Absolutely not. Only if the thing exists already satisfies all my needs and I could not build a better version.
Ask HN: Are you put off building something because it already exists?
101–110 of 301 posts
Re: Ask HN: Are you put off building something because it already exists?
#102I think your idea is fantastic. That doesn’t exist for me today; even if there is another solution out there, it hasn’t come to my attention, consideration, or adoption.
I think the idea of a reverse address book could be generalized across many contexts. Tim Bernes-Lee is laying tracks for a protocol with that in mind, but it needs apps, especially ones that reach into where people store data today and migrate it to a network where people can subscribe to others data and publish their own.
Meet me where I’m at: on an iPhone, with its contacts system and cloud. Give me shared data without making me relearn contact management over again. Make it so I can show my mom how to do it in a minute, or better yet so easy she doesn’t need to ask about it. Don’t wait for big tech to deliver this. Prove it’s possible.
Re: Ask HN: Are you put off building something because it already exists?
#103What is the name of the existing service? I am interested in trying it out :) I also once had the idea of a reverse address book but didn't think many people would use it.
Re: Ask HN: Are you put off building something because it already exists?
#104Mine is mostly a mental problem, I feel like my product will never be good enough compared to others. Even right now, I'm working on a simple website for a specific niche, but there's already another website that does exactly the same thing. I feel like people will just think I copied there idea, or that they might have better content than me. It's always been an issue for me, and because of it, I've never been able…
What is it if you don't mind sharing? I am working on something niche too.
Re: Ask HN: Are you put off building something because it already exists?
#105There is a difference bt. building an app/software and building a business. If you enter a field with existing businesses, you have to treat it like a business, otherwise your app will generate zero revenue. Talking unfortunately from experience.
Re: Ask HN: Are you put off building something because it already exists?
#106Here's the recommendation I give to students when they ask me this question (it's a common one!): You come up with a brilliant idea, you obsess over it, you Google some info, and on your screen lies your idea, being done by someone else, for the last two years. You’re all too familiar with that sinking feeling in your stomach that follows. You abandon the idea almost immediately after all that excitement and ideation…
Good points. If you don't find any existing solutions then is it a sign that your idea is probably not that good? Or very few people care about your problem?
Re: Ask HN: Are you put off building something because it already exists?
#107Here's the recommendation I give to students when they ask me this question (it's a common one!): You come up with a brilliant idea, you obsess over it, you Google some info, and on your screen lies your idea, being done by someone else, for the last two years. You’re all too familiar with that sinking feeling in your stomach that follows. You abandon the idea almost immediately after all that excitement and ideation…
What questions do you ask yourself to develop your ideas further?
Not GP. Try out the competition. You'll find yourself coming up with many ways to improve their service.
Re: Ask HN: Are you put off building something because it already exists?
#108> Zoom is a recent and great example of competing in a crowded market and winning.
If you read Zoom's S1 filing, you will find they were profitable because they have their R&D in China.
Re: Ask HN: Are you put off building something because it already exists?
#109The saying:
“Pioneers get arrows. Settlers take the land.”
Basically represents that being first to market is not ideal. Out execute when the market is proven.
Re: Ask HN: Are you put off building something because it already exists?
#110Here's the recommendation I give to students when they ask me this question (it's a common one!): You come up with a brilliant idea, you obsess over it, you Google some info, and on your screen lies your idea, being done by someone else, for the last two years. You’re all too familiar with that sinking feeling in your stomach that follows. You abandon the idea almost immediately after all that excitement and ideation…
Wonderful!
Your point of view is unique, by definition. Your idiocyncratic view, priorities and approach can have niche appeal or be better outright.
So true that your unique view can evaporate and recrystallize into the incumbent's way.
Search was old before google.