The NDA: sexy or lame?

Perhaps some of you may have noticed that this blog has transformed slightly in the scant few years since it began. In concept it would be a platform to relay exploits, tales of our business, and any whimsical anecdotes that I would deem blog-worthy. The business aspect has largely been missing, and that is the direct result of three little letters: NDA

The non-disclosure agreement is something that entered our lives when we first ventured into the consulting side of things some time ago. It has since morphed into a staple of what we do and the first thing that gets sent to clients and potential investors alike. Because of these agreements, I have little information I can or am willing to divulge on the interwebs where it can be seen by anyone, forever. Those people with whom I have the good fortune to chat with every once in a while will no doubt be in on what we're doing more specifically, and I like it that way.


To hit my point though, I find it amusing this NDA. I'm sure young twenty-somethings fresh out of school working for the big boys in NY are quick to bring into conversations that they cannot talk about their clients, or "we're under a strict NDA, sorry" as they beam about it inside their heads. I'll gladly admit I can understand the appeal. It's akin to being in on a joke, or being invited to a cool-kid party (that's what they called them right?) There is a bit of sexiness with it, and some folks out here and I'm sure back at home will ride the wave as long as it presents itself, and there is nothing wrong with that. What happens though to the people that are forced (I'll say forced out here since it seems appropriate for much of the expat social life) to interact with that person for an extended period of time? How quickly does the luster wear off, how quickly does the 'bull-shit' alarm go off? When does it simply become lame?

I'll say this, and I'm being cynical: We are all full of a lot of hot air here, nearly every expat in some regard and in no way to I remove myself from this, so as with this, I think everyone listens to stories from others with a grain of salt added, or perhaps several grains. The NDA-laced "I cant say who our clients are" story is one that while at the outset cool, quickly has people piling salt. For better or worse.

I still think it's a little cool.