I want them to succeed but they are up against WITCH and offshoring in general, and companies do not want to spend any more than they have to.

This industry is fucked

I have thought about trying to join a tech co-op many times. Still would. I think one thing that I suppose rubs me the wrong way is most of them are digital agencies which take on custom products. It would be really nice to actually create a product for people. I feel co-ops would be more responsive to their user based in general & therefore would be better candidates to build social media networks, ride share co-ops, etc.