I usually find it very helpful, but at the same time I'm not a developer, so I can afford to spend the time really thinking about my ideas. For me, market resea

I usually find it very helpful, but at the same time I'm not a developer, so I can afford to spend the time really thinking about my ideas. For me, market research usually identifies opportunities I have missed and obstacles I should take into account. And it helps adjust expectations. A lot of people you'd think would say yes end up saying no. I think many people miss the fact that a lot of this "business stuff" was done in the past because it normally took a lot more capital to start a business before the internet. You really had to think through your ideas before you put thousands of dollars on the line. Now all you need to take care of is a domain name and $100/month in hosting fees. It just doesn't pay to spend so much time when the risk is so low. So ask yourself, would a prototype cost you anything? Can you start getting feedback and sign up potential customers with just a site and no huge cash outlay? If you can, then do it. If you need money to really get the business off the ground, then do your research, because its important, and likely required for investment.