[frognumber]

... or I could do what I'm doing, and sit in my bedroom on my butt, mostly coding up a prototype, relying on being well-known enough to bring in money based on my personal brand, collecting a reasonable salary.

You have no idea who is competing for whom.

I'd enjoy YC, and I'd learn from it, but it's definitely not something I need to do. Have a quick list at the ages and backgrounds of people who started large companies.

Another life lesson, this one for you: Don't be a dick. There's no upside, and a lot of downside.

[morgante]

> ... or I could do what I'm doing, and sit in my bedroom on my butt, mostly coding up a prototype, relying on being well-known enough to bring in money based on my personal brand, collecting a reasonable salary.

That's fine? I'm not criticizing that path: it's more pleasant, enjoyable, and probably better for almost everyone.

You're coming at me with a level of hostility that is unwarranted.

> Another life lesson, this one for you: Don't be a dick. There's no upside, and a lot of downside.

You're the one being patronizing and talking down to me for no reason.

YC is simply not interested in people who's goal is to earn a "reasonable salary." It doesn't fit their business model.

That doesn't make YC bad, and it doesn't make you bad. It just makes you a poor fit.

[frognumber]

Please reread what you wrote: "Sorry, but if your ambition is to start a $1B company, 3 months in SF is a relatively small sacrifice no matter your age."

That's where the hostility, ignorance, and arrogance came in.

Startup incubators are interested in people who are able to build billion-dollar startups. That's the business model. Full stop.

Random hazing rituals might, perhaps, be a good prediction of how vested someone is, and with no track record, you look for sharp, teachable, willing to work hard, and committed. However, a track-record of having built successful businesses is a much better predictor of being able to do so again than some hazing ritual about being willing to make absurd sacrifices for no reason. Indeed, being willing to make that sort of compromise is probably a good indicator the person has poor judgement, since if there's one thing startups need to do is aggressively prioritize.

> You're the one being patronizing and talking down to me for no reason.

Reread what you wrote, and you'll see the reason. It's for your benefit. You have no idea who I am, and you decided I'm a "poor fit." Assume much based on zero information?

Figure out how not to be a dick. It will hurt you in the long run, more than you imagine.