Quote: “You not naive enough to believe we live in a democracy – buddy – its the free market” – the whole world have been believing in this bullshit from an old movie…. wow.

If someone had just shown this to Greenspan – he might not have been Greenspank now… But very straight and a real person (just shows that controle is beyond hard)- Quote: “I did not really get it”…see interview

PS. the real gaga was around last week when lost of big funds wnated the markets closed for 1-2 weeks – until stability would be around – but hey – no one asked for that after yesterdays US stocks 11% up…

Someone (maybe me) did this very simple to inspire and kick start your inner entrepreneur… Everyone and his dog is talking about recession – and NEARLY EVERYONE is HIT. But lets turn it upside down – this is the period of time where opportunity is MAX.

WARNING: its simple – not original / copy / paste / emotional.

Linus asked me “what can Robots do – are they real…” Hard question! Well – they can do nearly anything you can tech them – but cleaning your room might be difficult – but on the other hand they can play soccer… And they are used for industry – and for nerds to play with. A bit scary this movie – but also a proof of the trust we (engineres) have in these machines… And there is a fine line between real and dream with robots – watch this

I seldomly get really impressed with websites – but here is an eyeopener to USERINTERFACE+CONTENT+MAGIC – all in one. (You have to update Flash – but its SO WORTH IT). And OK – I admit it – Im a big Oasis fan.

Via TP from HelloGroup

I was speaking at the Art Directors Club in Berlin last week – and I got really passionate after a Speakers Dinner at a fantastic club the night before. These guys are all – smart – clever – good at thinking creatively and really (most of them) born to make change. (And they where mostly very cool – but – well – 30% of them not really proud of their work). So I gave this pretty hard – for germany – short pre presentation.

My bonus – was to meet Ralf Schmerberg – the guy behind this amassing Nike Video and the fantastic Dropping Knowledge (enjoy the start video). Im really moved by his way of looking at things – and the impact his visuals have…

In Denmark – we have a 100% tax sponsored national radio, tv and www.dr.dk – it’s second to none the most amasing television and radio and web you can find. Journalist are top dogs and the quality of the entertainment-  the produce is killer. On top of that the kids content is propably the best in the world (but only in Danish). This institution (Danish Radio) also run a yearly event called http://www.newmediadays.dk/

“New Media Days is where Scandinavian professionals from both traditional and new media converge to create the media of tomorrow. The event takes place in Copenhagen on October 8-9 2008 and will bring together more than 800 participants from all parts of the media world.”

– a pretty good event (you can say that its Reboot 24 months delayed – but Reboot is always extremely forefront – so that OK). What really really makes me wonder – is the fact that they yesterday gave the Special Price of Hornor to Lisbeth Knudsen – head of Berlingske Media – stating that she’s has done something special over the last years for the industry – reality is that they have done some beautifull websites and some pretty interesting restructuring but NOTHING SPECIAL consindering that they are a media company. That so fucked up. They could have given Lisbeth the price for being one of the most intelligent Danes – but the audience really showed how little they have interest in New Media by this choice – straight crazy.

DBA should ofcourse have had the price (transforming a paper to the most profitable Danish online company – but they dont do conferences – they work hard) or
Mygdal (one man army innovating for real – and challenging the whole world with his persistant brilliant mind)- or
Euroinvestor.dk (very profitable) or
Freeway should have been reelected – or
Mediaprovider.dk‘s founders – or

Ekstra Bladet (Soren is good and smart – and get insane CPM for showing naked Girls (side 9 is about 33% of all trafic) ;)

And I dont even want to comment on the fact that DR’s own website Bonanze won a price as well…

Last week I had the incredible fortune to meet with Richard Branson – after he invited me into his latest project. I cant say much – its about enviroment. What I can say though – is that the mann and his team is even more impressive then he apears when you read about his power and balls.

To be continued.

Imagine what a brand can do – and then think again. First Mr. Buffet took Goldman Sachs in an insane deal – and got shares at a silly price including interest + and unheard of option package. And now he took GE shares preferred – just because EVERYONE NEEDS his name. That’s BRAND VALUE!!

The only “problem” for him – is that if he keeps his growthrate – he will own all cash in the world in 30years ;)

And i have to bring my favrite quote again:

“Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked.”

Dear valued reader – I want to share a possitive story with you.

Via one of the funds I’m involved with im very proud to be investor in Httpool.com in Slovenia – and it really lives up to my number one criteria: GOOD PEOPLE. The team is outstanding and the growth is stellar – the plan is to build the largest global ad network focused on emerging markets.. And VCs from all over the world are now head over heals to get in. As always it will take another couple of years to become worth 200mio€ – but Im 100% confident it will.

About the Company (Well besicly its an online advertising network)
Established in 2000, Httpool is the leading Central and Eastern European full service online
advertising provider, with international reach and focus on emerging markets. Httpool is an
optimal partner for international clients addressing emerging markets, local advertisers
seeking a one-stop solution, large publishers struggling to monetize their international traffic,
and local publishers trying to increase their revenue potential through diversified advertising
and international budgets

SOME OF THE KEY STATISTICS HIGHLIGHTINGS STRENGTHS
1. 10 offices in Central and Eastern Europe, Germany and the United States,
2. 25+ international partnerships with major networks, exchanges and publishers,
3. 50+ online media specialists across 10 offices,
4. 1B+ monthly impressions on 3.000+ sites,
5. 2.000+ successful campaigns for 600+ referential clients in 2007,
6. 36% market share and 90%+ reach on markets established prior 2008,
7. Proprietary leading contextual advertising solution in Southeastern Europe,
8. World-class technologies; from DCLK, RMX, nugg.ad to SearchForce.

I have been looking at 20-30 different companies/ideas/people – to try make a business out of helping companies (with an online presence) to have more success (GET MORE TRAFFIC and SELL MORE) with search engines and online marketing. Its an obviuos KILELR BUSINESS if its done right.

If you know an english service like this – please put a link in the comments.

Im thingking SEO – bot aswords or banners. Within the banner advertising and affiliate network area we have since the very early days seen big companies – DounbleClick, 24/4, TradeDoubler, Zanox and many more – but no one has really been able to put SEO on bottles and sell it as a service yet.

I think Mr. Demib (the wacky Danish super SEO master) has found a way – where online properties can really gain value – no english site yet – see http://www.seosupport.dk – its advisory meets consulting meets elearning – and will be HUGE – Everybody and his dog need help to understand the world of SEO.

First of all I’m really really sorry to say that my Newspaper project did not survive – not sorry for me (I take all responsibilities) – I just hate myself for bringing other people (employees and partners) and service providers into trouble – it feels unfair and coward-like… The recession and my stupid communications over summer (we delivered the yearly report 2 months too late) killed us. The simple explanation is that sales did not meet budgets and therefore since Thursday I have been talking to the people backing me and to myself (I have personally put DKK 105 million into this project – money that I have been borrowing – VERY BAD CHOICE) – and over that weekend I had to make a hard decision.

DKK 75 million was suddenly not enough – since the price to break- even suddenly doubled – and after working 9 months 24/7 (having learned more then the previous 10 years) with an increasingly dried up (dead) financial market – I simply could not see a way to continue…..

5 REASONS for my Sunday decision

1) Budgets tilted
– and all the cash I injected after summer was sucked up by the Tax Gyus – and August salary became a problem) – the August sales came in at only 60% of budget (we were canceled off media plans due to the negative press we received in July and our job market initiative lost traction) and pre-booked sales suggested that September sales would miss budget by a similar percentage or more (and this is despite that fact that we were still selling more advertising millimeters than any other newspaper in Denmark).

2) Overall Danish (Global) recession

– it’s coming with an ugly speed – and the first thing that retailers and big advertisers will cut = advertising. Today Media Market in Borsen even talks about no difference without Nyhedsavisen in the market.

3) I’m too inexperienced
– I’m too soft, too optimistic and romantic – I did not have enough pessimistic fantasy to imagine that budgets could break so fast – and that the recession is reality – it is all very strange. My management skills are beaten by any kindergarden manager (I respect them a lot by the way)..

4) Competition
– all papers in Denmark starts every morning by carrying money to work – and we have been working for the advertisers – and with pre-booked sales for September suggesting that we may actually sell less than in May, I suddenly started to doubt whether we could make money even in a JV with another player*. Prices never go up as fast as they go down – and competition will not stop with one competitor less.

5) My EGO
– suddenly I was afraid whether I was doing this to prove myself and because of the love of changing industries. I saw all my own cash being GONE – and personal bankruptcy as an option (I’m fighting it THESE DAYS since my funds dont give any cash – my investments have no value in a stressed sale – but dont feel sorry for me -> that’s how entrepreneurs work) – and suddenly I got a wakeup call.
Conclusion: Since I invest with passion and with a naive trust in management – I should only do smaller deals.


THE RATIONALE:
Even in a partnership with Metro or Berlingske – we would not be able to make money within 12 months!
*When Svenn Dam told me that on our trip to Stockholm after visiting Metro – I started sweating in that cold way – you know what I mean?

THE PARTNERSHIPS:

Metro
We asked Metro for a sales price for the Danish operation and as an alternative suggested a JV – but they obviously have way to much self confidence with Kinnevik (a VERY STRONG holding) backing them. And despite their trouble in the stock market – I felt that they would not give up – and join our wild operation. But I really had the hope – and our talks with their chairman were very open.

Berlingske (Mecom’s Danish operation)
I have had 15-20 conversations (calls and breakfast) with David Montgomery since June – Berlingske wanted to help us to close down (but I never wanted to do so – I have really believed in this with my heart). This Irishman with 35 years in the industry has been playing me like a piano – always suggesting collaboration – potentially buying – but always just cool and impossible to get a firm agreement with. Even when we 3 weeks ago sent an offer to take over Berlingske (see my previous post on how much under pressure they are) – David has been cool and just saying: “Morten – there are no magic bullets – I’ve been in many newspaper wars and it takes a long time and costs a lot of money – but it never really changes anything…”. On behalf of Baugur and Me – I proposed a deal where we would have closed down Nyhedsavisen solvently and then I should work for Mecom out of London- as a consultant (and this is subject to a lot of speculation – since some people think that I was not allowed to negotiate about this). The fact is that Mecom probably didn’t have the interest (nor the money) – and I could not find money to shut down solvently. It actually hurts me that rumours say I have been paid to close down – I would never EVER take money to do that without then closing the paper paying everyone what they were owed. And yes we had negotiations – but hey FUCK – isn’t that pretty normal when you have lost DKK 100 million? So FUCK you idiots – using your self pity to put this out.

JP/Politiken
I have had a couple of talk with them – but they have their Metro interest – amd they ALSO smelled that I was starting to doubt – what other reason would I have to call… (Yes I’m not too smart).

Norway
The top 3 Norwegian papers are all gongho – on trying to take over Edda – the Norweigen part of Mecom. They had designed a hostile takeover of Mecom’s loans trying to buy GBP 600 million of loan for less than face value – and that way get the control of Mecom the day they could not meet their debt governance ratios on the loans. But this was too far fetched with my wallet size.

SPECIAL THANX

– All employees
I have had +50 sms/emails from employees who lost their jobs and feel sorry for me – strange – that’s so amazing. And during “bankruptcy aftermath drinking” – no one blamed me – all positive. Thats probobly first time in history)

– Baugur and Thordis from Stodir who gave me this chance – and the most fair deal EVER and NEVER jumped out of any commitment (and I would do this again if I could guaranty a solvent closing).
…
– Morten Nissen Nielsen – this gyus works like no one else – a bit young in his management style and optimistic – but DEEP RESPECT.
– Simon Andersen (this guy will be BIG)
– Michael Elmhoff from distribution – who handled the closedown in Aarhus and all the violent threats from the newspaper delivery employees
– My Family and Friends – who haven’t been able to talk to me for 9 months

SPECIAL NOTE

Call me stupid – not trustworthy – whatever –  it’s OK – I fucked up. I take all responsibility. It was MY MONEY (and all I had and had access too) – and it will be 18-24 months in hell from here – but I will start and invest with my knowledge and build companies for life – and I’m scared but not stopping – Im just back to ventures without money. Sorry.

THE (SEMI) BITTER AFTERMATH – from an optimistic id(ea)iot

Nyhedsavisen have done something historic (let’s call it a DKK 1 billion gift to The Danish Democracy) – and its unfair that Berlingske and JP/Politiken gets DKK 300 million in government subsidies – while Metro and Nyhedsavisen gets nothing – cal me bitter :)

If just the financial markets would have picked up in MAY – ohhh – we could have done it. FUCK FUCK FUCK I hate to loose – and I will see my psychiatrist to get over this – and not get bitter… There are so many things that we could have done if.. if… if… :) But the fact that USA (land of the free) handed over their credit institutions Freddie & Fannie to the state sunday and Lehmann Brothers down 50% yesterday – these events can tilt the world economy :( – and all my startups are hurting from it. No money in the market.

I never in my life had a lawsuit and hope it will stay this way – but given my personal guarantees it might be hard to avoid this time – fingers crossed.

I said that I would not give up until my arms and legs where cut of – and basicly thats NOW. I followed my instinct – and failed – and I will do it again – probably not this big a deal – but lots of smaller. I’ll be back

I have been trough hell this summer with Nyhedsavisen – because media is writing about media with a passion that very much surpases the size of the company. And today something significant happened – and NO PAPER TOOK IT UP – no one chose to write about it.

Berlingske Media lost DKK 78 million in first half of 2008 and has launched into a down-ward death spiral!!

Im NOT HAPPY ABOUT OTHERS PROBLEMS – but someone needs to publish it – Borsen, Berlingske and JP did not..

After months of nothing but EVIL spin about Nyhedsavisen, it seems very strange (but of course predictable) that NO-ONE is writing about how serious the situation is for Berlingske Media as they are loosing money BIG TIME and fighting for its life with its parent group up to its neck with debt.

Here are the numbers for Berlingske that were announced today:

For new readers beware that ”exceptional items” is accounting language for BULLSHIT. Reducing staff and restructuring the organization are REAL cost of running a business in a down-turn and next year there will just be new “exceptional items”.

If you want to see how AMAZINGLY small a font “exceptional items” can be written in, see their presentation and accountson www.mecom.co.uk/investors (do they think small fonts make the problem go away?)

On top of this they will BULLSHIT even more with long talks about online growth when in fact only 5% of total revenue comes from online (90m versus 1.7 billion of newspaper revenue) – FUCK ALL and does not in ANYWAY compensate for the 13% loss in advertising revenue they had just in first half of 2008.

Furthermore, the loss of DKK 78 million is before interest so the parent Mecom has to crack the whip in other countries in order to service their DKK 6 BILLION DEBT! Bankers are knocking on the board room door as we speak as the terms state that the loan cannot exceed 3.5 times the group earnings (EBITDA). And this is not your standard bank overdraft – if you breach the terms you are TOAST!

Nyhedsavisen is squeezing Berlingske on EVERY FRONT and anyone who has spent 5 MINUTES in the newspaper business knows that you CANNOT staff cut your way out of a seriously accelerating advertising loss.

All in all – Berlingske is going DOWN!!

Of course this should also be of interest to JP/Politiken as there business completely mirrors Berlingske’s challenges with only ONE exception: they haven’t really started firing people yet!! Luckily, employees on JP/Politiken have a BOOMING job section in Nyhedsavisen to look forward to!!

And while I’m at it, why is no-one writing about the Metro BULLSHIT about 16% double coverage of Metro and 24 Timer when it is in fact 44%!! How can anyone be in ANY DOUBT that their business concept is so obviously thrown together using the exact same calculators the management used to DESTROY TV2 with!!

LONG LIVE NYHEDSAVISEN !!

This video made me fall in love with a trustfund, blond, bimbo, pop, porn, fashion, celeberty – bullshitter. Paris Hilton is playing the role – better then any sitcom or soap could EVER do it. Bye Bye Mcain

Only in Danish sorry

Kære alle
Interessen for Nyhedsavisen har de seneste dage været enorm. Det forstår jeg godt. Og jeg er stolt over og glad for at kunne fortælle alle, at vi i aktionærkredsen i 365 Media Scandinavia A/S er blevet enige om vilkårerne for tilførsel af den fornødne kapital til fortsættelse af driften i Nyhedsavisen og Morgendistribution Danmark. Vi indsender derfor vores regnskab torsdag morgen.

1) Jeg vil gerne UNDSKYLDE overfor alle vores kunder og ansatte at forhandlingerne mellem aktionærerne har trukket ud.

2) Jeg medgiver at det kan virke uprofessionelt – som de lærde, eksperterne og min mor har valgt at antyde – men det er et mindre mirakel, at tingene er lykkedes – midt i en sommerferie og en finansiel krisetid hvor selv Korsbæk er i knæ.

3) Jeg har aldrig tidligere i mine 80 virksomheder haft så dygtige medarbejdere, ledere og bestyrelse.

4) Jeg har stadig absolut kontrol med selskabet – og min finansielle partner er i verdenseliten.

5) Jeg giver ALDRIG op – om jeg så skal ende som ham Monty Python ridderen, der råber og skriger – selv om han har mistet både arme og ben!

PS. Hvis du skal have kunder i din butik – og tænker på at bruge avis-annoncering – så deler vi 450.000 aviser ud til de mest interessante hjem hver morgen inden 07.00– og vores fantastiske konkurenter Jyllands-Posten, Politiken og Berlingske Tidende deler 120.000 ud. Vi er ikke meget billigere – men effekten er rigtig god.

PPS. Der bliver ikke mere kommunikation fra mig – nu skal der arbejdes.

This stuff realy moved something inside me – more pictures here via Google images. (I wonder if Google images is legal from a copyright point of view)

Im not into cars – but I must say that I subscribed to this show – because the presenter is crazy and the way they cut it is stellar…

3 rd larget social network in Spanish speaking worldEnrique whos is running this show – is just stellar – and I cant wait to se what will happen after the whole thing has been shaped up and given the look of a supermodel with a usability gurus touch ;) – we are now getting offers to sell and I cant wait to what will happen the next 3 monhs….

See alexa – wow –

PS. sorry for being such a lazy ass on posting – my twitters are pretty much upto date – and the face book pictures are good.

Its not possible for me to describe wth words how proud I am of Tommy Ahlers – with whom I started Zyb. Its sold today for 31mio€ to Vodaphone – and besides a THE VERY BRAVE VC
(Henrik Albersen from Nordic.com ) only Tommy and the amasing team can take credit for this one…

And for me: Its incredible to do it time after time ;) – sorry – I had to say it. AND IT IS!

I have had small chit chat conversations about headsets a lot over the last 3-4 months. No one I know is using a bluetooth headset – not even friend who have invested in it. And I think I have a conclusion:

1) You always loose them
2) You never have the charger with you
3) A wired headset is seems better

Wired headset bonus for me: When i drop my phone (happens 1-2times a day) – the wire saves it from hitting the ground more hen 90% of the time :)

Interesting interview with Eric Google