The reason we haven't seen a successful idea website like that is because it's a classic marketplace problem. Such a solution would have to evolve out of an ex

The reason we haven't seen a successful idea website like that is because it's a classic marketplace problem. Such a solution would have to evolve out of an existing platform that has already attracted a diverse community. My guess is sites like Reddit or Quora are best positioned to solve this problem. I have seen several questions on Quora that were basically along the lines of, "I have problem X, can you recommend a tool to solve it?" Either people provide suggestions, or a developer comes along and says "Hey I have this problem too, I'm going to build a solution and let you know when it's live in a few weeks." I could imagine HN creating IHAP (I Have a Problem) posts where somebody shares a problem they have and others from the community can either provide suggestions or offer to build a solution. What I can't see happening is a new marketplace forming around this concept. Why would I post a problem to Firespotting, when I'd get a much better response posting to HN or Quora?