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Tell YC: Summer 08 decisions out

news.ycombinator.com

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Re: Tell YC: Summer 08 decisions out

#41

Post by xenoterracide »

ericb wrote: post #37
dcurtis wrote: post #23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Sounds kind of like you're disguising your YC-denial under a veil of "I've done this before, and I'm better than you" type of thinking. Are you sure that's productive? What was your successful execution?

When you're rejected, you can interpret it as this "says something about me" and take it personally, or you can interpret it as an opportunity someone else missed out on for whatever reason, (not a good match, not web 2.0 enough, who knows!) and move on. If you believe in your idea and yourself strongly, there's usually only one clear interpretation you should take. And yes, self confidence is generally a productive…

I agree... but it would be nice to know if there was something that gave me (or anyone else) a black mark.

I think my idea is great.

It's more of a "can I do anything to improve". I believe in always trying to find ways to be better. If my idea was rejected because they thought it was too niche, I would want to know. If it's because I couldn't think of other things I've done, I'd like to know. etc, etc.

Re: Tell YC: Summer 08 decisions out

#42

Post by wumi »

aschobel wrote: post #29

Just got the "rejection" letter, I'm a bit disappointed I couldn't get the team reviewing the proposals as passionate about the project as I am. I think being a solo founder hurt me, but I've been working on the project full-time for four months (over 12k lines of code). This won't slow me down. =) What is your company going to make? We make it easy to jot something down from any device and then share that note with…

the first part sounds a bit like twitter/ letsprovewhere

Re: Tell YC: Summer 08 decisions out

#43

Post by dcurtis »

ericb wrote: post #37
dcurtis wrote: post #23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Sounds kind of like you're disguising your YC-denial under a veil of "I've done this before, and I'm better than you" type of thinking. Are you sure that's productive? What was your successful execution?

When you're rejected, you can interpret it as this "says something about me" and take it personally, or you can interpret it as an opportunity someone else missed out on for whatever reason, (not a good match, not web 2.0 enough, who knows!) and move on. If you believe in your idea and yourself strongly, there's usually only one clear interpretation you should take. And yes, self confidence is generally a productive…

Awesome. Maybe I mistook your tone.

I agree that a positive, confident attitude is probably productive, but you made your point by turning the positivity against Y Combinator because you are upset that you were not accepted. Right?

Re: Tell YC: Summer 08 decisions out

#44

Post by xenoterracide »

pius wrote: post #39
xenoterracide wrote: post #38

Earlier quoted context omitted.

May I ask where the web logs I should look at are? (I see comments and submit logs) I agree with you otherwise though. I think submitting the day before was... not a mistake... but I found YC a week before the deadline and spend the time working up an application and looking for a co-founder.

May I ask where the web logs I should look at are? I think he's saying that you can check the logs of your own server.

ah... seems like yc had a note about checking something here for comments/questions. I thought he was referring to that.

Re: Tell YC: Summer 08 decisions out

#46

Post by xenoterracide »

aschobel wrote: post #29

Just got the "rejection" letter, I'm a bit disappointed I couldn't get the team reviewing the proposals as passionate about the project as I am. I think being a solo founder hurt me, but I've been working on the project full-time for four months (over 12k lines of code). This won't slow me down. =) What is your company going to make? We make it easy to jot something down from any device and then share that note with…

I am working on building an online pencil and paper rpg play system. It would support a character database, dice rollers, major P&P systems, the usual forums, npc character search, all sort's of toy's for players/ST's,GM's,DM's, and a chat system. And eventually support for a subscription service for the books. Much like O'Reilly's Safari.

Re: Tell YC: Summer 08 decisions out

#47

Post by lux »

ericb wrote: post #37
dcurtis wrote: post #23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Sounds kind of like you're disguising your YC-denial under a veil of "I've done this before, and I'm better than you" type of thinking. Are you sure that's productive? What was your successful execution?

When you're rejected, you can interpret it as this "says something about me" and take it personally, or you can interpret it as an opportunity someone else missed out on for whatever reason, (not a good match, not web 2.0 enough, who knows!) and move on. If you believe in your idea and yourself strongly, there's usually only one clear interpretation you should take. And yes, self confidence is generally a productive…

I hear you! And doesn't it feel great to be able to say you've done that? I'm in the same boat: been working for myself for 7 years, now just trying to duplicate that success on a (much) larger scale :)

We're far enough along, and we have enough buzz among companies testing our app already, that we're not worried at all. YC wasn't a make-or-break deal for us by any means. Good to hear it's not for you too. If you really believe in your idea, it shouldn't be for anyone on here.

Re: Tell YC: Summer 08 decisions out

#48

Post by ericb »

xenoterracide wrote: post #41
ericb wrote: post #37

Earlier quoted context omitted.

When you're rejected, you can interpret it as this "says something about me" and take it personally, or you can interpret it as an opportunity someone else missed out on for whatever reason, (not a good match, not web 2.0 enough, who knows!) and move on. If you believe in your idea and yourself strongly, there's usually only one clear interpretation you should take. And yes, self confidence is generally a productive…

I agree... but it would be nice to know if there was something that gave me (or anyone else) a black mark. I think my idea is great. It's more of a "can I do anything to improve". I believe in always trying to find ways to be better. If my idea was rejected because they thought it was too niche, I would want to know. If it's because I couldn't think of other things I've done, I'd like to know. etc, etc.

I agree, I'd have loved a reason as well--it would have justified the time spent on the application. Although I would love it, it's probably not practical and may just open them up to angry emails.

Re: Tell YC: Summer 08 decisions out

#50

Post by keating »

ericb wrote: post #18

Don't be discouraged. I'm 100% sure my idea is rock solid, I've executed successfully before AND I have a cofounder, but I was turned down. You don't have a good startup-tale without getting turned down a few times. I think of it like this: me: Would you like to make some money with me YC? YC: No thanks, we have plenty.

> I'm 100% sure my idea is rock solid, I've executed successfully before AND I have a cofounder, but I was turned down.

Send them a letter rejecting their rejection letter and show up anyhow. From gettingintogradschool.com:

    Thank for your letter of April 9. After careful consideration, I regret to 
    inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me admission 
    to our department.

    This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large
    number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field of 
    candidates it is impossible for me to accept all refusals.

    Despite W.M.U.'s outstanding qualifications and previous experience in 
    rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet my needs at 
    this time. Therefore, I will join the ranks of graduate students in your 
    department this September. I look forward to seeing you then.

    Sincerely,
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