Stop participating in hackathons just to win

Re:Stop participating in hackathons just to win by kateho on Saturday March 30, 2013 @04:42PM (#5466608)

What should really happen is for hackathons to stop awarding prizes. There's no need for them. Most people go to hackathons because they want to meet people, try new things and learn stuff.

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Re:Stop participating in hackathons just to win by jasonlotito on Saturday March 30, 2013 @07:40PM (#5467062)

The problem is, the OP isn't talking about hackathons. He's talking about... Startup Weekend or other business oriented events.

Hackathons aren't about slides or business plans. They are about building something.

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Re:Stop participating in hackathons just to win by minimaxir on Saturday March 30, 2013 @05:07PM (#5466662)

Part of the reason for this is sponsorships of the hackathons by third-parties, as they are the ones who frequently award prizes because of the increased publicity behind the tech used for successful hacks.

Unfortunately, I don't think that will be changing soon.

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Re:Stop participating in hackathons just to win by mikeash on Saturday March 30, 2013 @06:08PM (#5466835)

That was my immediate reaction. It's human nature to want a prize. If you think people should stop focusing on the prize, stop making it a competition.

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Re:Stop participating in hackathons just to win by rhizome on Saturday March 30, 2013 @04:47PM (#5466625)

Is anything signed before they start at these events?

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