Creation of Web Start-Up Firms

Before [Jack] Solomon draws such conclusions that many new Internet companies’ financial successes are from “luck,” unethical or poorly thought-out schemes, he needs a bit more investigation (“Y2K Bug Eats Into Our Social Fabric,” Valley Perspective, Nov. 7).

It appears different to me (also an outside observer of the IPO thing). Few are ever rewarded by chance or luck, whether it be as an English professor or Internet entrepreneur. These start-up companies and recently gone public Internet companies he refers to are created by creative, hard-working, almost obsessed people. Yes, possibly too interested in money, and yes, too much reward [is] given for their success, but [they are] not to be faulted for a loss of what Mr. Solomon refers to as the Protestant work ethic.

BARRY SHAFFER

Tarzana