GigaOM was truly awesome at its best. Om was a special guy, I met him a few times during my years in the Bay Area. He really embodied that selflessly-helping side of the Valley: helping others with no expectations, just because it’s good. He helped one of my startups get some exposure. I keep trying to pay it forward. I will miss him.

"the selflessly-helping side of the Valley"

Never having lived in the valley, I've struggled to understand what it means.

Can anyone share some examples?