You're asking me to justify reading books that are recommended by someone I admire? Seems like such a trollish request! But I've liked some of your comments, so I'll try to answer straightforwardly.
I often read books for information, ideas of how to approach problems, and also for inspiration/motivation/reassurance/encouragement. That's what I hope to get.
Now, Drew is a very clear thinker, eg in his YC application., but obviously reading books that he's found valuable is not going to suddenly make me as clear as him - but it might help [I actually deleted that from my original comment because it seemed sort of irrelevant to the question].
Now, for these specific books, I've liked Steve Blank's blog, but if Drew has followed or used that book somewhat, that would be a significant recommendation. I have some doubts, because it seems to be a fact-driven approach, and sometimes the facts can't be ascertained - eg customers can't want something they can't imagine; you have to build it first and show it. (eg The Innovator's Dilemma). Drew mentions this in people weren't actively looking for what we were making and 'I didn't realize I needed this' (#27,28). I also think that being too focused on specific questions can close your mind off from serendipity. But that's just my opinion.
I have to say that what Drew has done is just so cool: a new technology-based product that is revolutionary. The slides also have some of that magical sheen of founder folklore. Although my last software business supports me financially, the technology wasn't revolutionary and it didn't start a revolution in usage. I hope my present one will be closer to it (that would be awesome!). I do have a bit of a "fan" attitude to Drew's success; perhaps that's why you're requesting justification.
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And what do you expect the books to do for you?
You're asking me to justify reading books that are recommended by someone I admire? Seems like such a trollish request! But I've liked some of your comments, so I'll try to answer straightforwardly.
I often read books for information, ideas of how to approach problems, and also for inspiration/motivation/reassurance/encouragement. That's what I hope to get.
Now, Drew is a very clear thinker, eg in his YC application., but obviously reading books that he's found valuable is not going to suddenly make me as clear as him - but it might help [I actually deleted that from my original comment because it seemed sort of irrelevant to the question].
Now, for these specific books, I've liked Steve Blank's blog, but if Drew has followed or used that book somewhat, that would be a significant recommendation. I have some doubts, because it seems to be a fact-driven approach, and sometimes the facts can't be ascertained - eg customers can't want something they can't imagine; you have to build it first and show it. (eg The Innovator's Dilemma). Drew mentions this in people weren't actively looking for what we were making and 'I didn't realize I needed this' (#27,28). I also think that being too focused on specific questions can close your mind off from serendipity. But that's just my opinion.
I have to say that what Drew has done is just so cool: a new technology-based product that is revolutionary. The slides also have some of that magical sheen of founder folklore. Although my last software business supports me financially, the technology wasn't revolutionary and it didn't start a revolution in usage. I hope my present one will be closer to it (that would be awesome!). I do have a bit of a "fan" attitude to Drew's success; perhaps that's why you're requesting justification.