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There’s a really interesting blog that is now called Diary of a Failed Startup (though I suspect it used to just be Diary of a Startup). The most recent post offers lots advice for startups inlcuding:

If your idea starts with “We’re building a platform to…” and you don’t have a billion dollars in capital, find a new idea. Now.

The older posts are actually from when the startup was still active and there are posts full of hope, frustration and all the other emotions that come from working really hard on a startup. Interesting stuff and of course sad that the startup is now defunct but probably some good lessons in there for startup folks.

Several weeks ago I had the chance to have a conversation with Matthew Beck from PearLabs makers of D.E.A.N (Dynamic Emergency Alert Network). I very much enjoyed chatting with Matt (despite the fact that him being so young and successful made me feel old and busted) and learning about D.E.A.N and the company’s plans for the future.

If you aren’t familiar with D.E.A.N let me quote the company website:

D.E.A.N. is an acronym for Dynamic Emergency Alert Network. The system has been specially designed to rapidly communicate time-sensitive information to several people simultaneously. Whether it is an emergency alert, weather advisory, or general information that must be shared with a large or small group, D.E.A.N. will instantly communicate with you via cell phone instant text messages or by e-mail.

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Super late notice but tomorrow is IABC-KY’s Social Media Bootcamp and as of this writing there are still some spaces available. Want to learn more about Twitter, RSS and social media in general? This might be the event for you.

Monday June 30 brings us another Louisville Geek Dinner. LGD is moving to a new venue (BBC) and is sure to be populated with really interesting people and conversations. I’d bet more than one or two local startup folks will be in attendance.

Startup Warrior is a new mapping site that has ambitious goals of mapping all the tech startups in the world.They fail massively at this goal when you consider that all, I say again, all of their date comes from Crunchbase. So if your startup isn’t in Crunchbase it isn’t on Startup Warrior’s maps.

What’s interesting about Startup Warrior to me are the three (3!) startups they have listed in the Louisville area.

1. Zappos: Sweet, I’ll totally lay claim to Zappos.

2. First 30 Days: The contanct info on Startup Warrier lists this sites office as being on Frankfort, Avenue. The contact info on the First 30 Days site lists offices in New York. Has the company relocated to NY? Do they have offices in both cities?

3. KangarooBox:  Apparently they make bug tracking software based on Bugzilla. Huh.

Obviously I know lots and lots about Zappos (and I’m always looking to know more, invite me for a tour!). I know nothing about First 30 Days and KangarooBox though. Anyone got the scoop on these two?

For a bit of inspiration to local entrepreneurs let me share that Texas Roadhouse, once a small Louisville startup, is opening its 3ooth restaurant today. That, my friends, is some serious growth.

Remember tonight is the inaugural Let’s Tweetup event at Fox and Hound. Come out and have many conversations far, far longer than 140 characters. Also? Door prizes and booze.

I’m going to be out of town next week so I won’t be here to remind you about Social Media Club Louisville’s June event. It’s an evening of networking at Fox and Hound on Tuesday June 17.

Next Thursday June 19 is our own Forge Web and Media Meetup and, perhaps shockingly, it’s not at Fox and Hound, it’s at Jenicca’s instead.