aschenputtel, "Sunset Sun" 14/07/17 via pixabay
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1. What is the debate, disagreement or argument in the story about? Explain concisely, but with specificity and precision. Name specific people, places, things, events, dates, times and/or other identifying details.
The story I chose from the Bloomberg Businessweek focuses on the debate between Solar City CEO Elon Musk and Warren Buffett, the controller of NV Energy, Nevada's largest utility. Musk's business installs solar panels on homes, a service which became popular in Nevada for its economic benefits. Excess energy must be bought back by utilities, and the success of solar energy prompted NV Energy to lobby for legislation in late 2015 to limit the amount of energy that can be generated. Additionally, it became more expensive to install and maintain solar panels. This action has inconvenienced current panel owners, as well. This development prompted Solar City to discontinue operations in Nevada. NV Energy states that their motivation for this change was that every customer should "pay their fair share for the grid".
From Fortune I chose a video debate that discussed the dependability of "start-up unicorns", or private companies valued at one billion dollars. 2015 saw only six unicorns actually meet their evaluation on the market, prompting caution from investors in 2016. In this debate, Andrew Nusca takes the side of the start-ups, citing the dropping worldwide economy and race to expand user-bases rather than profits as a factor. Erin Griffith supports investors, identifying with their frustrations with start-ups not returning on their promises and remaining private in an attempt for better footing in the market.
2. Who is the most sympathetic character in the story? Who are they? How are they involved? Why do they evoke feelings of sympathy from you?
Solar City is the most sympathetic character in this story. I sympathize with them, seeing as they are entrepreneurs trying to promote sustainable energy. They only took advantage of a profitable target market in Nevada, and I do not find them as insidious as NV Energy are painting them out to be.
In the Fortune story, I take Erin's side as she defends investors. Investors expect these companies to grow in profit with their investments: it is hard to fault them for being upset with under-performances.
3. Who is the least sympathetic character in the story? Who are they? How are they involved? Why can't you easily sympathize with them?
NV Energy is the least sympathetic character in this story. As Nevada's utility, this tactic they are employing is a play to benefit themselves, an attempt to save money by making solar energy less convenient or affordable.
The "start-up unicorns" are less sympathetic, although the fault does not lie with them completely. The worldwide economy is flagging slightly, but stringing investors along with promises of a larger user-base equating to more profits as justification for their valuations is harder to back.
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