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Ask HN: A site that allows you to create programs other people ask for?

5 points by Beanblabber ↗ HN
For example, I need an app that does this and this, but I don't know how to code. I would go to this website and post it saying what I want. Then a programmer could come along and fill that order.

I think it would be a good place for ideas as well as good inspiration for some projects.

Anyone know of such a place?

5 comments

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erikstarck
There was a post about that on HN just a few hours ago. The site was http://www.builditwith.me/

I am myself working on a project called Startup Garage where people will be able to collaborate on startup ideas and set up "virtual companies". We have a site up and running but the feature set is so far pretty limited as we are still very much in beta. Google us if you're interested. :)

Beanblabber
Hmm, not exactly what I was looking for but close nonetheless. I'll check out your site though, looks good.
somecanuck
Are you referring to reverse-auction programming sites? There's plenty of those to be found.

I do not have a favorable opinion of most of them, and that's because they list the bid amount and bid text. It ends up becoming a race to undercut each other, to the point where I have seen a prject with a $10 USD bid that would take me 10 hours.

I frequent Guru.com to pick up small side projects here and there. It does not list the bid amounts, lists the country of origin (for both employers and freelancers), and uses an escrow service.

Beanblabber
I was thinking along the lines of free.
somecanuck
When you consider the aforementioned $10 USD for 10 hours, and the fact that Guru.com takes 7-15% of the fee, it's practically free.. :)

What would be the motivation to code a product for someone else for free? Especially considering they might profit off of it, or that you will likely hand over the rights to it afterwards. I'll admit that I am interested in coding fun projects, but that's questionable.