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Jason Calacanis recently penned a post titled "Startup Handbook: How to identify and deal with the slow masses, knowledgeable skeptics, and savvy dreamers." In the post, Calacanis explains that the reason no one understands Mahalo, his human-written Web directory, is because it's just that good of an idea. In his words:

A negative correlation exists between how good your idea is and how much the slow masses will understand it — at least in year one. Don't worry about this, they will get it in year two or three. If it's a good idea they will actually love it in year two or three and not even remember the fact that they ever doubted you.

Mark it on your calenders. In June 2008, we're all gonna love us some Mahalo. Meanwhile, if you're a hater, you're likely in the class Calacanis calls the Slow Masses. Here's how he classifies that sort. (Look for when he compares himself to Steve Jobs).

You can identify these folks because they: 1. Typically work three levels below someone who is innovative. Their boss might be innovative, but most likely it's their bosses boss who is the real visionary. 2. They have probably never created a company, and if they have it was probably years ago and it failed. They have no interest in starting another one. 3. They say things like "I don't understand" and "why don't you do INSERT LAST YEARS TREND HERE instead?"

How to handle the slow masses in year one: Don't worry about these folks in year one, they are not that important. Steve Jobs doesn't worry about these folks when he launches a new product like the iPod, iPhone, or MacBook Air. He knows they won't get it year one.

Thanks, Mr. Calacanis. Finally, we understand Mahalo: It's a search engine for slow people.