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On “Hacking” Y Combinator Interviews and Successful Startups
- t0nyh0 14y agoI have strong reservations against the word "hacking" in of itself. From an engineering perspective, "hacking" is a quick-n-dirty fix, like "hacking" it together with duct tape. It seems so subversive and manipulative, especially in the context of "hacking" these interviews. I'd rather not say that I "hacked" together anything. What about diligently and properly planning, designing, researching, and implementing? Where are the "How I planned for my YCombinator interviews" articles?
- tylermenezes 14y agoDid you read the article? Because that's exactly what it's about.
- t0nyh0 14y agoYes I've read it. I'm merely emphasizing the word "hacking" in general.
- lelandbatey 14y agoIndeed, I find that it's used so much and in so many different ways that I really wish it'd fall out of favor. It now carries so many connotations and subtleties that linguistically speaking, it always seems like the "wrong tool for the job."
- rhizome 14y agomost of those are due to the refusal to use the word "cracker" for the connotations and subtleties that require it.
- tylermenezes 14y agoOkay, just curious, as I wasn't sure if it was an attack on the article or in agreement with that. (It's been my experience that quite a few people just read the title and make snide comments, it's one of the things I dislike most about HN.)
- sneak 14y agoOh, hush. http://www.catb.org/jargon/html/H/hacker.html http://www.catb.org/jargon/html/H/hacker.html
- DanielRibeiro 14y agoWell, pg explained the word "hacker" on video[1], and on a longer essay[2]. Since this is his website, I believe many people here don't get these things confused (after all, this is Hacker News). [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=BDA0t49AaZ4#t=230s https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&... [2] http://paulgraham.com/gba.html http://paulgraham.com/gba.html
- tyang 14y agoGreat read. You all need to relax on this hacking hate. Hacking is often just a way of saying tips. Just like "Fail Fast" means launch, measure and iterate quickly. Eric Ries isn't the only one who can change the meaning of words. :)
- rdl 14y agoI think there are a fair number of tips which would help especially for a YC application or YC interview and which would generally help your business but not as much outside of those contexts.