Live data from Hacker News

Ask HN: Should you bother hiding your website's secret sauce?

news.ycombinator.com

11–17 of 17 posts

Re: Ask HN: Should you bother hiding your website's secret sauce?

#11
post #9
post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

When I invent something this is exactly what I do. I have no problem explaining everything up to the 'key' that no one else would be able to replicate without me explaining/showing them. Even then I have no problem telling them 'the secret sauce'... I just don't show them how it works or how to do it. Now you also have a type of secret sauce called operational knowledge. For example I know how to take an idea, protot…

Despite the fact that Operational Knowledge can be hard to replicate with the efficiency of someone who has more experience. I find talking to more senior engineers about their development process (or even just pair programming with them) to be very insightful. Even if it's just a matter of how they have their key bindings set, terminal aliases, window management, testing integrating, etc. Stuff like that is nice to…

Sorry, I was referring more to manufacturing,production, and logistics knowledge. Most of my experience revolves around combining software with physical products, working with partners around the world to get them to a stores shelves. Since there are only a hand full of people with the breath of knowledge to design, prototype, and manage every step combining both software and the physical I tend not to worry.

Re: Ask HN: Should you bother hiding your website's secret sauce?

#12
post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Groupon -is- very easy to copy, hence the hundreds of Groupon clones making money hand over fist. However, even with the clones, Groupon seems to be doing just fine.

I knew there were hundreds of clones but didnt know they were making cash hand over first. Any operating in a country that groupon operates in you can point me to? Just interested. I chatted with some of the groupon guys a short while ago and was shocked by just how much cash they spend on aquiring business. I wonder how many groupon type companies a city can hold, and for how long?

By acquiring business you mean acquiring users? Acquiring companies that will offer deals on them? Interested.

Re: Ask HN: Should you bother hiding your website's secret sauce?

#14
post #5

For me, execution is everything. Knowing an idea alone is nothing compared to knowing what to exactly do with the idea.

Well said. Everyone has great ideas but its entirely the execution of a TEAM that will make or break a huge idea. Struggling with telling people your baby is certainly hard but recognize most people just want to help you. All good ideas will be replicated, its just how do you make yourself hard to imitate thats going to separate you from the rest.

Re: Ask HN: Should you bother hiding your website's secret sauce?

#16
post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I knew there were hundreds of clones but didnt know they were making cash hand over first. Any operating in a country that groupon operates in you can point me to? Just interested. I chatted with some of the groupon guys a short while ago and was shocked by just how much cash they spend on aquiring business. I wonder how many groupon type companies a city can hold, and for how long?

By acquiring business you mean acquiring users? Acquiring companies that will offer deals on them? Interested.

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: Should you bother hiding your website's secret sauce?

#17
post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I knew there were hundreds of clones but didnt know they were making cash hand over first. Any operating in a country that groupon operates in you can point me to? Just interested. I chatted with some of the groupon guys a short while ago and was shocked by just how much cash they spend on aquiring business. I wonder how many groupon type companies a city can hold, and for how long?

By acquiring business you mean acquiring users? Acquiring companies that will offer deals on them? Interested.

Sorry only just saw this, but yes getting businesses to work with them takes a whole team of sales staff in each city who do a mix of cold calling, client mgmt and liason. most of their profits margin comes from uncashed vouchers. Happy to chat more, details on profile page.
Post reply on HN