Could you code the next facebook?

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Gareth72

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#61142 10-May-2010 16:18

I have an idea for a social networking site and I would love to collaborate with a talented developer.

With stories of google, myspace and facebook igniting in someone's garage or bedroom... I'm wondering if there was someone out there that has the talent to spark another with me?

Ideally we would form a partnership and set this idea alight.

Any advice on where I should look for someone, what skills they may need etc would be really appreciated! I don't really know where to start looking. My background is in industrial design and visual effects for film.

thanks for checking out this post.

freitasm

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#328577 10-May-2010 16:21

Perhaps check with a local incubator if they have resources interested in developing a new project?

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patatrat

261 posts

Ultimate Geek

#328607 10-May-2010 17:13

First of all, I'd like to state that I'm not putting down your idea, or saying that what you are trying to achieve is impossible. But....

I would be weary of forming a partnership.

Sounds like you have an idea and want to make it happen, but lack the development skills to do it yourself.

Best plan of action (in my opinion) would be to hire developers to build it. It will cost you up front (rather than a partner just giving their time) and you take all the risk, but if you really believe in it.....

Fact is, many people have an idea for the 'next [insert famous website]' but lack the skills to do it. Developers are weary of people offering partnerships in these things (as it is basically a 'work for free, but if it gets big, then you'll get paid' deal).

As a general rule, the only people you'll get that are interested in working for free are the people who can't get real work or lack the proper skills. The best ones (that you need) will run a mile.

Also bear in mind that facebook didn't become facebook overnight. It started as a small site, with a small number of users, and a fairly basic set of features (not to mention fairly ugly interface). When it grew, more money was spent on development. This is an issue for you, as users are now used to this level of sophistication in their online applications, and may avoid a rudimentary site - so you will probably have to spend more money and time on the features and interface then facebook had to when they launched.

You don't just need developers. You'll need designers, UI experts, infrastructure experts, business analysts, system architects and most importantly, testers.

And this isn't just a case of getting someone to build it, and they will come. You need to host it, make sure your user's data and privacy is protected, secure it from hackers and phishers, and then market it. This all costs.

For an idea on how people react when asked to work for free on the promise of getting paid if the idea takes off, have a look at this:

http://www.27bslash6.com/p2p2.html

Having said all that, the idea of going to a incubator is a good one. They are set up for people like you, and at worst, they can point you in the right direction for advice and mentoring.

Ragnor

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#328610 10-May-2010 17:19

+1 everything patatrat said.

It's also worth noting that neither Facebook, Youtube or Twitter have very viable business models. They've all consumed a large amount of venture capital and are only just (many years later) starting to generate a small profit.

Getting funding for things that don't actually have a viable business model from the start is much harder since the global financial crisis imo.

bazzer

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#328621 10-May-2010 17:30

+1, except I would use wary rather than weary.

patatrat: http://www.27bslash6.com/p2p2.html

P.S. Awesome!

patatrat

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Ultimate Geek

#328624 10-May-2010 17:32

bazzer: +1, except I would use wary rather than weary.

And it's too late to edit now too.

Will remember that for the next time. Cheers.

Ragnor

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#328738 11-May-2010 02:40

Sad but true...
http://uxhero.com/ux-theory/can-you-name-a-web-startup-that-got-better-after-it-was-acquired/

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Gareth72

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#328803 11-May-2010 10:11

Thanks for your feedback guys! Patatrat, thanks for taking the time to offer such comprehensive advice!
Gareth

patatrat

261 posts

Ultimate Geek

#328869 11-May-2010 12:13

Gareth72: Thanks for your feedback guys! Patatrat, thanks for taking the time to offer such comprehensive advice!
Gareth

I hope you don't get too disheartened. Despite what you see and hear on TV and in movies, ideas aren't actually worth anything. Realizing them is what is worth something. You can't sell or get rich off an idea. You can sell whatever you make as a result of that idea.

jonb

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#328892 11-May-2010 12:50

Good advice from paratrat. Here's another good article about people who've succeeded in starting up a new internet business the 'hard' way:

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1890387-1,00.html

dman

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#332732 21-May-2010 02:34

you do realise ideas are dime a dozen?

but if you are keen to go ahead with a start up, check out these essays as everything he says is GOLD (he is one of the guys who started up Y Combinator, VERY famous):

http://www.paulgraham.com/articles.html

https://www.youtube.com/c/SoundSpeeding