3 ms·

Okay, let's turn that around. Are you saying that there is such a thing as a good idea that is easily replicated and indefensible? Such that if you show it to o

Okay, let's turn that around. Are you saying that there is such a thing as a good idea that is easily replicated and indefensible? Such that if you show it to other entrepreneurs on HN someone can quickly copy it and beat you to the market? If so, why are you doing it? This is exactly the kind of question VCs used to ask. Why this, why now, and why you. If showing it to HN will cause people to say, "oh, that's obvious" and rush out to copy it, you are lacking an answer to the question "why you."

jamesbritt 16y ago
"If so, why are you doing it?" Because first to market makes a difference? Because a good idea may also require a good implementation, which (depending on the idea) not everyone can pull off? Because not every good idea is meant as VC fodder? You do it fast, milk it for what you can, and accept that eventually others will copy it and spoil the party.
- raganwald 16y ago
  Because a good idea may also require a good implementation, which (depending on the idea) not everyone can pull off? My point exactly. "Why me" is "Because I'm the best in the world at doing this." Do it fast, milk it for what you can, and accept that eventually others will copy it and spoil the party. I agree. If you're in the game to do something fast, milk it for $$$, and then get out, then don't post it on HN. Not only is it not in your best interest, I can't imagine it being interesting to anyone besides another person in the game to do stuff fast and get out. What you ought to post on HN is your business plan for having "deal flow," a funnel full of "do it fast" ideas. Some companies demonstrate a knack for constantly identifying and capitalizing on these temporary ideas and exploiting them. That "meta-plan" for building a repeatable business would be damn interesting.

3 ms·

Okay, let's turn that around. Are you saying that there is such a thing as a good idea that is easily replicated and indefensible? Such that if you show it to o

by raganwald 16y ago

jamesbritt 16y ago
"If so, why are you doing it?" Because first to market makes a difference? Because a good idea may also require a good implementation, which (depending on the idea) not everyone can pull off? Because not every good idea is meant as VC fodder? You do it fast, milk it for what you can, and accept that eventually others will copy it and spoil the party.
- raganwald 16y ago
  Because a good idea may also require a good implementation, which (depending on the idea) not everyone can pull off? My point exactly. "Why me" is "Because I'm the best in the world at doing this." Do it fast, milk it for what you can, and accept that eventually others will copy it and spoil the party. I agree. If you're in the game to do something fast, milk it for $$$, and then get out, then don't post it on HN. Not only is it not in your best interest, I can't imagine it being interesting to anyone besides another person in the game to do stuff fast and get out. What you ought to post on HN is your business plan for having "deal flow," a funnel full of "do it fast" ideas. Some companies demonstrate a knack for constantly identifying and capitalizing on these temporary ideas and exploiting them. That "meta-plan" for building a repeatable business would be damn interesting.