[paul]

This also is good advice for anyone applying to YC. I'm not going to read your 10,000 word manifesto -- just tell me what it is you are building! :)

We've actually found that the ability to provide clear and concise answers strongly correlates with success, so this is a major factor when evaluating founders.

I'm also reminded of my favorite C. A. R. Hoare quote: "There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult."

The same thing applies to business. Long, complex pitches are a sign of muddy thinking and hidden icebergs.

[retbull]

So pitches should follow coding practices? No pitch is longer than one screen. Line width is 80 characters. Sentences should be about one thing and one thing only. Names should clearly describe what the thing they name do.

[dangerlibrary]

You could do a lot worse...

[jsprogrammer]

I hope the same applies to your proposals and agreements.

A one page, fully specified, document would be preferable.