[random42]

Because you can talk/discuss something other than computer science / software development to them, hence you would not be limit your learnings in one direction.

I, for one, would not like to bring what I do for living to my home. If I need to discuss my CS ideas, I can find likeminded people at other places, (say where I work/study), but living with "like minded" people 24 X 7, is not something I'd like to do. (Unless I am starting a startup or something)

[samd]

You are severely oversimplifying people. There is nothing that prevents a software developer from writing poetry, or a poet from designing websites. Interesting people have a wide range of hobbies and interests.

[random42]

I personally have yet to come across a software developer who writes poetry.

I am also a bit skeptical of this happening, as software development is by profession more left brain work, where as poetry is right brain work.

[zakkap]

Thank you :)

[zakkap]

I still have a life and other friends that I talk to about stuff other than CS and software development to...

I also have an intense passion for learning and can never see myself as "limiting" myself in one direction.

And, yes... The idea is to start a start-up. Hence why I am posting this on YCombinator. And mentioned Kickstarter.com in my link.

[Maro]

IMO:

1. You should not live with your co-founder(s). It's important that you can take breaks from the startup/each other by going home.

2. You should be friends with your co-founder(s), but not "best friends". A startup is a bussiness relationship which is incompatible with "best friendship".

This is my experience based on doing my own startup and watching others.

[benatkin]

I don't have to look far for a counter-example: reddit. From the articles and interviews I've seen, I think rooming together was a very important part of reddit culture early on.

[zakkap]

Excellent example!

[zakkap]

Maro,

What startups have you helped to be successful?