE PART OF THAT ENERGY?  HOW CAN WE ACCELERATE IT?  MULTIPLY IT?

HERE’S MY ANSWER -- BY IMMERSING YOURSELF IN IT.  BY BEING ENTREPRENEURS.   BY PURSUING EVERYTHING YOU DO WITH PASSION.  THATULTIMATELY IS WHAT ENTREPRENEURIALSIM IS ALL ABOUT.  PASSION IN OUR WORK.  IN COMPANIES BIG AND SMALL.  IN FOR PROFITS AND NON PROFITS.   IN OUR PLAY.  OUR FAMILIES.  OUR COMMUNITIES.  

 FOR ME, SUCCESS MEANS THE PURSUIT OF PASSION – NOT JUST THE ACHIEVEMENT OF FINANCIAL GAIN.   IT IS THE DAY-TO-DAY JOURNEY – THE “WHY” AND “HOW” YOU DO WHAT YOU DO.  THAT’S WHAT MATTERS MOST.

SO EMBRACE ENTREPRENEURIALISM.  EMBRACE SERENDIPTITY.  INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO THE PERSON NEXT TO YOU.  BUILD YOUR NETWORK … AUTHENTICALLY.   DON’T JUST LOOK FOR HELP.  HELP OTHERS … ENTHUSIASTICALLY.   AND, DON’T LOOK FOR IMMEDIATE PAY-BACK.  IT FREQUENTLY HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT.

… AND, OWN THE FACT THAT WE ARE FORTUNATE TO BE DOING THIS ALL IN THIS GREAT CITY OF LOS ANGELES. 

YesVideo -- Take Care of My Babies! MiniDV to Online Video Transfer

Today is a very big day indeed!  No, it isn't my milestone birthday (that was over the weekend ... which, by the way, was absolutely classic).  But, this one is about priceless memories as well.

As in priceless memories contained in nearly 70 MiniDV videotapes that I captured of my family from roughly 2000-2007 -- during the most early days of my kids' lives (they are now 10 and 13).

Today, I ship my kids -- at least the memories of my kids captured on tape -- off to YesVideo to transfer them online for streaming (no files yet) and, I believe, to DVDs (although DVDs are already outdated of course).  I literally am boxing them up, taking them to UPS, and mailing them away.  Which is a very scary proposition -- and one fraught with tremendous responsibility for both YesVideo and UPS.  After all, I have no duplicates.  As Eminem would say, "You only get one shot, don't miss your chance to blow, this opportunity strikes once in a lifetime, yo!"

I just recently learned about YesVideo.  My daughter and I had just been talking about how fun it would be to view all of these videos, which have been boxed up for years ... collecting dust.  The problem is that the video camera that we used to capture those videos has been M.I.A. for years.  That's the problem with technology -- once it becomes obsolete, you frequently left are in no man's zone.  And, I have been immersed in the video technology business for years!  So, I highly doubt that others -- tens of millions of us -- aren't facing the same thing.

THAT's the opportunity for YesVideo, which claims that more than 5 million families have already trusted them to transfer their videos online.  I now will be one of them.

Will they knock it out of the park a la Em in "Eight Mile"?

Stay tuned.  I will report back on my experience.

Apple -- Buying Tesla?

Apple is under pressure to unleash its "next big thing."  Apple's stock has dropped from highs that topped $700 and now trades at $440.  Expectations are high for next week's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (June 10-14).  Bottom line -- Tim Cook needs to excite both pundits and the Apple faithful again.

It is virtually a certainty that Apple next week will launch its long-anticipated "Pandora killer."  But, that certainly won't be enough.  The long-anticipated iWatch -- Apple's first new product category in a long time?  Perhaps.  But still not enough.

Apple's next really big thing most likely will be the iTV -- a beautiful flat-screen that seeks to disrupt the overall TV experience.  I have written about this several times -- and was amongst the first to expect this from Apple (when few believed that Apple would ever go there -- now most do).  Yes, that could be disruptive.  But, that won't happen next week.  It could happen later this year.

But, what about something entirely different and unexpected?  How about Apple moving into an entirely different product category that is completely out of left field and off the radar?  How about going someplace that essentially NO one would expect it to go?

What if Apple moves into the automobile market?

Sounds crazy?  Think about it.  Not really.  I had this "perhaps-not-so-crazy after all" thought on my way to the gym this morning.  As I listened to my Vampire Weekend, I thought it actually would make a lot of sense.  And, the natural entry point would be Tesla.  Buying Tesla -- a company about which I have written extensively and absolutely believe in.

Here's why?

Both Apple and Tesla are disruptive companies, redefining their respective industries.

Both Apple and Tesla are fundamentally "hardware" companies -- but both beautifully marry software and services with that hardware to create revolutionary product "experiences" that delight and evoke passion (and deep customer loyalty).  THAT is each company's special sauce.

Both Apple and Tesla's roots are in Silicon Valley -- and remain there, far removed from others in their markets.  In the heart of innovation -- in a location that attracts some of the greatest and most innovative and creative minds.

Both Apple and Tesla were founded and driven by visionary charismatic leaders.

And, finally, the automobile is -- just think about it -- a natural extension for Apple to take its experiential prowess, so long as it has the ability to execute.  It already has the dominated the mobile hardware market initially with the iPod, then the iPhone, then the iPad.  It absolutely will look to dominate the in-home experience with the upcoming iTV.  It makes sense strategically to overlay that experience into our out-of-home domains -- i.e., the car -- and immerse us seamlessly in cloud-based services.  Buying Tesla -- rather than creating its own "Tesla killer" -- is the only way to go.

It would be bold.  It would be brash.  And, it would be a great use of Apple's cash.  Cash which pours out of its coffers.

Apple's overall market cap is now $441 billion.  Tesla's is now $11 billion -- and its been on a tear.  And, I absolutely believe it will continue to rocket over time, because I believe Tesla is here to stay.  So, now -- or soon -- would be the time for Tim Cook to make that audacious move, assuming he has the stomach for it.

That, I believe he does.

But, would Elon Musk sell?  He certainly doesn't need to sell.  And, as I said, he is the new Steve Jobs.  He likely is in it for the long haul.  Why wouldn't he be?  He is revolutionizing the world with Tesla, SpaceX, Solar City.  He is taking a place in the history books.

Unless, just maybe, he considers it.  Unless Apple offers him and his shareholders a number that he and they can't refuse.

It would need to be an audaciously and ridiculously high number.

But, if anyone could do it, Apple could.

And, it makes a lot of sense ... a lot ....

I know it sounds crazy.

But, is it?

Tesla -- The Experience -- A Review

Tesla is the next Apple.  That's certainly what it feels like.  Same obsessively innovative products.  Same obsessively clean "user-friendly" products.  Same obsessively rabid customers.

I am now one of them.

Saturday morning, I picked up my new Tesla S -- after waiting about 6 weeks from the time I ordered  (the picture below shows my joy at pick-up time -- wearing a shirt that my kids don't want me to wear ever again, especially when driving the car -- "daddy, that looks like the kind of guy who loves their car more than their kids!").

Here's my review of the entire Tesla customer experience from start to finish.  I absolutely believe it is a digital media/technology story and relevant to all of us on many levels.  This company is disruptive.  Defines disruptive.

First, why did I buy a Tesla?

I saw one -- drove one -- wanted one.

I justified the overall price tag by reminding myself that Teslas are eco-friendly -- am doing something for the environment.  I justified the overall price tag by reminding myself that I now will be able to use the HOV lanes on my long commutes back and forth from San Diego to LA for my new gig as CEO of Manatt Digital Media Ventures.  I justified the overall price tag by reminding myself that I no longer will need to buy gas (saving at least $400/month) and will receive both a $7500 federal tax credit and a $2500 state rebate.

But, most of all, I simply wanted one.  Let's be honest here.

I made my first call to Tesla on April 17th -- connecting with product specialist and sales team lead Sean LaFond.  This first conversation began a different kind of customer relationship and different level of customer engagement than I believe I have experienced for any kind of product.  Sean simply was a very different kind of car sales specialist.  He was deeply knowledgable.  He was engaging and patient.  He was incredibly helpful.  And, most importantly, he was filled with pride and passion for what he does ... what Tesla does ... and what Tesla and its products represent.  Sean clearly felt empowered and privileged to be part of the Tesla family.  Very Apple-like indeed.

Sean and I interacted throughout my six weeks from start to finish.  He walked me through my initial configuration and online purchase (yes, you purchase this car online -- there are no dealerships, only showrooms).  He helped me with my ongoing questions (I had several).  He introduced me to all of the various personalities involved in my Tesla experience team.  And, once he did, they frequently reached out to me -- called me!  In addition to great guy Sean, there were "Credit Specialist" Mark Paul (financing), "Inside Delivery Experience Specialist" Vassha Lutchman (my personal Tesla ambassador) and, finally, Mike Cornwell  and Christina Breitenberg-Scavuzzo who brought it all home when I picked up my car on Saturday (Mike and Christina are pictured with me below in a very Elon Musk-like pose).

Again, these were real people.  These were people who really cared.  It was a very personal experience.

When I ordered my car 6 weeks back, I was given an estimate of time for start-to-finish -- a possible mid-June date was given.  I pushed back hard -- really wanted my car prior to my upcoming big bday (those who know me, know what that number is).  My update about one week ago was a pick-up date on June 7.  But, then, on Thursday, I received a call from Vaasha -- she left a message with "good news."  Good news indeed.  I picked up my car June 1.

(Below is a picture of my two kids, Hunter and Luca -- Hunter holding our new dog Cooper -- in the San Diego service center).

By now, you likely know all about the Tesla Model S.  It is beautiful in virtually every respect.  One of the most beautiful high-performance cars on the road today (I chose black) -- you will not believe the car's power and acceleration until you drive one.  The future of electric cars is here now.  That's what the Model S represents.  The interior is dominated by the large tablet-style screen in the middle -- incredible.  Not just a gimmick -- it is a highly functional and efficient work of art.  And, of course, Tesla is the first car company to feature continuous automatic software updates during the ownership of your car, meaning that your overall feature set and experience never become obsolete (even if the battery ultimately may be).  You can even download an app to remotely control certain actions (such as cooling the interior of your car) and to access certain critical diagnostics (most importantly, amount of charge in the battery).  Need to know where the nearest charging station is?  There's an app (multiple apps, actually) for that!

Do I have some quibbles with the Tesla S and my overall Tesla experience?  Of course.  First, for a car that aims for perfection, I was surprised that there were no auto "comfort-doors" that gently pull the doors inward to close with a light touch (I had this technology 8 years ago in my BMW 750Li).  Instead, old-world slamming is necessary.  Second, the overall interior definitely feels a bit cold and tech-y.  Don't get me wrong, I generally like it.  But, other luxury cars certainly are "warmer."  Third, Tesla definitely is experiencing some growing pains (which, by the way, is a very good thing; I'd rather have growing pains than the alternative -- Tesla is no Fisker).  Here's an example, I was originally told my car would be available on Memorial Day (May 27), but then subsequently was informed that the May 27 date was mistaken (which then took me to the June 7th date -- which then, as indicated above, pleasantly moved back to June 1st).  And, in the final two weeks -- and for the first time -- a few of my phone calls and emails languished uncharacteristically for a couple days (which led to some frustration on my part and a candid conversation or two).  One more thing, my delivered car was not flawless.  I noticed a small "ding" on one of the doors.  And, on pick-up day at the end of my "guided tour" of my new Model S, my Tesla team informed me that the detailing team was unable to remove a few water spots from the hood of my car.  They reassured me, however, that Tesla would take care of those issues on their dime and at my convenience.  So, "what, me worry?"  Not a chance.

Those are fairly small quibbles in the scheme of things and in an otherwise transformative car buying experience.  Just like Apple disrupted the technology business and consumer hardware, Tesla is disrupting the automobile market.  Brilliant technology, driven by brilliant design, passion and dedication to the cause of great customer experience.  And, oh yes, to the cause of accelerating adoption of electric cars for the sake of the planet.

I firmly believe that this is just the beginning for Tesla -- and the beginning of the Tesla revolution.  This really feels like Apple back in 2002-2003 when it had just introduced the first iPod and launched iTunes.  And, if Tesla performs anywhere near Apple, then all of we believers will be pleased.  Very.  In myriad respects.  Lines will be out the showroom doors -- just like Tesla cars are lining up all around San Diego (I am seeing them everywhere).

My kudos to Elon Musk and the entire Tesla team.

I am a believer.  So much so that I didn't just buy the car, I also bought the stock 6 weeks back.  Am pleased to own a small piece of what Tesla represents.