Reading this article gave me some pause. It is interesting at a certain level to see examples of how well-connected startups are surviving the worst recession in 70 years; but, really, companies large and small (and with a smaller media network) are taking creative measures to do the same. Looking at how "Web 2.0" companies essentially apply the same practices their DotCom predecessors attempted 7-8 years ago seems indulgent.
In rough times, simply cutting in the manner of a 19th century "surgeon" has been shown to place businesses in a difficult situation when recovery arrives, and encourage a form of "brain drain" which helps no one in the market. The DotCom excesses of the late 90s were in large part a reaction to the depressed market for technical skills, brought on by blinkered "slash and burn" tactics of the 80s and 90s recessions. Indiscrimination only sent talent looking elsewhere for a living, and during the following boom, the level of desperation to staff led to the truly anomalous and costly hiring practices.
The one notable aspect of this present recession is the attention of many large and small companies to think on their collective feet and not "slash and burn", instead looking for ways to survive in a difficult environment without mass layoffs. I find this far more remarkable than mass staff cuts and relying on technology to keep the launch afloat. The recent mainstreaming of technological advances help, but without prudent resource management, they cannot help very much. The stories of organisations that have managed to remain in economic health without "slash and burn" altogether are far more interesting to me.
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