> We actually mock people who are scenesters who do it for the fame/social status, and we mock the scammers who build nothing real and get fake valuations.
Who is "we" here? Certainly not me. I personally am embarrassed for the YC community when I see things like this and also attacks on others on the private Bookface forum. If you have a problem with someone, say it to their face. Maybe they'll learn something. Or spend a day in their shoes instead of being so quick to judge and perhaps say nothing at all. This statement sounds very fratty and secretive, which is my least favorite part about YC. I am very grateful that I got into YC, but 95% of people got nothing but a template rejection email. YC gets the first 100 picks in the draft. With great power comes great responsibility.
Speaking for me personally I agree with the sentiment about making things but the highest value I prize is making something good for other people and then giving it to the world to make it a better place. Not putting so much emphasis on what value you capture; instead focusing on what value you create. That's why aaronsw is my favorite YC founder of all time. I am impressed by folks who build these big companies, but far from the value I prize most.