'I'm in the dog-house - again', Ed confides to his diary, 'I was at a so-called "Cocktail Party Fiesta" following an industry conference when a journo who seemed a nice affable interested type asked me what I'd be looking forward to after the IPO.'
'I thought socialising chit-chat was off-the-record and, like a b. fool, I said I looked forward to not having to deal with all the pissy issues involved in running a semiconductor company.'
'The little shit then goes and prints it in his rag, saying I'll be leaving the company after the IPO.'
'All hell is let loose from the VCs', writes Ed, "The Chairman of our lead VC tells me: "Even if potential investors think you're an incompetent loon, which they most likely already do, they don't want to invest in a company where the CEO is intending to bugger off with the IPO money and lie on a beach for the rest of his life".'
' "OK what do you want me to do?" I ask him.'
'"We're going to put out a statement about other issues but, in it, will be confirmation that you are staying on after the IPO", said the Chairman".'
'But my contract expires a couple of months after the IPO," I told him.'
'"We're not going to mention that", says the Chairman, "and we're not going to change your contract. We're going to give the impression you're contracted to stay on, and then we'll find a publicly acceptable reason for getting rid of you at the end of your present contract - plausibility shouldn't be a problem - and Ed, just remember - nothing you say to a journo is confidential".'
'Bastard', writes Ed, 'still only 109 days till the IPO and then I'm (v. soon) out of here with oodles of lovely lolly.'
Ah - a blast from the past. A Telex (remember Telex) from the US "The Chairman has been talking to David Manners at ISSCC. He can't remember what he said, but stop it being published."
Later conversation with Chairman. "But it was a social event"
"Did you say that you were going off the record?"
"No"
"Then why do you think he was talking to you? He was there to work."
"Dick, are you sure you wouldn't be happier in another job?"
Ah, I remember it well, Dick, Dr P was not renowned for being open, transparent and truthful with Her Majesty's Press. It was lucky for him that his spokesman watched his back with such consummate care.
a leading question - is it as much fun as it was then?
[and yes the policemen are getting younger]