Ben Franklin attributed his initial failure and subsequent success in this venture to not "rais[ing] one's reputation in the smallest degree above that of one's neighbors". Perhaps he was incorrect in his assumption and this is simply a good example of early investors preferring to invest in a project with management team rather than a solo entrepreneur.

On another note, for those who are criticizing Franklin's integrity, should we do a comparison with the business leaders and politicians of today? I think Franklin would come out looking pretty good.