Would You Apply for This Job?

The following listing looks like your run-of-the-mill risky startup job, doesn’t it?

Well-capitalized start-up seeks extremely talented C/C++/Unix developers to help pioneer commerce on the Internet. You must have experience designing and building large and complex (yet maintainable) systems, and you should be able to do so in about one-third the time that most competent people think possible. You should have a BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science or the equivalent. Top-notch communication skills are essential. Familiarity with web servers and HTML would be helpful but is not necessary.

Expect talented, motivated, intense, and interesting co-workers. Must be willing to relocate to the Seattle area (we will help cover moving costs).

Your compensation will include meaningful equity ownership.

Startup equity as part of my pay for a such a high-stress job in a completely new town? Yeah, I rolled my eyes, too — until I saw who posted the ad: Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon. The listing is from 1994, the year of Amazon’s foundation. In tech, you can’t judge a job by its listing alone.

(Via Michael Arrington.)