Revisiting the Software Sanctuary

There has been some theoretical discussion, and some real-world progress, since I posted my piece seeking a Software Sanctuary where we can bring international programming teams together to work legally for more than two weeks.

The New York Times announced: Silicon Valley Roused by Secession Call. This is in reference to a speech by Balaji Srinivasan, in which he implied that the USA is too unweildy for a “turnaround”, and instead, people should start working to “exit” and create a more innovative society somewhere else. This sounds a lot like our goal for the Software Sanctuary. However, in a civilization that grows stronger through massive interconnection, I don’t view sending a team to the Sanctuary as an exit, an act of rebellion, or triumph of technology. I would view it more as a practical accommodation to existing regulations, and a gentle push toward immigration reform in the USA. Srinivasan refers to this sort of push as “exit amplifies voice.”

Srinivasan then posted a piece titled Software Is Reorganizing the World in which he speculates that like-minded people who meet online will start grouping together in physical colonies, which he calls “a reverse diaspora.” This is indeed the whole idea of the software sanctuary. Such migration has become a lot easier because people can take their mobile phones, laptops, and work with them. He notes that it will be even easier to move when you can order any of the goods and services you need, online. Confirming this, our CTO reports that it is a lot easier to live in Hawaii now that Amazon offers next-day delivery of goods to Hawaii.

Back in the real world, we have started talking to candidate host countries. We had a nice call with the Chief Minister of Anguilla, the charming Hubert Hughes. He described the many virtues of Anguilla’s physical climate and business environment, including a 6% flat-rate income tax, which won’t work for Americans but is great for others on the team. Anguilla is a small island, but they can take up to 500 techie co-travelers, and they sound very supportive. The one problem with Anguilla is that they have a relatively restrictive visa policy which requires getting a visa through the UK visa application process. We are continuing to look at locations which have more relaxed visa policies. I am planning a team meeting within the next six weeks, which will be a chance to try out one of our Caribbean hosts.