I've signed dozens over the years. I wouldn't hold it against the asker. The vast majority of the time though, it's a really bad sign: The prototypical example

I've signed dozens over the years. I wouldn't hold it against the asker. The vast majority of the time though, it's a really bad sign: The prototypical example is a potential-founder who has an idea that they think is too good to let leak; so they force everyone to sign an NDA. The problem with this mindset is that most ideas are total crap; and you only find that out when you bounce the idea off of people who are willing to be honest with you. Also, ideas get stronger when they're discussed with others. So usually the founder says "Please sign my NDA before I disclose to you" and then I sign it, and they reveal their idea, which is either: A. An exact clone of something that already exists, which they didn't realize because they haven't had this discussion with anybody yet. B. A ridiculous spin on an existing product (think "Twitter for Dolphins") C. Something either illegal or technically impossible In rare cases, it's something great and amazing. So every-time I sign I just hope for that. 95% of the time I am disappointed.