5 ms·

I agree. It strikes me as a very inefficient use of an enterpeneur's time who wants to launch a business to first watch a series of 20 lectures about all aspect

I agree. It strikes me as a very inefficient use of an enterpeneur's time who wants to launch a business to first watch a series of 20 lectures about all aspects of starting a business. Just start doing it, and whenever you get stuck or need feedback ask someone whose expertise you trust for advice on a particular issue you're dealing with at that moment.

scobar 12y ago
Perhaps it's not the most efficient use of an entrepreneur's time, and I agree that it definitely doesn't have to be the first step. Working on an idea helps you learn fast, but there was so much I didn't know at first (I still have a lot to learn). I am so grateful that resources like this exist, and I expect this one by YC to have a higher density of quality info in the time spent watching lectures.
- McDoku 12y ago
  “Principles and rules are intended to provide a thinking man with a frame of reference.” -- Karl von Clausewitz
  - ThomPete 12y ago
    Running a company is not about neither principles nor rules. To the extent it does it's doesn't require a thinking man.
    - McDoku 12y ago
      Please elaborate.
      - ThomPete 12y ago
        Running a startup is not an intellectual exercise which is the context for that quote. Running a startup is more like improvising in a jazz band. There is some theory behind it but if you think you stink.
        McDoku 12y ago
        ...talent and genius operate outside the rules, and theory conflicts with practice - Carl von Clausewitz I would argue that he agrees. However... The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand. - Sun Tzu Both intellectualism and the ability to improvise are necessary. Arguably, if you have to adapt then a calculation has failed. Hearing the sound of thunder is not the mark of a keen ear, neither is entering battle and winning the mark of a great general. There is no point reinventing the wheel. Many have come before and it seems wise to assimilate their experience with a critical mind. Instinct ultimately rises from your existing body of knowledge. And even in jazz it emerges from a bass line.
tim333 12y ago
Maybe a bit of both is the answer. Just watch lectures and read and nothing gets done. Rush ahead and do stuff without studying and you risk dumb errors that you could have avoided.

scobar 12y ago

Perhaps it's not the most efficient use of an entrepreneur's time, and I agree that it definitely doesn't have to be the first step. Working on an idea helps you learn fast, but there was so much I didn't know at first (I still have a lot to learn). I am so grateful that resources like this exist, and I expect this one by YC to have a higher density of quality info in the time spent watching lectures.

McDoku 12y ago
“Principles and rules are intended to provide a thinking man with a frame of reference.” -- Karl von Clausewitz
- ThomPete 12y ago
  Running a company is not about neither principles nor rules. To the extent it does it's doesn't require a thinking man.
  - McDoku 12y ago
    Please elaborate.
    - ThomPete 12y ago
      Running a startup is not an intellectual exercise which is the context for that quote. Running a startup is more like improvising in a jazz band. There is some theory behind it but if you think you stink.
      - McDoku 12y ago
        ...talent and genius operate outside the rules, and theory conflicts with practice - Carl von Clausewitz I would argue that he agrees. However... The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand. - Sun Tzu Both intellectualism and the ability to improvise are necessary. Arguably, if you have to adapt then a calculation has failed. Hearing the sound of thunder is not the mark of a keen ear, neither is entering battle and winning the mark of a great general. There is no point reinventing the wheel. Many have come before and it seems wise to assimilate their experience with a critical mind. Instinct ultimately rises from your existing body of knowledge. And even in jazz it emerges from a bass line.

tim333 12y ago

Maybe a bit of both is the answer. Just watch lectures and read and nothing gets done. Rush ahead and do stuff without studying and you risk dumb errors that you could have avoided.