Re:Dear Y Combinator, we bet you we can solve a problem of y...
by proexploit on Tuesday April 03, 2012 @08:01PM
(#3795458)
I think you're correct a long-term push is different from a 72 hour scramble but they're only looking to "win" an interview, not a place in a starting class. I think it's reasonable a team could be unsuccessful at filling out an application (which previously required an idea) but still be extremely strong candidates. I hope YC accepts, they don't stand to lose anything (save time) and there's no obligation to accept similar copycat offers in the future. They might also get a problem solved.
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Re:Dear Y Combinator, we bet you we can solve a problem of y...
by harryh on Tuesday April 03, 2012 @08:19PM
(#3795522)
Ya, I'd tend to think it's at least worth pg sending them a challenge.
That being said, I don't think that what successful YC applicants are doing should be characterized as "filling out an application." The application just captures their past work in a form. It's the actual past work that matters, not the simple transcription.
I think my larger point is that an awesome 72 hour hack session probably isn't as good of an indicator of future success as a track record of successful medium to long term work in the past.