The whole point of the "Ideas don't matter" debate is exactly what you're pointing out on your post. People taking the phrase at face value just want to be on t

The whole point of the "Ideas don't matter" debate is exactly what you're pointing out on your post. People taking the phrase at face value just want to be on the opposing side because they like to antagonize popular opinion. When people say that ideas don't really matter, what they mean is that a great idea doesn't have an iota of influence on the success of a business/project based on said idea, when compared to the execution which can (and most probably will) have a huge influence in how everything turns out. The reality is that better ideas have a miniscule (though existent) influence on a businesses success, while execution of the idea has a much much larger piece of influence pie. A bad idea most definitely will bomb, but it can be saved by a great execution. A good idea can easily bomb, though it's a lot less probable if it's executed right. The common denominator between both situations is that luck, timing, and execution are of extreme value, while the idea itself takes a back seat to be a secondary concern. Sure it's a lot better to have a great idea (which gives you a few bonus points in favor of actually making it), but what will determine if you succeed is how good your product (and marketing) actually is, if the timing is right, and if you're pretty freaking lucky.