One thing about working in online startups is to remember never burn bridges because you never who or when you will bump into someone from your past.  It’s a small world after all.

I had a few such experiences this past week at the Topix party around Web 2.0 Expo (BTW – thumps up to Topix – great venue and guest list). 

First I ran into Alison Macondary former GM of Wired News.  Well a few years ago the company I was almost acquired Lycos including Wired News.  It was fun to trade a few war stories about that deal which resulted in one Daum acquiring Lycos (ed. note – one of the major – huh? as in what are they thinking deals of the last couple of years).

Then I ran into Kurt Buechler currently SVP of Sales and BD for Aggregate Knowledge (as Loomia calls it – AK – they are a Loomia competitor).  Kurt once upon a time was the head of BD for Windows Media back when I was at Loudeye.   Kurt was a major partner of the company so I knew Kurt quite well as we were jointly trying to expand the digital music landscape.

Later Kurt “introduced” me to the CEO of AK – Paul Martino.  Paul and I immediately recognized each other and then realized we had done a deal together back when he was at InterTrust many moons ago while I was at Loudeye.  Needless to say Kurt, Paul and I wasted no time in trading all war stories.  Even as competitors now, it is nice to see old faces in new places.