I'm that founder learning how to code right now and I couldn't agree more with you.
Been hacking away for a 1-2 months so far with a friend who is a developer. It's totally worth it.
Founders who can't code
11–20 of 117 posts
Re: Founders who can't code
#12I've gotta say I really do disagree, the reason we do business/idea/marketing is because that's what we ENJOY and are PASSIONATE about. I believe that that's what's most important, being passionate, and enjoying what you're doing. And frankly, I can only code for so long before getting bored, and losing interest. But when I'm marketing, brainstorming partnerships, and discussing potential leads with a company -- i'm…
I don't want to sound harsh, but that's at least in part because talk is cheap - everyone enjoys talking and brainstorming, but at some point you have to put your head down, get your hands dirty, and get through that last 10% of work that invariably takes 90% of the time. There's nothing wrong with what you enjoy doing - it's very valuable to have someone good at it - but there is a difference between a good sales/ma…
So you're saying that doing hardcore marketing and biz-dev isn't 'putting your head down'? If a fantastic technical founder programs a fantastic app, but no one finds out about it, what value is it? It needs to be in the hands of users!
I believe that it's just as valuable (i'm not going to say 'if not more')
Re: Founders who can't code
#13I've gotta say I really do disagree, the reason we do business/idea/marketing is because that's what we ENJOY and are PASSIONATE about. I believe that that's what's most important, being passionate, and enjoying what you're doing. And frankly, I can only code for so long before getting bored, and losing interest. But when I'm marketing, brainstorming partnerships, and discussing potential leads with a company -- i'm…
As a technical guy who is taking care of the biz side of things in my startup, I must disagree with you lachy. I know how aggravating it is when someone shows complete disinterest in the technicalities. They lack an awareness of the challenges and think this stuff is magic. It's not. There are limitations and trade-offs.
I'm learning a lot of mechanical engineering stuff from my co-founders that's critical to understanding why our product will or won't work.
As far as passion is concerned, you should be passionate about the whole thing - from start to finish! I want to know the why, how, and what behind my products.
Re: Founders who can't code
#14True!
Usually people run around looking for co-founders and they look like people saying, "Build this for me, and hey you are a co-founder that means I don't pay you. Your time is at risk not mine."
And there is no way they can get a co-fonder that way, anyways.
Re: Founders who can't code
#15Note 3: Don't do this if, after a week, you don't like coding. You'll go insane.
Re: Founders who can't code
#16If your a hack what are you doing reading hacker news? jj :-)
Re: Founders who can't code
#17I was working with a business partner on a startup a while back, and what really impressed me was their prototype, consisting of a 'database' of static pages, and updates done manually using the forms-to-email system. The fact that they had a functional prototype, regardless of how horrible the technical implementation was, showed me that they were serious and I'd be able to communicate technical aspects to them much…
Exactly! Idea guys are pretty good at getting mockups and stuff done, showing off the ideas. They can pitch it and make it impressive.
Y'know, us developers are also "ideas guys" in addition to being developers.
Re: Founders who can't code
#18I've gotta say I really do disagree, the reason we do business/idea/marketing is because that's what we ENJOY and are PASSIONATE about. I believe that that's what's most important, being passionate, and enjoying what you're doing. And frankly, I can only code for so long before getting bored, and losing interest. But when I'm marketing, brainstorming partnerships, and discussing potential leads with a company -- i'm…
> And frankly, I can only code for so long before getting bored, and losing interest.
That's because it's not all fun and games. It's hard work, and the most important part of an internet startup.
Re: Founders who can't code
#19I disagree. Time is money. But which opportunity cost is greater? Do you have access to more time or do you have access to more money?
If your primary skillset is in business, marketing, or sales, stick with that. Don't deviate from your specialization.
Re: Founders who can't code
#20Earlier quoted context omitted.
I don't want to sound harsh, but that's at least in part because talk is cheap - everyone enjoys talking and brainstorming, but at some point you have to put your head down, get your hands dirty, and get through that last 10% of work that invariably takes 90% of the time. There's nothing wrong with what you enjoy doing - it's very valuable to have someone good at it - but there is a difference between a good sales/ma…
So you're saying that doing hardcore marketing and biz-dev isn't 'putting your head down'? If a fantastic technical founder programs a fantastic app, but no one finds out about it, what value is it? It needs to be in the hands of users! I believe that it's just as valuable (i'm not going to say 'if not more')
I think true sales is 'putting your head down'; cold calling is at least as manly as debugging Ruby. But I think "biz-dev" is often, well, spinning bullshit fantasies, putting them into powerpoints with nice colors, and calling it work. Not always, but often.
I guess that's why proven coders and proven commission salespeople (and proven accountants) can always find jobs, while "big picture" folks are left unemployed, wondering why companies can't see their brilliance. Or, if they're lucky, they sue Zuckerberg because he was able to do make an actual product which never got past the great-idea-over-beer phase for them.
(Ducks...)