Would it be better for an investigative journalist who specializes in the oil industry to partake in the oil industry, or strictly comment? Would it be better for, say, an individual reporting to congress on a certain industry, healthcare and such, to take part in that industry, or strictly comment?
Seeing as TC is his biggest investment, and the main purpose of the blog is to deliver unbiased, somewhat investigative, pieces on the startup sector, it'd probably be in his best interest to pull out of companies that might bring about future accusations of Michael and TC being biased.
The two most insightful essays I've read on oil came from a hedge fund that had a giant long position, and a commodity trader with a giant short position. You can fund a lot of research, and a lot of farting around with facts and figures, if you have billions of dollars riding on the outcome.
As long as it is mild and transparent I don't mind it. I don't know about the oil industry, but I do know if there is a group reporting to congress on Healthcare I would prefer it to be primary care doctors and hospitalists. I definately want the right people to speak and have a stake in the industry.
Seeing as TC is his biggest investment, and the main purpose of the blog is to deliver unbiased, somewhat investigative, pieces on the startup sector, it'd probably be in his best interest to pull out of companies that might bring about future accusations of Michael and TC being biased.
I guess you really can't please everyone.