That may be the answer eventually. The situation now is getting out of control. It's not just us people are trying to pre-empt. They're all trying to pre-empt one another. The result is that they end up setting their deadlines in roughly inverse order of quality, creating a cascade of stressful decision points for the best applicants. And the more new YC-like things people start, the worse it will get.
I don't think there would need to be a common application, but there may have to be a common deadline.
every US Senator and Governor is campaigning for president
Those who are not "natural born citizens" of the United States (such as the current governor of California) cannot become President, by the Constitution, but, yes, for the most part most politicians of national prominence keep a future run for the presidency in mind in most of what they do.
I think the common deadline would be a good idea ... and along with it perhaps some sort of "seed fund consortium" comprised of YC and the other reputable YC-like firms. Going with the college analogy, it would be along the lines of applying to an "accredited" institution.
Not only would the common application make the process easier for startups, it would help them identify worthy funds and keep them from wasting their time with other/shady ones.
It could definitely be a loosely-formed org. Perhaps quarterly deadlines that each firm could choose to accepts apps or not ... plus a simple list of guidelines they follow.
very good point. having been through the process, specifically having received an exploding offer from one of the firms, i can attest to how stressful it is.
in the end we declined the offer and it ended up working out well for us.
to be honest, extending an exploding offer is a statement of character.
I don't think there would need to be a common application, but there may have to be a common deadline.