I appreciate your response, and I know many share your perspective.
I want to clarify that I am not claiming all startups founders will _lie_ to you. What I am saying is that while their statements may be true now, it is highly unlikely what they tell you will remain true, and whether or not it does will likely be out of their control. Parallels can be seen in Oculus' infamous "guarantee" that they would not require Facebook integration. The deal will be altered, sooner or later.
It _is_ really hard for most people, because equity is confusing and exciting and sexy. I'll continue to expound a cynical approach because the other side is full of powerful, wealthy stakeholders who have a lot to gain from wide-eyed engineers being misinformed.
I want to clarify that I am not claiming all startups founders will _lie_ to you. What I am saying is that while their statements may be true now, it is highly unlikely what they tell you will remain true, and whether or not it does will likely be out of their control. Parallels can be seen in Oculus' infamous "guarantee" that they would not require Facebook integration. The deal will be altered, sooner or later.
It _is_ really hard for most people, because equity is confusing and exciting and sexy. I'll continue to expound a cynical approach because the other side is full of powerful, wealthy stakeholders who have a lot to gain from wide-eyed engineers being misinformed.