Wilmington makes another national tech list. We say ‘meh’

Wilmington has once again topped an online list touting its tech scene: Course Report has named the city one of the top five in the country to consider for choosing a coding bootcamp.
It cited DataFox’s pronouncement that Wilmington is the fifth best city (aside from Silicon Valley) to launch a startup and that it’s impressed by the success of startups like DeliveryCircle, Trellist, Tech Impact, IndieGameStand and Futurelytics.
The article also named coworking spaces like 1313 Innovation as a pro for a strong startup scene. “Plus,” the story said, “Delaware is a corporate tax haven.” And, because this is about coding bootcamps, the success of the city’s new programs Zip Code Wilmington and Girl Develop It were named as top coding opportunities. The story also said Delaware Tech Meetup is another opportunity for coders.
1313 Innovation’s Ryan Harrington tweeted that he was happy to see Wilmington get some recognition. But, at the same time, he cited Technical.ly cofounder Chris Wink’s latest musings on why he doesn’t put much stock in such lists — and why it’s pointless to strive to be the next Silicon Valley.

(1/2) Great to see #WilmDE listed as a top #techcity again due to @1313innovation, @zipcodewilm, @gdiwilm, & more https://t.co/krp8znj76P

— Ryan Harrington (@rharrington31) February 19, 2016

(2/2) Can't help but reflect on @christopherwink's article from last week, though – https://t.co/Olz9Al5Jlc. Lots of work to keep doing here

— Ryan Harrington (@rharrington31) February 19, 2016

Some food for thought: Wink says the listicles are no more than clickbait, and claims the movement to be The Next Silicon Valley has already passed. Instead, he argues, the current tech, innovation and startup culture has become a permanent part of the post-recession economy.
“This has given rise to a new kind of civic branding, one that is driven to attract and retain smart people who might be most likely to offer an economic multiplier effect,” Wink wrote. “These are the founders and early employers of young web, tech and innovation companies that will form the bedrock of a community’s new local economy.”
Not that he’s anti-Wilmington progress and recognition. “Let’s just do good work and not try to be the next Silicon Valley of anything,” he said.