First: I work in Startup BD at AWS (disclosure), but have been a multi-time founder as well. I was under the impression that an AWS architect will sit with you to optimize your infrastructure (Business Support). Did that not happen / or was it not useful? Happy to help in any way I can.
I 100% agree with you. That experience made me really think about the "team v. product v. market" dynamic that so many startups and founders are judged by. If we are to believe that team matters above all -- then why do you put the product over ourselves? If we spent more time taking care of ourselves, perhaps the product's quality and viability. would accelerate faster?
as the OP, I actually meant the exact opposite. "Just build something awesome" is a horrible directive. It should be "Just build something awesome that people will actually pay for with more than time and tweets."
Its important to note that YC isnt "at fault," or "did something wrong." They did what they thought was best, and that decision drove Jon down a different path. The end result (at least at this point) is net-net positive for both. Being in YC as a single founder would have been really hard on Jon, and would have probably netted a different short-term result, given the learning and potential shift in direction an accelerator can bring (YC, TS, etc.)
This is only our 0.0.0.3 version (meaning Im underwhelmed too). We plan to add new features weekly. Would love to hear what it is that you want, and I will let you know when they are going to be released - [email protected].
I also spoke at the conference, and its great to see Travis out speaking about his experiences. Lots of good stuff in there, even if Travis is clearly just getting his speaking legs under him.
A Hustler isnt really a builder - except that they tend to be decent product people who think in terms of "what can I get people passionate about." It becomes the great cycle of the Hacker (Builder) creating something that the Hustler can get people passionate about. Hustler gets people passionate, which leads to new problems and new things to build.
Not being a coder, I would guess that my definition would be all over the place. :)
I guess the best way to describe a Hacker (as I define it) is a builder. Someone who finds unique ways to solve problems and then builds the solution. For example, I know someone who takes the output of the Wikipedia log file each night and parses it for data. Might not be overly complicated, but its an interesting solution to a problem.
In many ways, a Hacker is like porn. You know it when you see it.
I actually do think that the Hacker and Hustler mentality are innate. Its like musicians, I can learn how to play the violin, but I will never be a real musician. I will never understand that the adjustment of my finger on the string by 1/32" will make all the difference in the world.
Real Hackers are just that. Problem solvers, tinkers, their brains are always focused on solutions to problems via code. I would imagine they see the world differently.
I consider myself a Hustler, mostly because I see the world as a set of connections, and to help out my startup all I need to do is connect the right things together.