(Note: there are great conversations about this article happening at Geekwire and Hacker News)

The question of equity brings out the most fundamental differences, perceptions, and values in an aspiring startup.  In fact the equity question, more than any other, may strangle a young company before it can even get started.  And that’s a damn good thing.

But before we get in to that…

Who’s a founder?

Facial hair alone proves insufficient to determine founder status

As straightfo