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In my case, I'm working nights/weekends --- solo --- on a web application. What scares me is if I tell too many people what I'm doing, someone who can put it t

In my case, I'm working nights/weekends --- solo --- on a web application. What scares me is if I tell too many people what I'm doing, someone who can put it together faster than I can (smarter, more people, more time, whatever) and leave me in the dust will obviate my work. I don't consider that stealing. I just don't want to get beat. My idea isn't even that novel or anything - it just isn't available as I envision it. It's a frustrating thing, too, because I think NDAs at this stage are just silly, and I need to find at least one other person to work on this with me (preferably local to DFW). But keeping my hand close to my chest is the natural defensive reaction. It's hard to get over.

mattrepl 19y ago
I'm in a similar situation and have the same concern. I've told friends about the idea and gotten them to try out the prototype, but I haven't done anything more. Keeping the idea close is partly out of concern that someone with better timing will run with it, but also that I don't want to write about how cool it is until it's stable and complete enough for a public release. As an aside, am also looking for hackers to join forces with, but in Austin for the fall.
t0pj 19y ago
Same issue here. Designing web app, solo, nights/weekends only, in DFW. t0pj [at] that Y search company [dot] com. I definitely feel torn between sharing by idea with the world (shouting from the mountain tops) versus keeping my mouth shut, thinking my silence can provide strategic value.
wanorris 19y ago
> My idea isn't even that novel or anything - it just isn't available as I envision it. The "secret sauce" reference of the parent comment would seem to be directed specifically at this part. Don't bother to hide that you're making a new kind of (social network for cats|online word processor|whatever your concept is), but don't necessarily share the interesting part until you're ready to show it off.
oz 19y ago
That's the thing. The thing I'm working on is not difficult technically (its a web application). But it will require lots of local travel on my part (expensive) . If my idea were to get out, someone with the capital ready could easily gain first-mover advantage, which definitely counts.

mattrepl 19y ago

I'm in a similar situation and have the same concern. I've told friends about the idea and gotten them to try out the prototype, but I haven't done anything more. Keeping the idea close is partly out of concern that someone with better timing will run with it, but also that I don't want to write about how cool it is until it's stable and complete enough for a public release. As an aside, am also looking for hackers to join forces with, but in Austin for the fall.

t0pj 19y ago

Same issue here. Designing web app, solo, nights/weekends only, in DFW. t0pj [at] that Y search company [dot] com. I definitely feel torn between sharing by idea with the world (shouting from the mountain tops) versus keeping my mouth shut, thinking my silence can provide strategic value.

wanorris 19y ago

> My idea isn't even that novel or anything - it just isn't available as I envision it. The "secret sauce" reference of the parent comment would seem to be directed specifically at this part. Don't bother to hide that you're making a new kind of (social network for cats|online word processor|whatever your concept is), but don't necessarily share the interesting part until you're ready to show it off.

oz 19y ago

That's the thing. The thing I'm working on is not difficult technically (its a web application). But it will require lots of local travel on my part (expensive) . If my idea were to get out, someone with the capital ready could easily gain first-mover advantage, which definitely counts.