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I'm worried that a lot of these ideas are taking Paul Graham's adage of solving simple problems a little bit too much to heart. The amount of effort that would

by naeem 15y ago

I'm worried that a lot of these ideas are taking Paul Graham's adage of solving simple problems a little bit too much to heart. The amount of effort that would be expanded into these ideas - and various other start-up ideas nowadays - generally appears to me to be more than it's worth. I suppose my point is that entrepreneurs are spending too much time solving mundane, every-day problems which aren't that bad as opposed to looking at the big picture. I mean, don't get me wrong, I recognize that not everyone is going to build the next facebook... but if we don't strive for that, doesn't that eliminate the risk - and ultimately, the charm - of entrepreneurship? Or am I just bitter? I'm starting to think it might just be the latter.

alexsb92 15y ago
I actually agree with you, and have been wondering the same thing myself. However I would say these ideas are not necessarily that bad to practice on. I mean for people who are serious about getting into web stuff, then projects like these could be a great way to learn the ropes. Doing a project from ground up has always been IMO the best way to learn a new language. I know that I will basically be doing this with one of those ideas or a similar one.
tansey 15y ago
> not everyone is going to build the next facebook... but if we don't strive for that, doesn't that eliminate the risk - and ultimately, the charm - of entrepreneurship? Or am I just bitter? First, I really wouldn't say Facebook was a big idea when it started. It was about getting Harvard students laid, with some long-shot plans about connecting the world together gradually over time. I could come up with some half-baked paths that a few of my ideas may follow to become a huge company, but of course that is more about luck down the road. I like to focus on ideas that can solve a problem right now and make money. Second, risk is not a binary concept. You have an efficient frontier of risk/reward points and you simply choose your spot along that line. If you want to start the next Facebook, you might be looking at 1,000 competitors. If you want to build a Settlers of Catan clone, it's more like 3. There's still risk, but it's greatly reduced, and with that reduction comes a reduction of potential return. Feel free to swing for the fences-- but every team needs guys who can get singles and RBIs, not just home runs. Happy to hear some examples of ideas that you think have sufficient potential and charm. :)
- naeem 15y ago
  Good points. I guess I'm not as concerned about entrepreneurs pursuing ideas which are inherently doomed, as much as entrepreneurs grasping for straws. I'd like to think the idea I'm working on now has sufficient potential and charm! :-)

by naeem 15y ago

alexsb92 15y ago

I actually agree with you, and have been wondering the same thing myself. However I would say these ideas are not necessarily that bad to practice on. I mean for people who are serious about getting into web stuff, then projects like these could be a great way to learn the ropes. Doing a project from ground up has always been IMO the best way to learn a new language. I know that I will basically be doing this with one of those ideas or a similar one.

tansey 15y ago

> not everyone is going to build the next facebook... but if we don't strive for that, doesn't that eliminate the risk - and ultimately, the charm - of entrepreneurship? Or am I just bitter? First, I really wouldn't say Facebook was a big idea when it started. It was about getting Harvard students laid, with some long-shot plans about connecting the world together gradually over time. I could come up with some half-baked paths that a few of my ideas may follow to become a huge company, but of course that is more about luck down the road. I like to focus on ideas that can solve a problem right now and make money. Second, risk is not a binary concept. You have an efficient frontier of risk/reward points and you simply choose your spot along that line. If you want to start the next Facebook, you might be looking at 1,000 competitors. If you want to build a Settlers of Catan clone, it's more like 3. There's still risk, but it's greatly reduced, and with that reduction comes a reduction of potential return. Feel free to swing for the fences-- but every team needs guys who can get singles and RBIs, not just home runs. Happy to hear some examples of ideas that you think have sufficient potential and charm. :)

naeem 15y ago
Good points. I guess I'm not as concerned about entrepreneurs pursuing ideas which are inherently doomed, as much as entrepreneurs grasping for straws. I'd like to think the idea I'm working on now has sufficient potential and charm! :-)