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Ask HN: Don't want to steal an idea, but don't need 4 non-technical cofounders

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Re: Ask HN: Don't want to steal an idea, but don't need 4 non-technical cofounders

#11

Post by User7198 »

You take the idea and you execute it solo. If you succeed, and they fail, it's not because you stole the idea, it's because of your execution, and you pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

If you want to smooth things over, talk to him and say you like the idea, but see things a little differently, and are going to take a shot at the concept on your own.

The chances of succeeding are extremely slim, so don't lower your odds by carrying 4 people along as dead weight as you do all the work.

Re: Ask HN: Don't want to steal an idea, but don't need 4 non-technical cofounders

#12

Post by mynewwork »

brudgers wrote: post #8

A few years ago, I was coaching my son's recreational soccer team. I wasn't involved in the all too common youth league shenanigans where coaches 'request' players and it was reflected in the average level of experience and athleticism of the children. Then again it didn't really occur to me to try. Anyway, against the odds the team advanced through the year end tournament and to all the way to the finals...of a U10…

Off-topic to OP, but relevant to your story:

As a child, I was a very competitive soccer player. The only league available for me to play in was the local rec league, where everyone got roughly equal playing time and many referees, coaches and parents had a very indifferent "it's just kids playing a game" attitude.

I was constantly frustrated and frequently felt insulted that something I cared so much about (winning, and playing the game properly) was being held out of reach by the adults in charge. I wanted to play the game right and let the rightful team win, but was forced to lose games by well-meaning parents who apparently didn't believe 9 year olds had the same hopes, dreams and aspirations as everyone else.

So you may regret that the two weakest players on your team didn't get to play as much one game. But somewhere out there is a 10 year old who got to experience playing the game right, and even though his team lost the final 9-1, it was probably the best game of the year to him.

Re: Ask HN: Don't want to steal an idea, but don't need 4 non-technical cofounders

#13

Post by brudgers »

mynewwork wrote: post #12
brudgers wrote: post #8

A few years ago, I was coaching my son's recreational soccer team. I wasn't involved in the all too common youth league shenanigans where coaches 'request' players and it was reflected in the average level of experience and athleticism of the children. Then again it didn't really occur to me to try. Anyway, against the odds the team advanced through the year end tournament and to all the way to the finals...of a U10…

Off-topic to OP, but relevant to your story: As a child, I was a very competitive soccer player. The only league available for me to play in was the local rec league, where everyone got roughly equal playing time and many referees, coaches and parents had a very indifferent "it's just kids playing a game" attitude. I was constantly frustrated and frequently felt insulted that something I cared so much about (winning,…

Locally, there's club ball, and that's where my son has been since that season. It was also the end of my coaching career. But a few months later I took up refereeing.and that experience has radically changed my perspective on the role of adults in youth sports, and in what you say about adult expectations making the game less fun is absolutely true. More typical these days is in the other direction - adults treating U10 game victory as worth a line on the tombstone.

But I see what you are talking about among referees. There's often a lack of presence for the kids. It's an ego thing. We all think we should be working the next level up and that it's ok to phone it in.

Anyway, some great youth sport resources are Bob Bigalow's book Just let the Kids Play, the Responsible Sports podcast and the positive coaching alliance.

http://www.bobbigelow.com/bobs-book-highights/http://www.bob...

https://responsible-sports.libertymutual.com/mediahttps://re...

http://positivecoach.org/http://positivecoach.org/

Re: Ask HN: Don't want to steal an idea, but don't need 4 non-technical cofounders

#14

Post by metaphorm »

ideas are a dime a dozen. execution is what matters.

if you think the guy you met will be signficant value add to your ability to execute on the idea, then obviously include him. it sounds like he and his team are not really going to be able to add a lot of value though. don't weigh yourself down.

Re: Ask HN: Don't want to steal an idea, but don't need 4 non-technical cofounders

#15

Post by tptacek »

Walk away. You'll have other ideas at least as good as the one you're looking at now, and a dispute over ownership is no way to start a successful company.

People will rush to tell you that ideas aren't worth anything and simply having an idea gives your erstwhile prospective cofounders little claim on it. That's true, but not dispositive. If you start your own venture based on an idea they believe they entrusted to you, there will be drama. You have no guarantee that the drama won't take a form that requires lawyers. Either way: it'll be ugly.

Life is too short. Do something else.

Re: Ask HN: Don't want to steal an idea, but don't need 4 non-technical cofounders

#16

Post by CyberFonic »

Draw up a project plan with staged payments. Ask for an advance, etc.

Yup! Money NOT equity! Just charge market rates for your work. With 4 cofounders they should be able to finance "their idea" - hey they work in a bank ... dhuuh!

If they don't want to play on your terms, then it is better to find out now. One tech guy vs four biz types - just can't end well. No contract will totally protect you and good lawyers don't come cheap. Cheap lawyers end up costing even more in the long term.

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