Ask YC: Stealing an idea

3 points by goofygrin 18y ago ↗ HN

A former coworker had a great idea and had played around with it (just enought to get an idea of what it could do and some logos -- although I didn't like the name or logos). Since our initial conversation about it (I saw him doodling something one day), I've thought about it a lot and have a lot of ways to expand it/implement it already in my head).

The idea is great, not a huge moneymaker, but enough to get some residual income from it.

The only thing that is special to him is he knows someone that would help with supplying some items for the thing.

So, YC HN, do I steal the idea? I've talked to him about partnering, but he says he doesn't have time to work on it. I'd like to force his hand a bit and get an introduction to the contact and then hit the ground running... Maybe kick back some small % to him?

He's a great designer though and I'd love his help with that aspect...

2 comments

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dfranke 18y ago ↗

Just do whatever makes sense economically and socially. I don't think you should have any moral hangups about stealing the idea (ideas are worthless, and they aren't property so you can't steal them), but you also don't want to piss off an acquaintance unnecessarily.

symptic 18y ago ↗

I think if you're going to be using his idea, it's bad taste to use him as the designer and only give him a few %. If you're going to copy his idea, which you've said he's already started bringing into reality, then offer nothing and prepare to potentially lose a friend over 'some residual income.'