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A comment on Advice for applying to Y combinator - by Justin Kan (Kiko co-founder).

Re:Advice for applying to Y combinator - by Justin Kan (Kiko... by JasonBerlinsky on Saturday March 10, 2007 @11:49PM (#3526)
It is my understanding that the application process puts less initial weight on the demo than the application itself (based on the text preceding the application itself). However, Justin says that a good demo is the key to acceptance. Should a good application not come first, based on the wording of the application?

Jason Berlinsky

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Re:Advice for applying to Y combinator - by Justin Kan (Kiko... by timg on Sunday March 11, 2007 @03:02AM (#3536)
I am betting that competition is so stiff at this point that you'd seriously hurt your chances by not having a slick demo.
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Re:Advice for applying to Y combinator - by Justin Kan (Kiko... by JasonBerlinsky on Sunday March 11, 2007 @04:18AM (#3543)
Well, the demo is not everything. According to this article, you must also be able to change ideas and trains of thought. What good will a demo do if you are ultimately going to change your train of thought and move on to something else?
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Re:Advice for applying to Y combinator - by Justin Kan (Kiko... by sharpshoot on Sunday March 11, 2007 @06:45AM (#3566)
Demos are great to crstallise thoughts and really build the platform for your application. Don't underestimate the value of the experience gained by putting put a demo. Afterall, you want to build something people use - you can't do that with an idea.

We've got a number of applications around the same core bunch of ideas. prototyping one application and getting people using it couldn't be a better validation of one's ability to execute when it comes to Y combinator. Lying back on an idea and waiting doesn't show anyone you want to make it happen.

If your idea changes - well it just means you've proved you can execute before. Get a demo out even if its very rough (anything is). Just start!

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Re:Advice for applying to Y combinator - by Justin Kan (Kiko... by paul on Sunday March 11, 2007 @03:14AM (#3537)
A demo shows that you can at least get something done. Even if the idea isn't good, a good demo still has a lot of value.
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