The graveyard of good ideas
Solutions that were tried, and what stopped them.
Patents that were rejected or abandoned, products that shut down, projects that went quiet. Borrow the idea, avoid the dead end.
3,400 solutions
- startupShut down2009
Ask YC: Advice on shutting down startup
I and 2 of my friends developed Onista (http://www.onista.com) a while back and we also invested some money (not a whole lot) for hosting and legal bills (like forming corp, patent investigations and all) We launched it, and somehow we never got to do much on marketing the app so it never picked up (or may be it was a wrong idea to begin with) At this moment all 3 of us lost the interest and want to shut down Onista to pursue other ideas independently because our time commitments are not same anymore. What are our options? - Try to sell Onista? Not sure if we can even do that since there is not much traffic. Don;t even know if we can do this. - Just shutdown servers, dissolve corp and move on? Any advice on what is the best way to move on? Thanks in advance
Why it failed: I and 2 of my friends developed Onista (http://www.onista.com) a while back and we also invested some money (not a whole lot) for hosting and legal bills (like forming corp, patent investigations and all) We launched it, and somehow we never got to do much on marketing the app so
prashantdesale
- startupShut down2009
Ask HN: Don't show points?
I was thinking about group think and how to keep it out of HN. And I ran into a fundamental problem/cause: Psychologically, people naturally follow groupthink. No matter how much you stress not following it, they'll still be inclined to follow the herd. So just saying "try not to follow groupthink" isn't good enough. Instead, why not make it less possible to follow groupthink? So here's my suggestion: stop displaying the points. Maybe still gray out downvoted comments, but I think even that is unnecessary. They'll float down to the bottom of the thread anyway. And I know that when I see a downvoted thread, I read it differently. I don't say "maybe a couple people just didn't like what they said, and it was actually ok" coming into it, I say "what did this person do wrong? What stupid thing did they say?" I come into it biased because of the points it has. Same goes for a comment with a l
Why it failed: I was thinking about group think and how to keep it out of HN. And I ran into a fundamental problem/cause: Psychologically, people naturally follow groupthink. No matter how much you stress not following it, they'll still be inclined to follow the herd. So just saying "try not to
jackowayed
- startupShut down2009
Web Design Job for the Eager
I have a bit of a story to tell here, but their might be a job in it for you, so bear with me. I just spent the last 45 minutes talking to the owner of Tahoe Reno Firewood. I don't know why I did it, but I just started talking and asking questions, and I couldn't stop. The reason I was on the phone was because my girlfriend Anna had gone on his website: http://www.renotahoefirewood.com/index.html to order a cord of wood. As it stands, to do this, she had to download a PDF form and then email it back to him. Even after jumping through these hoops, he emailed us and asked us to call because the form was screwed up. So, Anna had me call the guy, and while I had him on the phone, I decided to ask some questions about his business, and give him some advice on his website. He seems like a really nice guy, and I really like his business - we've discovered that not everyone in the wood business
Why it failed: I have a bit of a story to tell here, but their might be a job in it for you, so bear with me. I just spent the last 45 minutes talking to the owner of Tahoe Reno Firewood. I don't know why I did it, but I just started talking and asking questions, and I couldn't stop. The reason
andrewljohnson
- startupShut down2009
Tell HN: Four (hopefully) unique and useful start-up tips
I've read a lot of posts here on HN about start-up tips and advice. Many are good, but some are too vague to be actionable. Others, while useful, sometimes repeat common themes. I run a start-up that is relatively successful. I am a long time lurker on HN, and wanted to give back to the community. I don’t have a personal blog, and HN is the primary audience I want to share this with, so apologies in advance for the formatting. Although they might sound similar to other posts, hopefully these tips will be unique enough for someone to find useful. I know that they've been worthwhile for me. == 1. Learn to say "no" gracefully == A lot of tips stress the importance of saying "no", turning down projects that you can’t do, and focusing on your core competencies. This is all great advice. However, in my experience, saying no is not always an easy task. Often times, you’ll be saying "no" to an e
Why it failed: I've read a lot of posts here on HN about start-up tips and advice. Many are good, but some are too vague to be actionable. Others, while useful, sometimes repeat common themes. I run a start-up that is relatively successful. I am a long time lurker on HN, and wanted to give back
ackkchoo
- startupShut down2009
YC Applicants: Q&A with Abby and Ivan Kirigin of Tipjoy
I have recently exchanged Q&A emails with Ivan Kirigin, the founder of tipjoy.com, about his experiences being in the Y Combinator. I want to really thank Ivan and Abby for replying all these questions with depth. I've promised I would share these Q&A with the community so all YC applicants can have a taste and feel of what's to come and more importantly what the application process is like. I also want to thank Andrew Warner from mixergy.com for helping me and inspiring me to apply for Y Combinator. If you ever need to learn entrepreneurship, his interviews is a great way to learn it from. Here's the Q&A: Q: Did you have to assist the financial risks that were involved with both of you in the same business? Isn't it like putting all your eggs in one basket? The worst case scenario was that we would have to go back to 'regular' jobs. Leaving a job at a big company to start yo
Why it failed: I have recently exchanged Q&A emails with Ivan Kirigin, the founder of tipjoy.com, about his experiences being in the Y Combinator. I want to really thank Ivan and Abby for replying all these questions with depth. I've promised I would share these Q&A with the community s
releasedatez
- startupShut down2009
Ask HN: The ideal company for programmers, or giving freedom to your programmers
I find myself often torn between two desires: a) Having the freedom to work on something I'm passionate about. And being able to work on it by my schedule (this doesn't mean I'll be working 4 hrs a day, but it does mean that I can choose to work 4 hrs on a day of low creativity). I usually conclude that I'll need to start my own company if I want to achieve this. b) Building a great product. Working on something like a Google Android, which usually requires a team. I think the crux of the conflict is this: If given the freedom to work according to my creative instinct and my schedule, my output in one week would far exceed the 40 hr output that my company gets out of me right now. My company (and many others that I've seen), unfortunately, do not realize this, or can not risk having a "maverick" on the team. In the end, its a loss for the company, and frustrating for me. Programming jobs
Why it failed: I find myself often torn between two desires: a) Having the freedom to work on something I'm passionate about. And being able to work on it by my schedule (this doesn't mean I'll be working 4 hrs a day, but it does mean that I can choose to work 4 hrs on a day of low creativity).
hackoder
- startupShut down2009
Own up HN: What are your craziest abandoned projects?
I think everyone has at least one of these projects: something that seemed like an awesome idea when you started it, then mid-way through you realize how bad it was for such-and-such reason. Going through my old files this afternoon in an effort to reclaim some HDD space reminded me of some of the crazier ideas I've had. It's always great to follow up your ideas, but it's even better to realize when they're totally crazy! I'm sure that all of you have some great stories, and who knows, maybe our crazy ideas will inspire someone else to write their own crazy, and possibly great, app!
Why it failed: I think everyone has at least one of these projects: something that seemed like an awesome idea when you started it, then mid-way through you realize how bad it was for such-and-such reason. Going through my old files this afternoon in an effort to reclaim some HDD space reminded
aarongough
- startupShut down2009
Ask HN: I'm looking for a technical co-founder/partner.
I read HackerNews almost daily, and I always enjoy the articles and the discussions about startups, software and code. So, I'm hoping that there might be a similarly minded HN reader out there who is looking for their next big thing. As a preface, I've had a lot of software developed, but I've never worked full-time on software with a co-founder/partner. Much of this is new to me, so I would definitely be open to comments or ideas about the way I'm performing this search from other members of HN, especially about the responsibilities I've listed below. The Offer : In one sentence, I'm looking for someone to work with me to build a Software as a Service business based in Japan. I'm experienced at IT sales, running a business and managing people. I have a large network of contacts in Japan, and Webnet IT has a large 'built-in' active customer base that are interested in software that provi
Why it failed: I read HackerNews almost daily, and I always enjoy the articles and the discussions about startups, software and code. So, I'm hoping that there might be a similarly minded HN reader out there who is looking for their next big thing. As a preface, I've had a lot of software devel
jason_tko
- startupShut down2009
Ask HN: Seeking advice from programmers for non-programmers
In light of your experience working on startups, what advice would programmers share with non-programmers? I'm a "business/marketing/sales" type who worked with three others (two programmers) to launch an app two years ago. We didn't make millions (or thousands) but I'd never call it a failure. I think the four of us would all say that we learned a lot about working with others, working on a startup, and our individual habits. I'm eager to apply what I learned to another startup - I've never stopped wanting to create things. I'm not a programmer, so when I have an idea, corresponding wireframes, and a sales and marketing strategy, I'm missing the most vital component. I work a full-time job. I've considered taking classes to learn a programming language, but pragmatically, I face an uphill battle to master a very difficult skill. Moreover, it might not be the most efficient strategy. Two
Why it failed: In light of your experience working on startups, what advice would programmers share with non-programmers? I'm a "business/marketing/sales" type who worked with three others (two programmers) to launch an app two years ago. We didn't make millions (or thousands) but I'd never cal
twelvedigits
- startupShut down2009
Tell HN: I didn't get a job due to a failed startup on my resume
My startup went down the pan due to lack of money (what's new?) I was always told the expereince you get from a failed startup is a good thing. Well, a certain large software company doesn't seem to think so. Apparently, "as an entrepeneur you are obviously a free spirit, not the kind of person that settles well in a normal job, we would never hire people with a failed startup on their resume". Thanks HN. You lied to me about the true cost of a failed startup.
Why it failed: My startup went down the pan due to lack of money (what's new?) I was always told the expereince you get from a failed startup is a good thing. Well, a certain large software company doesn't seem to think so. Apparently, "as an entrepeneur you are obviously a free spirit, not the
zubar
- startupShut down2009
Gaming HN for an Orange Name - A Warning
My name, at the time of posting, is orange. It's kind of nice to be recognized for being upvoted on average, even if I don't make a huge number of comments and will never be on the leaderboard. However, it just feels wrong. I've been unconsciously working on getting a high average for a while, and this will only encourage my unproductive behavior. I sometimes refrain from posting when I know my comment won’t be read or won’t be upvoted. In the spirit of pointing out the full effects of this change, I will now offer a simple list of guidelines so that you too can get your name in orange and feel like a real man/woman/entrepreneur. As for me, I’m with tptacek—opt me out of a colored name. 1. Only post in threads that are on the front page or look sure to get on the front page. If no one will see your comment, no one will upvote you. 2. Don’t post on a front page post that already has more
Why it failed: My name, at the time of posting, is orange. It's kind of nice to be recognized for being upvoted on average, even if I don't make a huge number of comments and will never be on the leaderboard. However, it just feels wrong. I've been unconsciously working on getting a high averag
GavinB
- startupShut down2009
YC Rejected: Please read.
In the coming hours, and days, HN will be seeing submission after submission regarding their YC application decisions. It happens every application period and can become quite annoying. As such, I will address most of the issues many of you will be submitting threads about. "Why did I get rejected?!??" I don't know, many of us don't either. Other than your idea possibly being a pile of garbage, none of us here know as to the exact reasons you got rejected. Sure, pg will, but I doubt he'll write up a critique of your app and post it publicly. If you want to know why you were rejected, email someone at yc to see if they're even willing to give you feedback. "Maybe we should start a YC-rejected group!!!" Go for it. Honestly, it's a big waste of time. Last year someone created RejectedByYC.com, but that seems to have vanished. I don't really know why you'd want to limit yourself to giving/re
Why it failed: In the coming hours, and days, HN will be seeing submission after submission regarding their YC application decisions. It happens every application period and can become quite annoying. As such, I will address most of the issues many of you will be submitting threads about. "Why
kyro
- startupShut down2009
Ask HN: HELP Patent troll cruising my industry. What to do?
Ok, this isn't my normal HN username, sorry. Our startup provides web services/apps to a specific industry. Today I received news that one of our main competitors (although larger) just paid a multi-million dollar settlement to a patent troll. I'm no attorney, but reading the abstract of the patent is scary–it's so broad that just about any tech company in our industry could be a target. They sued 2 even larger companies in the early 2000's (patent was filed in 2001, so it seems like they're going down the list of targets based on size. We're profitable and growing well, but not to the point where we'd be "next on the list" ... What should we do?
Why it failed: Ok, this isn't my normal HN username, sorry. Our startup provides web services/apps to a specific industry. Today I received news that one of our main competitors (although larger) just paid a multi-million dollar settlement to a patent troll. I'm no attorney, but reading the abs
tedjedbed
- startupShut down2009
Ask HN: What are your failures?
If you're anything like me you will have several, so maybe just list the one you were most enthusiastic about which didn't work out the way you thought, and what you see now that you didn't then. I'll start. I had a site called becomeatypist.com which taught people to type. I started it because I saw that thousands of people monthly were searching for 'learn to type'. This was back in the day when I was pretty much in a minority (compared to now) who knew about this thing called a keyword search tool - the original one from Goto/Overture before even Google had theirs. This is almost too embarrasing to list, but a large portion of my homepage was an image. Go ahead, laugh. Ironically, I'm almost the polar opposite with my knowledge of seo now, but at the time I was only thinking of usability from a user's perspective, which I thought was the only thing I should worry about focusing on. Be
Why it failed: If you're anything like me you will have several, so maybe just list the one you were most enthusiastic about which didn't work out the way you thought, and what you see now that you didn't then. I'll start. I had a site called becomeatypist.com which taught people to type. I sta
jeromec
- startupShut down2009
Ask HN: What is your policy on IE6 development?
With the release of IE9 it's becoming clear that without a solid up-front discussion with clients about browser compatibility, they may expect their website to work in four versions of Internet Explorer. For some sites this is fairly easy, and a couple of star hacks in the CSS will make it usable in IE6, but for clients who want the latest and greatest, sometimes IE6 compatibility isn't really realistic, or else just very tedious and time consuming. It seems to me there are a few of ways to deal with this problem, but I'm not totally happy with any approach. 1) List IE6 development as a separate line item, with a cost beside it that the client can opt to go for or not. The problem with this is they could take that estimate to another company who might say "well our websites work in EVERY browser, no extra charge", whether or not that's actually true. 2) Tell clients up front that if they
Why it failed: With the release of IE9 it's becoming clear that without a solid up-front discussion with clients about browser compatibility, they may expect their website to work in four versions of Internet Explorer. For some sites this is fairly easy, and a couple of star hacks in the CSS wi
omgsean
- startupShut down2009
HN Meta: A Eulogy of Sorts.
What a sad day. I've always thought that this community was something different. I love coming here; the intelligence; the discussion; the connectedness. I don't personally know a single one of you, but I've admired many of you in your ability to form smart and reasoned arguments about many things. Today however, you've shown me something else. Today I learned that you're not much more than any other community, despite your qualities. Today I learned that the same thing that destroyed reddit will likely destroy you - that as the site grows, the community fragments, cliques form, and conflict begins. In this race to assert opinion, good people withdraw and are replaced by those of lessor quality. The whole thing slides downhill like some sort of slow moving train wreck. It seems that despite the best intentions, communities naturally self destruct. I was hoping that pg would be able to cr
Why it failed: What a sad day. I've always thought that this community was something different. I love coming here; the intelligence; the discussion; the connectedness. I don't personally know a single one of you, but I've admired many of you in your ability to form smart and reasoned arguments
run4yourlives
- startupShut down2009
Ask HN: what unwanted domain names are you sitting on?
While thinking of ever more imaginative ways to punish domain squatters following yet another abandoned hunt for a domain-cum-product name, I finally became aware of the irony that I am sitting on a few decent domain names that I'm not using. Then, I wondered, if one of the parked domains I've come across recently is held just by someone like me, not maliciously or out for profit, but just as a by-product of a non-startup startup, an abandoned weekend hackery project or whatever really. So, rather than set up www.domainnameswap.com (partly because the name is parked ;o) ), how about a thread where we have a rummage down the back of the sofa and throw in any parked domains we'd be willing to give/swap away. If there's a match up, the relevant poster is contactable via their HN profile. [Note: this idea may tank, but it's got to be worth a try. My fingers are being worn shorter with each f
Why it failed: While thinking of ever more imaginative ways to punish domain squatters following yet another abandoned hunt for a domain-cum-product name, I finally became aware of the irony that I am sitting on a few decent domain names that I'm not using. Then, I wondered, if one of the parke
stevejalim
- startupShut down2009
Ask HN: Review our elevator pitch (Stormpulse)
This is based on the Marc Andreessen pitch dissected here: http://venturehacks.com/articles/elevator-pitch ---- Briefly, Stormpulse is intuitive weather display. We tame complex weather data and visualize it in context. Other weather sites begin with maps and add weather data. We craft weather-centered presentations that foster understanding. And we're piloting the world's first human-consensus forecasting system. Check us out at: http://stormpulse.com. We're building Stormpulse to reduce the costs of severe weather, which effects millions worldwide. Our weather maps have regularly appeared on CNN and are displayed on 750+ websites, from media sites such as USA Today and ThomsonReuters to intranets at places like Boeing and the Mayo Clinic. Since August 2008, our site has been visited over 18 million times, with over 60% of those visits coming direct. Hundreds of thousands of those visit
Why it failed: This is based on the Marc Andreessen pitch dissected here: http://venturehacks.com/articles/elevator-pitch ---- Briefly, Stormpulse is intuitive weather display. We tame complex weather data and visualize it in context. Other weather sites begin with maps and add weather data. We
wensing
- startupShut down2009
Tell HN: How to ban url shorteners from linking to your site
This is just an idea I'm going to throw out there. It seems a bit odd to suggest it because any link is a good link, right? Maybe not. Anyway, something like this in a bit of javascript would prevent people from linking to your site using a url shortener: <script> if (document.referrer.indexOf('bit.ly') > 0 || document.referrer.indexOf('someothershortener')>0) document.location.href='http://yoursite.com/noshortener.html'; </script> Put in that noshortener.html some content that will tell people why you don't allow shorteners to your content, here are some suggestions: 1) You want to know where your visitors are coming from and shorteners steal the real referrer. 2) Shorteners are a layer of indirection that could be modified beyond the user of the shortener's discretion to do something like digg is doing now 3) If the shortener goes away, the link to the content i
Why it failed: This is just an idea I'm going to throw out there. It seems a bit odd to suggest it because any link is a good link, right? Maybe not. Anyway, something like this in a bit of javascript would prevent people from linking to your site using a url shortener: <script> if (doc
pj
- patentRejected2009
Tell HN: Dealing with VCs, my experience
There are a bunch of steps to dealing with VCs that you should be familiar with before stepping in to the fray. My background in this is that I did several pitches to VCs and have worked for several VCs in the last couple of years, mostly on the technical side but you get to see a good part of the process as perceived by the companies pitching. I also helped one company get seed capital, because I thought they showed great promise. So, the following is from personal experience, which is limited but it may be useful. Some VC's are more forgiving than others when it comes to following proper form, but even if they're forgiving they'll appreciate it if you know your stuff before you apply. Their agendas are almost always quite full and the amount of time they have to spend on you is limited, so you should use it wisely to maximize your chances of success. == before you start pitching == - F
Why it failed: There are a bunch of steps to dealing with VCs that you should be familiar with before stepping in to the fray. My background in this is that I did several pitches to VCs and have worked for several VCs in the last couple of years, mostly on the technical side but you get to see
jacquesm
- startupShut down2009
Ask HN: Tips for coming up with a new web startup name
We are planning to launch a new startup in the next few months but are having difficulty finding an available domain name. What process do you go through when trying to come up with a name for your startup?
Why it failed: We are planning to launch a new startup in the next few months but are having difficulty finding an available domain name. What process do you go through when trying to come up with a name for your startup?
hamgav
- startupShut down2009
Ask HN: I have yet to do the one thing I wish before I die
The thing I want to do is to go back to college full time and major in mathematics. I would like to get a master's/advanced degree in math ("maths" if you are non-US :) ) and while doing so, ponder and study the queen of sciences. I've made it to 41 years old. I am a software engineer, and I'm so-so at it. I self-studied my way to a C++ programming job after working my way from network admin to web developer to programmer to software engineer since 1999. I'm not even all that great at math. But I failed my first programming course back in 1985, but I am now a well-paid professional. I know if I do a math program full time and work really hard, I can at least get to "good". My one true joy is solving problems and I even enjoy figuring out proofs. I have taken enough math courses to know I thoroughly enjoy the subject. But there are no evening programs anywhere near my home to study math.
Why it failed: The thing I want to do is to go back to college full time and major in mathematics. I would like to get a master's/advanced degree in math ("maths" if you are non-US :) ) and while doing so, ponder and study the queen of sciences. I've made it to 41 years old. I am a software eng
blacktastic
- startupShut down2009
Ask YC/PG: Quantitative success of YC so far?
The story on Fool.com about YC being a force to be reckoned with got me thinking about whether the data backs that up. I'm not disagreeing, just curious. YC has funded a lot of startups and it would be interesting to know roughly what percentage have failed, become profitable, exited, etc. How does this compare to other venture portfolios? If it's still too early to tell, at what point will you have enough data to know if you're earning an acceptable return? Perhaps this data is already available somewhere? PS - One of the things about the article that bugged me is that they seemed to equate $$ raised with success. That's not really what I'm looking for.
Why it failed: The story on Fool.com about YC being a force to be reckoned with got me thinking about whether the data backs that up. I'm not disagreeing, just curious. YC has funded a lot of startups and it would be interesting to know roughly what percentage have failed, become profitable, ex
ryanwaggoner
- startupShut down2009
Ask YC: Feedback for our new startup
The site is bidboxr.com We're getting ready to launch and since I've enjoyed so many of the articles posted here I thought it would be great to get some feedback from the YC community. Bidboxr.com is a unique blend of online advertising and online auctions. Instead of simply providing a site where sellers list items and bidders bid on those items, we've created an interactive ad banner that bring auctions to the bidders. One of our major goals when we created bidboxr.com was to provide online entrepreneurs/startups with a profitable source of revenue. Think of it like Google's adwords/adsense model, but we're using interactive auctions instead of static ads. The auctions are relevant to the content of the page, so it's designed to draw users who are interested in that particular content. Imagine reading a blog post about a digital camera and looking at an ad on the side of the page showi
Why it failed: The site is bidboxr.com We're getting ready to launch and since I've enjoyed so many of the articles posted here I thought it would be great to get some feedback from the YC community. Bidboxr.com is a unique blend of online advertising and online auctions. Instead of simply prov
tyohn