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.
1,095 solutions
- startupShut down2021
Ask HN: Is domain squatting still profitable? Is there a solution?
I have nothing to do with domain squatting, but I do own a .co.uk domain for over 20 years and 18 years ago I tried to buy the .com from what I then found out was a squatter, out of principle I turned their offer down and the .com domain remains vacant, it’s not a particular interesting or valuable domain, so I’m not surprised no one else bought it. Fast forward to a few months ago, and I let one other domain expire, it was for a brand I was creating, the domain was a made up word and a squatter registered that domain as soon as it expired, assuming some service registered it without any human supervision as that made up word holds no value to anyone else and I consciously decided to let it expire. Since I made up that word and it was 14 characters long, are they just going to keep it for 20+ years? This just made me wonder how many vacant domains we have today, that it must still be (un
Why it failed: I have nothing to do with domain squatting, but I do own a .co.uk domain for over 20 years and 18 years ago I tried to buy the .com from what I then found out was a squatter, out of principle I turned their offer down and the .com domain remains vacant, it’s not a particular inte
9387367
- startupShut down2021
Ask HN: Am I working too hard?
I really enjoy my line of work. I view it as an up-and-coming, innovative and ripe field in software. I have an excellent reputation with my coworkers as someone always willing to help out. I built out our core code that's used across the company for both older projects and newer ones, a powerful and flexible framework written in a modern language. I'm given both freedom and responsibility. I'm early in my career. I have a questionable habit of working into the evening, and sometimes on weekends. I do drink enough water, lightly exercise, and sleep 9+ hours every night. I take plenty of breaks. I don't do any large side projects - every couple months I will come across an interesting toy problem and may write a blog post about it for "portfolio development". I've been with my partner for 4 years, and we have a deep and loving relationship. We're bo
Why it failed: I really enjoy my line of work. I view it as an up-and-coming, innovative and ripe field in software. I have an excellent reputation with my coworkers as someone always willing to help out. I built out our core code that's used across the company for both older projects and
maybe_too_much
- startupShut down2021
Trying to get back on track in life
I am really socially, vocationally, and intellectually alienated and I have been for a while (years). I don't feel that bad day to day but I do feel bad that it seems that life is passing me by. I am not working or earning anywhere near my potential or interacting with people as I should be. I was wondering if the community here, such as it is, has any tips for daily exercises or practices that can help me get back on track in a kaizen or incremental way a little bit every day. For example I am so alienated, I don't even know what goals I would like to pursue. I have been interested in technology and computers for years and have some experience with Unix SA, programming and networking but at a hobbyist than at a professional level. The cloud and countainers and all the programing fads and stuff are actually becoming off-putting to me. I see the space (CS / SE) as increasin
Why it failed: I am really socially, vocationally, and intellectually alienated and I have been for a while (years). I don't feel that bad day to day but I do feel bad that it seems that life is passing me by. I am not working or earning anywhere near my potential or interacting with peopl
morpheos137
- startupShut down2021
BitDefender Free has been discontinued
I just got an email from BitDefender (I personally use their antivirus) stating the following (at 10:01 PM tonight), verbatim: > Dear [redacted], > The decision to discontinue a product is never easy. > It’s especially hard with a product as popular as our Free Edition has been in recent years. > Since early 2020, we have had to weather immense changes in our industry; changes that upended many of our cherished plans for product development. > Sadly, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition has been a casualty of those changes. > As of 1st of January 2022, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition will officially be discontinued and no longer available for use. > As a Free Edition user, how does this affect you, and how should you prepare? > We will continue to offer tech support for our Free Edition until 30st of June 2022. We hope this gives you time to choose and install an
Why it failed: I just got an email from BitDefender (I personally use their antivirus) stating the following (at 10:01 PM tonight), verbatim: > Dear [redacted], > The decision to discontinue a product is never easy. > It’s especially hard with a product as popular as our Free Edition h
tentacleuno
- startupShut down2021
Ask HN: What’s the most outrageous belief you’re confident is true?
I was thinking through my 2022 predictions and one came to mind that I thought, “hmm… I’d better keep that one to myself.” Its further out than 2022, and hopefully it’s a never. But I am confident it’s coming, and I sure it’s a bad outcome for humanity: we become more and more influenced by learning systems that are goaled to drive behaviors that are not in our best interest, and, eventually lead to a virtual enslavement that leaves us with no free will. I shudder at the thought. What outrageous belief are you confident is true?
Why it failed: I was thinking through my 2022 predictions and one came to mind that I thought, “hmm… I’d better keep that one to myself.” Its further out than 2022, and hopefully it’s a never. But I am confident it’s coming, and I sure it’s a bad outcome for humanity: we become more and more in
11thEarlOfMar
- startupShut down2021
Ask HN: How can I stop worrying and start living?
I am constantly worried that (1) I'm missing out on things, (2) something bad is going to happen and (3) can't see the point of it all since one day all will come to an end. I want to start enjoying and living a happy life. What are some steps I could take to achieve that?
Why it failed: I am constantly worried that (1) I'm missing out on things, (2) something bad is going to happen and (3) can't see the point of it all since one day all will come to an end. I want to start enjoying and living a happy life. What are some steps I could take to achieve th
acqbu
- startupShut down2021
Ask HN: Are paradigm shifting breakthroughs rarer or is it a bias in my eyes?
I feel that 10+ years back there used to be a lot of talk of a lot of technologies that would change the world following in the footsteps of Moore's law (although a bit more slowly). In the decade since a lot of exciting developments have happened. Smartphones have become cheaper, world is so much more connected, EVs looking to finally breakthrough etc. However exponential tech that takes us to something like 'singularity' does not seem to come up any more. Most growth is incremental and we hype every single Lab output with rarely seeing commercial breakthroughs. I was personally always excited about material science breakthroughs using graphene etc. but seems like it is difficult to manufacture at scale even today. Any specific tech or breakthrough you are personally waiting for coming to fruition ?
Why it failed: I feel that 10+ years back there used to be a lot of talk of a lot of technologies that would change the world following in the footsteps of Moore's law (although a bit more slowly). In the decade since a lot of exciting developments have happened. Smartphones have become ch
newyankee
- startupShut down2021
Ask HN: How Does a Canadian SWE/Data Scientist Make a Move to the US?
I've tried now and failed multiple times to make this move over my career. Primarily been interviewing with Tier 1 companies and not getting through, so I figure might make sense to try to get the attention of the Tier 2's to at least get into the market, but none have really reached out or accepted my applications. Despite what the media wants you to think, Canada is not a good place to grow in IT and Software and ML. Best jobs here are being a part of a remote office for a FAANG or going to work for a Bank, or even just remote jobs for US companies since they'll pay you in USD which will mean you get an automatic 30% pay increase. Pay is 2-3x less than the US, and CoL is about the same (especially if you want to buy something with a somewhat commutable distance to the major metros). So my question to those who have successfully left later in their career (7-10 YOE), how
Why it failed: I've tried now and failed multiple times to make this move over my career. Primarily been interviewing with Tier 1 companies and not getting through, so I figure might make sense to try to get the attention of the Tier 2's to at least get into the market, but none have
rafiki6
- startupShut down2021
Ask HN: How does one do it all?
Or to elaborate: how does one make time for it all? I understand that this might sound trite and a 'normal' existential crisis in a cliched way but I am genuinely interested in figuring out how people go about deciding what to do with their time? Is it all about one's job or family? How does one balance the pleasures and stimulation of good art in the way of books, movies, tv, music, games, etc alongside more rigorous dives into subjects that might interest one (and potentially not be related much or altogether to one's profession fortunately/unfortunately) such as psychology, philosophy, anthropology, literary theory, etc as well as producing one's own 'art' whatever that might be? Add to this concerns such as volunteering, a social life, taking care of one's physical and mental well being, fulfilling obligations to those around us, paying at
Why it failed: Or to elaborate: how does one make time for it all? I understand that this might sound trite and a 'normal' existential crisis in a cliched way but I am genuinely interested in figuring out how people go about deciding what to do with their time? Is it all about one
akzfowl
- startupShut down2021
Launch HN: KaiPod Learning (YC S21) – A physical place for online schoolers
My name is Amar Kumar and I’m the founder of KaiPod Learning ( http://www.kaipodlearning.com ). We provide a physical place for middle- and high- school students who go to online school to work on their classes, to interact with other students, and to get support from teachers. Over the last 15 years I have been a school teacher, a principal, and most recently the Chief Product Officer of Pearson Online Schools. I have come to understand the unfortunate link between residential property values and educational outcomes. There are tens of millions of parents in poor quality school districts who can’t afford to relocate or pay for a private school. Online learning can help solve this problem for many kids. With public online schools, you can live anywhere and have access to a high-quality education. For millions of kids, online school is the best school they’ve ever had. They get
Why it failed: My name is Amar Kumar and I’m the founder of KaiPod Learning ( http://www.kaipodlearning.com ). We provide a physical place for middle- and high- school students who go to online school to work on their classes, to interact with other students, and to get support from t
amarkumar81
- startupShut down2021
Ask HN: How do I move up my career/life?
My background: I'm a 25 year old Indian software developer working in India. As for my education, I actually studied in the United States for my MS in Computer Science (from a large public university; not ivy league), and is one of the rare Indian students who actually returned to India immediately after I got my degree. I cannot pinpoint exactly why I returned; it was a combination of me being an introvert + I really felt like I didn't belong there. (Don't get me wrong here — all Americans (and non Americans, for that matter) I met in USA were wonderful nice kind people; it's just, I didn't belong there). After returning back to India, I got a software engineering job which I would've gotten anyway even if I never went to America (I try not to think too much about this). I have 2.5 years of work experience, and at work I do Laravel for the most part, with o
Why it failed: My background: I'm a 25 year old Indian software developer working in India. As for my education, I actually studied in the United States for my MS in Computer Science (from a large public university; not ivy league), and is one of the rare Indian students who actually retur
anonymous567
- startupShut down2021
Tech companies probably won't return to offices in September
Many tech companies (Google, Facebook, Apple, Uber, etc) have set early September as the time in which employees will be required to return to the office. In a world before the delta variant it seemed plausible that vaccination alone could allow everyone to return to office. But looking at the data coming out of Israel, UK, and the EU, as well as variant data in the US, we can assume that COVID-19 cases are going to significantly increase in the US in the upcoming weeks, followed by increased hospitalizations (albeit at a lower rate than pre-vaccination). Tech companies could still decide to force employees back into the office but outside of Apple I find it hard to believe that they'll force everyone to come back in the midst of an outbreak, which now seems inevitable.
Why it failed: Many tech companies (Google, Facebook, Apple, Uber, etc) have set early September as the time in which employees will be required to return to the office. In a world before the delta variant it seemed plausible that vaccination alone could allow everyone to return to office. But
rreichman
- startupShut down2021
Freenode has imploded – unannounced full services reset, database wipe
Looks like it's all over. Below is the global message sent to all users, on reconnect all channels are unowned and whoever rejoined first is the operator, all nicks are unregistered. 10:20 -keitwo(~kei@freenode/staff/kei)- [Global Notice 1/3] We are moving past legacy freenode to a new fork. The new freenode is launched. You will slowly be disconnected and when you reconnect, you will be on the new freenode. We patiently await to welcome you in freedom's holdout - the freenode. 10:20 -keitwo(~kei@freenode/staff/kei)- [Global Notice 2/3] If you're looking to connect now, you can already /server chat.freenode.net 6697 (ssl) or 6667 (plaintext). It's a new genesis for a new era. Thank you for using freenode, and Hello World, from the future. freenode is IRC. freenode is FOSS. freenode is freedom. 10:20 -keitwo(~kei@freenode/staff&#
Why it failed: Looks like it's all over. Below is the global message sent to all users, on reconnect all channels are unowned and whoever rejoined first is the operator, all nicks are unregistered. 10:20 -keitwo(~kei@freenode/staff/kei)- [Global Notice 1/3] We are moving pas
plantain
- startupShut down2021
Ask HN: How do I get fit and healthy as a software engineer?
Looking for tips to live a healthier lifestyle. I am a software engineer that spends pretty much all day at my desk. While I have normal weight, I have literally no stamina or endurance to exercise. I have tried both cardio and weights, but nothing ever seems to stick. I am battling burnout so that makes this even tougher I mainly want become fit enough to run 5ks / half marathons by the end of this year and just feel healthy and fit in general for being able to do more outdoor stuff like hiking. (If it matters I gender identify as female.) Also looking for tips on good diet plans or other tips for living a much healthier lifestyle.
Why it failed: Looking for tips to live a healthier lifestyle. I am a software engineer that spends pretty much all day at my desk. While I have normal weight, I have literally no stamina or endurance to exercise. I have tried both cardio and weights, but nothing ever seems to stick. I am battl
throwaway091721
- startupShut down2021
Help HN: Stripe shutting us down with 48 hours notice on a holiday skeleton crew
Looking for someone who can escalate a query through Stripe (I know a lof of of Stripe are reading here including pc). We process about 5-10M a month through Stripe since 2018 without issues. On the 27th of December they have given us 48 hours notice, whilst the entire company is being ran on a skeleton support crew to completely get off stripe and switch to another processor. We've been in touch with them recently and this was never brought up. We've already started the process to switch do an actual acquiring bank rather than a PSP like Stripe but there's no way this can be completed now in 48 hours, IN BETWEEN CHRISTMAS AND NY. This seems to be in line with the race to the bottom support from Stripe but pulling something like this is a new low. So hoping that someone here can escalate.
Why it failed: Looking for someone who can escalate a query through Stripe (I know a lof of of Stripe are reading here including pc). We process about 5-10M a month through Stripe since 2018 without issues. On the 27th of December they have given us 48 hours notice, whilst the entire company is
thiscatis
- startupShut down2021
Ask HN: Who Has Retired Early?
Looking for other folks in my boat who actually pulled the trigger to retire: * “Young” - mid 40s * Significant assets but non “fuck you” levels. I consider FU >$10M, so likely looking at people in the $5-9M range. * Not doing some hyper austere FIRE lifestyle (burn rate of $125k-$150k annually - about $40k of this is mortgage that will end in ~20 years) * No plans or need to make some “fun money” by consulting or what have you All retirement calculators I use and fiends/family I consult seem to agree I should be able to retire. Firecalc’s Monte Carlo gives me zero failure cycles. Vanguard puts me at 98% success. Every light is green except my own financial advisors, who put us at ~80% success. I trust them, but also, I don’t feel like a financial planner ever got fired for saying “you should work more before you retire” Has anyone been in the same situation and pulled the trigge
Why it failed: Looking for other folks in my boat who actually pulled the trigger to retire: * “Young” - mid 40s * Significant assets but non “fuck you” levels. I consider FU >$10M, so likely looking at people in the $5-9M range. * Not doing some hyper austere FIRE lifestyle (burn rate of $1
throwawayretire
- startupShut down2021
Azlo Is Closing Down
Just got the e-mail below. Odd decision given the massive pandemic growth and recent launch of Azlo Pro. Who has suggestions for migration? THX It is with regret that I share this news today: Our parent bank, BBVA US, has made the strategic decision to close Azlo. Transparency is incredibly important to me and the Azlo team, which is why we are sharing the news early. There will be no immediate changes to your account or to your service. As founders and entrepreneurs ourselves, we know that there can be unexpected bumps on the entrepreneurial journey. We’re sorry that we won’t be alongside you—our inspiring community of entrepreneurs—as you grow and flourish. We want to reiterate that Azlo’s service, and your account, is not going away today, and we will continue to support you during this period of transition. We understand that you will have questions for us. Please stay tuned for upda
Why it failed: Just got the e-mail below. Odd decision given the massive pandemic growth and recent launch of Azlo Pro. Who has suggestions for migration? THX It is with regret that I share this news today: Our parent bank, BBVA US, has made the strategic decision to close Azlo. Transparency is
brainsrgdropout
- startupShut down2021
Ask HN: Should I even bother competing for React jobs?
It seems like the state of hiring is getting even more ridiculous, and I've struggled to find anything for over a year. In particular, almost every frontend job runs some homework or hackerrank thing based on React, regardless of whether it's specified as the most important requirement. I don't tend to win these competitions, and I don't tend to use React, and it's an unsustainable way to live. I didn't jump on the bandwagon meanwhile about everyone else in the world did. I could probably refine my knowledge of it a bit, but most 'React devs' have been grinding it out professionally for years. Is it even worth trying to conpete in a massive market like this where the skill is so commonplace? Is there another area I could focus my energy like Vue where maybe there isn't as many people out there? I can only do so many 3-8 hour react based tests
Why it failed: It seems like the state of hiring is getting even more ridiculous, and I've struggled to find anything for over a year. In particular, almost every frontend job runs some homework or hackerrank thing based on React, regardless of whether it's specified as the most impor
brailsafe
- startupShut down2021
Ask HN: How can I stay gainfully employed when I just want to “coast” as a SWE?
In my immediate family there is no precedent for following a career. I'm the first one to graduate college, so I approach my jobs like how my dad treats his blue-collar job. Just doing something that pays the bills. I do like programming otherwise but not with the pressure to be super-ambitious. I want a software engineer job where most people are basically coasting, but everyone seems to look down at my slow career growth. They expect a "story" in my resume with a definite "beginning" and "end" with development and accomplishments in the middle. Sorry, but I haven't yet adjusted to that mindset and I don't know if I can. This worked fine for me in 2010, but in 2015 and beyond it has gotten way more difficult to get job offers. I never even have a proper FT job. or retirement accounts. I'm now a part-time freelancer that chases after shor
Why it failed: In my immediate family there is no precedent for following a career. I'm the first one to graduate college, so I approach my jobs like how my dad treats his blue-collar job. Just doing something that pays the bills. I do like programming otherwise but not with the pressure t
indamez
- startupShut down2021
Ask HN: Can I save my career?
I’ve had pretty much a failure of a career. For five years I was underpaid even when taking into consideration all the circumstances, stuck disorganized companies where tech was a cost center never in the sort of environment that let me grow, but I always said, next time I’ll be get there, but it seems that it’s too late at this point. A lot of it’s my fault, and I’m honestly really demotivated/jaded now, but at the same time I don’t want to give up. This time around I tried to be pickier, to target companies that looked like they paid well and could provide good growth, or in domains that interest me, but it was not working. Front door applications are a crapshoot, as I’m sure many are aware, and I could never manage to grab an interview. The frustrating part is it makes sense. My resume, my work history, is nearly irrelevant to what many of these companies are looking for. Cloud t
Why it failed: I’ve had pretty much a failure of a career. For five years I was underpaid even when taking into consideration all the circumstances, stuck disorganized companies where tech was a cost center never in the sort of environment that let me grow, but I always said, next time I’ll be
wherearetheyhuh
- startupShut down2021
Ask HN: Moving from tiny websites to serious tech skills?
I’m a self-taught web coder and have made some small CRUD systems for very targeted tiny clients during my professional life. I have also made a few hobby sites for fun just for myself. I’d like to expand my skill set but I have trouble visualizing all the moving parts of a “big” web app and all the tools that go into it—when people talk about containers, or testing, or deploying such-and-such, I don’t have a clue. With HTML/CSS/JS, I can spin up a little demo to play around and learn on another personal/toy project, but how do I, as a solo person, learn about larger-scale technologies? I’m a visual artist and print-based technician so front-end would probably be the place to focus. Is there a recommended path for going from hobby projects & small sites to larger-scale best practices in React/another important platform?
Why it failed: I’m a self-taught web coder and have made some small CRUD systems for very targeted tiny clients during my professional life. I have also made a few hobby sites for fun just for myself. I’d like to expand my skill set but I have trouble visualizing all the moving parts of a “big”
neonnoodle
- startupShut down2021
Ask HN: Has web development become insane or am I stuck in my ways?
I've been working in web development coding mostly in PHP / Laravel since 2008. I enjoyed my time at the beginning when everything was procedural code and things started changing (for the better). At the digital agency I worked at, we moved to frameworks like Laravel and the frontend side of things was pretty static with custom CSS and some custom Javascript. Everything was hosted on a big dedicated server that would eventually become a VPS per client. The web was really simple then but understandly so were users' expectations of what the web could do and so there wasn't this mismatch that I feel I'm finding now. Fast forward to today and I'm doing primarily product development for early stage startups. CSS is a problem that is solved with Tailwind (for me at least anyway, I know it's a contentious topic). Backend is a problem solved with Laravel which
Why it failed: I've been working in web development coding mostly in PHP / Laravel since 2008. I enjoyed my time at the beginning when everything was procedural code and things started changing (for the better). At the digital agency I worked at, we moved to frameworks like Laravel an
davzie
- startupShut down2021
Ask HN: Where is the AWS outage post-mortem?
I've been checking in on this page [0] frequently since the recent us-east-1 outage. The outage was significant and had many unexpected knock-on effects for us - despite most of our instances being in a totally separate region - so just wondering what happened. Any idea how long these post-mortems typically take to be published? Thanks. [0] https://aws.amazon.com/premiumsupport/technology/pes/
Why it failed: I've been checking in on this page [0] frequently since the recent us-east-1 outage. The outage was significant and had many unexpected knock-on effects for us - despite most of our instances being in a totally separate region - so just wondering what happened. Any idea how
herodoturtle
- startupShut down2021
Tell HN: Stripe shut down my 4-year business with no explanation
I'm posting this as a warning to other startups who might be thinking of using Stripe to process payments. I was employee #10 at Eventbrite, founding engineer at Reforge, Techstars alum, startup founder X 3. I can't imagine treating my users like this and I am really upset with how Stripe is handling this situation. The situation: I own an online SaaS company that processes $500k+ per year through both Stripe and Braintree. I've been using Stripe for years. Today I received this email: [b]"Our systems recently identified charges that appear to be unauthorized by the customer, meaning that the owner of the card or bank account did not consent to these payments. This unfortunately means that we will no longer be able to accept payments for Refunds on card payments will be issued in 5–7 business days, although they may take longer to appear on the cardholder's state
Why it failed: I'm posting this as a warning to other startups who might be thinking of using Stripe to process payments. I was employee #10 at Eventbrite, founding engineer at Reforge, Techstars alum, startup founder X 3. I can't imagine treating my users like this and I am really up
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