Talk:Silicon Slopes

Jan 2025 Revision (READ BEFORE MAKING CHANGES)

Dear Wikipedia editors,

I appreciate the dedication and effort that goes into maintaining and improving the Silicon Slopes page. However, I am writing to express my deep dismay regarding the portrayal of Silicon Slopes in the prior existing article. The, now prior, content seems to focus disproportionately on negative aspects, specifically regarding inclusivity and diversity, which does not accurately reflect the true essence and vibrant community of Silicon Slopes (northern Utah).

While it is important to acknowledge areas for improvement (all areas have them), it is equally crucial to highlight the positive developments and unique strengths of the community. The prior existing language and references to discrimination and exclusion create an unfair and imbalanced narrative that undermines the genuine efforts being made by businesses and individuals within this region. We've worked hard to foster a welcoming, innovative, and inclusive environment. As such, it pains me to see such stereotypes written about the very community that I call home to my own tech businesses.

Silicon Slopes has evolved significantly over the years and has become a thriving hub for technology and innovation. The region stretches from approximately Northern Lehi to Provo, and the community is characterized by a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Businesses in Silicon Slopes have actively been working towards creating an inclusive culture, and events like the annual Silicon Slopes Summit provide invaluable opportunities for networking and showcasing the remarkable achievements of the tech community.

Furthermore, the assertion that Silicon Slopes significantly lacks workforce diversity compared to Silicon Valley is a claim that requires careful consideration and context. Many tech hubs around the world face challenges related to diversity and inclusivity, and Utah is no exception. However, it is a disservice to disregard the progress and dedication that the local Utah tech community has made in addressing these challenges. Numerous companies in the region have implemented robust diversity and inclusion programs, emphasizing the importance of creating equitable opportunities for all. I would also like to point out that it is Utah labor law not exclude or discriminate.

Today, right now, I am publishing new changes to present a more balanced and accurate representation of Silicon Slopes. The focus will be on highlighting the region's achievements, its dynamic tech ecosystem, and the ongoing efforts to create an inclusive and innovative community. It is essential to provide a fair and comprehensive view that celebrates the positive aspects while acknowledging areas for improvement without disproportionately focusing on negative stereotypes.

I extend an invitation to anyone who wishes to collaborate and discuss further improvements to the article. Please feel free to tag me in your comments for productive discussions. However, I kindly request that any changes avoid undermining the hard work and dedication of many business owners and community members who have strived tirelessly to erase the stigma and stereotypes associated with the region.

By making these changes, we can ensure that the Wikipedia page accurately reflects the vibrant and welcoming nature of Silicon Slopes, inviting readers to appreciate the unique contributions and potential of this remarkable community.

Thank you for considering my perspective and for your continued commitment to creating and maintaining a high-quality Wikipedia platform.

Cordially,
— Mike L. 13:29, 16 January 2025 (UTC)

I'm observing the major turmoil on this page with some really extreme editing and reverting. I don't know what @Drmies: was doing with reverting the whole article to a version from years ago on Jan. 18 and 20, but it seems to have recovered somewhat.

Regarding the edit war between @Mike L.: @Teaminvise: and @Magnolia677::

First it's worth noting that Mike L. and Teaminvise are the same person, and apparently the same account, with a name change on the day of the edits(?). This name change makes your edit comment of "I opened a discussion request on the Talk Page for this very reason" confusing because this talk page discussion is under your old name.

Second, I see both sides to the issue. They both center on the problem of the article having a non-neutral point of view (WP:NPOV). On one hand, Teaminvise is trying to minimize social criticism that I concur have WP:UNDUE weight. On the other hand, Magnolia677 is trying to make the article sound like an encyclopedia, rather than a chamber of commerce brochure. For example, the phrases "...a vibrant and flourishing technology community", "the scenic Wasatch Front", "has blossomed into a major hub", "a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs" do not have an WP:IMPARTIAL tone so they are not acceptable in the article.

I assume Magnolia677 just reverted the whole thing because of that systemic impartiality. This lazy approach, however, restored the previous NPOV problem of significantly WP:UNDUE weight on the social criticisms. Per WP:STATUSQUO it was not ideal to revert a change when there was a discussion going on the talk page, as there was in this case, though admittedly confusing to find. Also, per WP:REVONLY it would've been better to fix the problematic parts of the current article, rather than revert the whole edit.

Someone needs to make the effort of solving both problems at the same time. This is eminently possible. I suggest that all editors review the whole (WP:NPOV) essay before proceeding. Teaminvise, you seem invested enough that you would be a good person to do this edit, if you take special care to make it sound like an encyclopedia. Davemc0 (talk) 18:26, 8 February 2025 (UTC)

I think Teaminvise, who produced this version, is the last person to rewrite this. For starters, it doesn't even properly define the topic, which is an area and not a non-profit. Drmies (talk) 23:26, 8 February 2025 (UTC)

I don't think this "Silicon Slopes" article should pertain to a nonprofit that has that name. The nonprofit isn't notable and shouldn't have a WP article. The most it should get is a brief mention at the bottom of the article in an "external links" section or some such. Mentioning it in the lead would be undue weight. Davemc0 (talk) 05:12, 9 February 2025 (UTC)

Chiming in here since this is on my watchlist from the AfD brought last year, where there was a long debate between me and the recently-banned KindHorta over whether this article should refer to Silicon Slopes as a metonym for the greater Salt Lake tech economy (I think that's what the RS support, per the sources in the AfD), whereas KindHorta insisted this was false and that Silicon Slopes is no more than an office complex in Lehi and the nonprofit that supports this. However, in removing what was inarguably promotional material, KindHorta also removed reliable sourcing supporting the metonymic definition. KH also had a clear NPOV axe to grind in making these UNDUE edits. I don't support the opposite direction NPOV being introduced by Mike L and Teaminvise, and I don't have any kind of dog in this fight apart from trying to improve the article when it was up at AfD, but I do think this page would benefit from a few uninvolved editors reviewing it. Dclemens1971 (talk) 13:40, 9 February 2025 (UTC)

"Notable" companies?

Is there a reason this list should not be pared down to entries that have articles on Wikipedia? —C.Fred (talk) 18:55, 26 August 2019 (UTC)

IM Flash should be replaced with Micron. IM Flash (Intel/Micron) was a temporary joint venture from 2016 to 2000. Micron is now the name of the Lehi business location as it was before the joint venture started. 2601:681:8100:A4A0:1D4B:8011:9BBB:2FF9 (talk) 07:05, 27 February 2021 (UTC)KR

Micron sold the Lehi plant to Texas Instruments at the end of 2021. 192.228.67.13 (talk) 02:33, 26 June 2022 (UTC)

Notable Companies: What the H does Zion's Bank and Discover Card have to do with the tech industry of Utah County and Silicon Slopes? How are these banks tech influencers or tech contributors, and, how are they influencers of Silicon Slopes? I even Googled and Binged their relation and got nothing. I get that there is a Financial / Banking section of the article discussing the funding and financial influence of tech startups in the general area, but unless we're listing all banks, I don't understand how Discover Card and Zions Bank are "notable tech companies." Any bank, even a Credit Union, can be a tech influence because anyone with a decent standing credit score can receive a loan for funding. Are we going to list all the banks in the Utah County region? I feel if any banks should be notable, it would be Credit Unions, since these is a growing number of startup credit unions open only to Utah County residents, but I digress, this is ridiculous. Unless there are citations of specific examples where these specific banks have influenced technology in Silicon Slopes, invented new technology, or provided a pathway for technological innovation, then they should be removed.

Out of curiosity, before searching the list, I went off the top of my head and listed down companies that I would expect to find on this list, and they of course were all there. This got my mind "in the zone" as a reviewed the list of Notable Companies. My self and my co-worker standing right next to me are both perplexed why these two banks are listed. Therefore, I think it's in the best interest of this article to remove "Zions Bank" and "Discover Card" unless someone can provide citations showing how these companies were major influences or contributors to the tech industry within Utah County.

– Teaminvise (talk) 05:08, 30 November 2023 (UTC)

Utah's Technology Industry Began with the Space Dynamics Laboratory at Utah State University

My edits were well cited and should not be deleted. Utah's technology industry began many decades with the creation of the SDL and Utah State University's chairmanship of the original Rocky Mountain Space Grant Consortium. This information is critical to the history of the eventual creation of Silicon Slopes. — Preceding unsigned comment added by TechMastaSwimmer (talk • contribs) 18:04, 13 January 2020 (UTC)

This content doesn't belong in an article about Silicon Slopes and it's nothing more than PR puffery. – Praxidicae (talk) 18:10, 13 January 2020 (UTC)

"Reads like a Chamber of Commerce Brochure."

The entire article reads like a chamber of commerce brochure, which is not surprising since the most-quoted sources are government promotional pieces.

“Utah boasts a highly educated, technologically proficient, multilingual workforce, speaking over 130 languages. Many residents of Utah lived and worked abroad which contributes to the flexibility and capabilities of immediately contributing to companies.”

This is hardly encyclopedic, and reflects the bias of the government brochure it quoted. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 216.241.206.22 (talk) 23:59, 9 September 2020 (UTC)

Dozens?

It's just simple wording, but as a tech startup company that considers themselves in this referenced area of Silicon Slopes, the phrasing "dozens of tech startups" to us is sort of offensive, and sounds like it's a prestigious group of companies. I, personally, believe that this reference applies to any tech startup that wants to be identified, or considered to be, in the area of Silicon Slopes, which is more than just Lehi. I'd say any tech company in Utah County that wants to identify this way as being located here, in relation to online profiles, content description, etc. where other people not familiar to Utah understand what that is, can and should. Therefore, this name shouldn't be restricted to the number of "dozens" – it's hundreds, quite possibly thousands, a nondescript number of companies. There is no limit or number that should be quantified. If you look at the definition to “Silicon Valley,” it does not even mention a specific number. Quote,

“Silicon Valley is a region in Northern California that is a global center for high technology and innovation. Located in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area, it corresponds roughly to the geographical area of the Santa Clara Valley. The term "Silicon Valley" refers to the area in which high-tech business has proliferated in Northern California...”

I now will be changing this article limitation. Additionally, it should be noted that I cleaned up this talk page with a couple of missing headings.

– Mike L. (talk) 04:16, 30 November 2023 (UTC)

Edit: I noticed something else, in Notable Companies See below in Notable Companies section of this talk page.

– Mike L. (talk) 05:08, 30 November 2023 (UTC)

Edit 2: I found the reference to Zions Bank is because of Zions Bank Technology Center or Technology Campus, but that is located in Midvale. I'll leave the Zions Bank references there, but they really have zero relation to Utah County. Only Zions Bank branches are located in Utah County, nothing else interesting down here. Even the Zions Bank Business Resource Center is in Salt Lake City, Not Utah County. Really Zions Bank still doesn't belong in this article. Additionally, I added Amazon, as they are a notable tech company with a location in American Fork, UT. – Teaminvise (talk) 05:29, 30 November 2023 (UTC)