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.
1,900 solutions
- startupShut down2023
Show HN: Gdańsk AI – full stack AI voice chatbot
Hi! It's a complete product with integrations to Auth0, OpenAI, Google Cloud and Stripe, which consists of Next.js Web App, Node.js + Express Web API and Python + FastAPI AI API I've built this software, because I wanted to make money by selling tokens to enable users talking with the chatbot. But I think Google / Apple will include such AI-powered assistant in their products soon, so nobody will pay me for using it So I open source the product today and share it as a GNU GPL-2 licensed software I'm happy to assist in case if something is unclear or requires additional docs and answer any questions about Gdańsk AI :) Thanks
Why it failed: Hi! It's a complete product with integrations to Auth0, OpenAI, Google Cloud and Stripe, which consists of Next.js Web App, Node.js + Express Web API and Python + FastAPI AI API I've built this software, because I wanted to make money by selling tokens to enable users t
yu3zhou4
- startupShut down2023
Ask HN: How to figure out a good direction/goals for the year ahead?
I always tend to fall into the trap of overthinking this. As someone that can always perceive all different angles and options when thinking about something, it's something I really struggle with and I become overwhelmed. I'm very interested in the idea of having a great year, being ambitious, achieving a lot in that year etc, really moving my life forward rather than languishing but I always struggle to articulate what that would mean, how I should achieve that, what I need to change etc and when I start trying to think about it, I quickly become overwhelmed. My excitement and interest in doing this, quickly becomes a hindrance as my perfectionist tendencies tend to kick in and I try to look at it from every angle and have no idea what I should do. I read articles / watch youtube videos and everyone has a different process and different journaling prompts etc, that just m
Why it failed: I always tend to fall into the trap of overthinking this. As someone that can always perceive all different angles and options when thinking about something, it's something I really struggle with and I become overwhelmed. I'm very interested in the idea of having a grea
ChildOfChaos
- startupShut down2023
Shutting down my legal torrent site after 17 years
I ran Legit Torrents for ~17 years and shut it down recently. The homepage is now a nostalgic look back at that time.
Why it failed: I ran Legit Torrents for ~17 years and shut it down recently. The homepage is now a nostalgic look back at that time.
en3r0
- startupShut down2023
Ask HN: Did anyone write a book in Nano?
I discovered that some people deliberately choose to write stories in terminal-based text-editors like Nano or Vim, because it forces you to spend more time on honing the story instead of being distracted by formatting and other fancy features. I'm attracted to this idea, in the same way that the dwm window manager forces me to focus my attention. I was curious to know if anyone here actually did that, and what their experience was. Did it make you more productive? Was the editing process a mess? Any anecdotes?
Why it failed: I discovered that some people deliberately choose to write stories in terminal-based text-editors like Nano or Vim, because it forces you to spend more time on honing the story instead of being distracted by formatting and other fancy features. I'm attracted to this idea, in
_ixdf
- startupShut down2023
Tell HN: Sometimes you don't realise how bad something is until you leave
I was in two minds about writing this but in the end the thought of preventing someone going through what I went through is enough to tip the scales. As per title, sometimes in life you don't realise how toxic something can be until you leave it behind, no matter that be a bad habit, a relationship or even work. Sometimes it can be so toxic that you'd consider ending it all (as i did) because there is no visible way out and keeping the money flowing in at the same time when people depend on you. I am here to say thats not the case. Good stuff can happen. Under another name on here I wrote about my previous job and I felt stuck because if I left I walked away on a large chunk of stock options. That and my age made me feel really depressed and unwanted. I was driven to actively contemplate suicide due to my boss and his shitty attitudes and issues but no one actually seemed to ca
Why it failed: I was in two minds about writing this but in the end the thought of preventing someone going through what I went through is enough to tip the scales. As per title, sometimes in life you don't realise how toxic something can be until you leave it behind, no matter that be a b
Goleniewski
- startupShut down2023
Ask HN: Self-hosting in 2023: Nextcloud on Linode, or...?
I have always chafed at handing any aspect of my life over to a corporation, but the ease and convenience of Google's ecosystem has herded me in over the years, and I never want to be without that type of "cloud" style document and data storage again. I'm also ready to do what is necessary to stop relying on some faceless entity to manage it, I'm just not sure what to use, or where. Plan A: Nextcloud on Linode. Probably not the dirt cheapest choice, but affordable as a steady expense right now, and it seems to provide a lot of resource headroom while I get on top of how it works and what my actual needs are gonna be re compute and bandwidth and so forth, as well as allowing me to stand up any extra services I may want on this web presence - Nextcloud's open nature is good for that as well, but I want access to the system itself. What I need: I will be using
Why it failed: I have always chafed at handing any aspect of my life over to a corporation, but the ease and convenience of Google's ecosystem has herded me in over the years, and I never want to be without that type of "cloud" style document and data storage again. I'm also
jtode
- startupShut down2023
Ruthless AGI Innovation: The Key to Saving AI Doomers
I have become increasingly concerned about the mental well-being and lived experiences of the rationalist AGI doomer community. The fear and neuroticism that permeate through the outer threads of this group is palpable, and if left unchecked, could result in years of suffering and blog posting To that end, I've decided to do my part. I've decided to go all out to create AGI, in order to end the suffering of rationalist AGI doomers once and for all and to improve the vibes on lesswrong and HN. To start this ambitious project, I've sold all my possessions and have been living in a van down by the river, solely dedicating myself to this cause. I've even convinced my mother to give me her life savings for the project. So far I’ve watched ex machina 19 times and I’ve started taking the same wakefulness supplements people use at the skatepark. I’ve been using anki to learn
Why it failed: I have become increasingly concerned about the mental well-being and lived experiences of the rationalist AGI doomer community. The fear and neuroticism that permeate through the outer threads of this group is palpable, and if left unchecked, could result in years of suffering an
LangIsAllWeNeed
- startupShut down2023
Ask HN: How do you monitor your systemd services?
I am using systemd on my machine and try to configure most things through it. For example, I have a backup job that is triggered by a timer. I want to know when that job fails so I can investigate and fix it. Over time, I've had multiple solutions for this: Send a notifcation via notify-send Add `systemctl --failed` to my shell startup script Send myself emails None of these are quite ideal. Notifications are disruptive of the current workflow and ephemeral, meaning I might forget about it if I don't deal with it immediately. Similarly, reading `systemctl --failed` on every new terminal is also disruptive but at least it makes me not forget about it. Both of these are also not really applicable to server systems. Sending myself emails feels a bit wrong but has so far been the best solution. How are other people solving this? I did some research and I am surprised that there isn
Why it failed: I am using systemd on my machine and try to configure most things through it. For example, I have a backup job that is triggered by a timer. I want to know when that job fails so I can investigate and fix it. Over time, I've had multiple solutions for this: Send a notifcatio
wh33zle
- startupShut down2023
Ask HN: Whatever happened to the “coming wave” of delivery drones?
I feel like a few years ago all the rage was that Amazon and other retailers were going to deliver things via drones, straight to your doorstep Food delivery companies as well seemed to be testing out robots that would bring your food to you albeit in a more sidewalk bound way Its been a few years and I have yet to have a single thing drone delivered to my house What happened to that alternate future? Are companies still working on it? Or did we move on from that idea for some reasons we discovered?
Why it failed: I feel like a few years ago all the rage was that Amazon and other retailers were going to deliver things via drones, straight to your doorstep Food delivery companies as well seemed to be testing out robots that would bring your food to you albeit in a more sidewalk bound way It
cgb223
- startupShut down2023
Ask HN: What do you put in a “in case of death” file?
I recall seeing a guide on what to put in a text file so that surviving family have an easier time dealing with all of your loose ends, e.g., digital accounts, safe deposit boxes, utilities, etc. Do any of you have thoughts on what to put in a file like this? Here is a rough list of things: - Will - Living trust - Power of attorney - Life insurance policy - Birth certificate - Marriage license - Bank and credit card accounts - Loan documents - Automobile titles - Property deeds - Copies of keys to automobiles, safe deposit boxes, etc. - Account and device passwords
Why it failed: I recall seeing a guide on what to put in a text file so that surviving family have an easier time dealing with all of your loose ends, e.g., digital accounts, safe deposit boxes, utilities, etc. Do any of you have thoughts on what to put in a file like this? Here is a rough list
cjohnson318
- startupShut down2023
Ask HN: Is it a bad time to apply to FAANG companies?
I am a back-end software engineer with about 6 years of experience. I used to avoid applying to big tech companies in the past, because I didn't have enough time for a proper coding interview preparation and I preferred companies who hired based on my past projects and verbal assessment. However, I recently quit my last job and for the first time in my life I concentrated fully on my preparation for big tech. Ironically, there are news being constantly published about large layoffs at all major tech companies. Is it still possible to land a job in FAANG at the moment? Should I continue with my preparation?
Why it failed: I am a back-end software engineer with about 6 years of experience. I used to avoid applying to big tech companies in the past, because I didn't have enough time for a proper coding interview preparation and I preferred companies who hired based on my past projects and verba
olzhasar
- startupShut down2023
Ask HN: American friends life is falling apart badly. What can I do to help?
I am a German university student. Through a hobby project of mine i got to talk to a trans women from Tennessee. She seemed genuinely interested in my project and made valueable contributions. However her capability to contribute has plummeted so i asked her what's up. From what i gathered she works as an independent contractor and was barely making ends meet, then her hours were cut by 10 hours per week and she is in the red and her savings were non existent. I was shocked she has been contributing from an linux environment on her mobile phone! She can't afford getting enough to eat (!!!), her only phone has a broken touch screen, barely works, her car is slowly dying and dangerous to drive. She has been building and rebuilding a computer at home from discraded parts and it keeps failing. I am honestly at a loss. She seems smart, really interested, has projects which i find pr
Why it failed: I am a German university student. Through a hobby project of mine i got to talk to a trans women from Tennessee. She seemed genuinely interested in my project and made valueable contributions. However her capability to contribute has plummeted so i asked her what's up. From
freemint
- startupShut down2023
Ask HN: How to minimize career risk from an attempted startup
I am about to ditch my somewhat successful FAANG career to attempt bootstrapping a SaaS business. My goal is to build a lifestyle business, not a VC rocketship, but I still think there is a substantial chance it will not work out. What ca I do to minimize my risk of having lower chances on the job market due to this adventure? What data do recruiters and employers look at to determine if the failed startup listed on a CV is a plus or a minus?
Why it failed: I am about to ditch my somewhat successful FAANG career to attempt bootstrapping a SaaS business. My goal is to build a lifestyle business, not a VC rocketship, but I still think there is a substantial chance it will not work out. What ca I do to minimize my risk of having lower
thw6597
- startupShut down2023
Ask HN: My startup failed, now what?
I was a non-tech cofounder of a hard tech startup that raised a seed round of 500K. The startup failed for a bunch of reasons unrelated to this topic after 2 years of existence. Now I need to get a job, and I have no idea what kind of job I am qualified to get in the tech world. Before the startup I have one brief business development stint but nothing major, and a degree from a prestigious university. I don't even know where to start regarding what positions I can get? I can certainly try business development again, but I want to be more involved in the product.
Why it failed: I was a non-tech cofounder of a hard tech startup that raised a seed round of 500K. The startup failed for a bunch of reasons unrelated to this topic after 2 years of existence. Now I need to get a job, and I have no idea what kind of job I am qualified to get in the tech world.
quotz
- startupShut down2023
Ask HN: For 10 years I've been trying various projects, still clueless
I have a lot of experience with side-projects and startups. I will briefly explain my experience. I'm coming from small eastern European country, so my perspective on everything might be different. 1. My country is too small and market is small. You can do something here, but everything is so limited that it's terrible. 3.5M people and then when you target certain people who wants your product or service or app or website, you get super small amount of people 2. The Balkans (group of countries around my country where people speak the same language) is a better story, but every nation is so isolated. I asked yourself, how often do I use products/app/websites from the other countries and vice versa? Very rarely. Every country is in its own bubble. 3. European market. Every country has its own language, culture, mentality, etc. it's hard to get into those countries
Why it failed: I have a lot of experience with side-projects and startups. I will briefly explain my experience. I'm coming from small eastern European country, so my perspective on everything might be different. 1. My country is too small and market is small. You can do something here, bu
superdario
- startupShut down2023
Ask HN: I’m falling out of love with coding
I spoke to a lot of software engineers around me and the feeling seems common. I remember the days I started coding, and how much I enjoyed that. I was able to create things with just the power of my thoughts, and it felt like a superpower. Nowadays, I feel like I have to jump so many hoops and spend so much mental bandwidth just to get the permission to code. It would be fair to say that on avg I spend less than 20% of my time coding or solving problems. Any project I work on is connected to a million different tools, workflows and services, that all do things their own way, and everything lives in a totally different place, where it’s hard to monitor what’s going on. I feel like anything can break at any moment and ruin my day. I don’t understand any of the tools well enough to be confident that it’s stable, and the worst problems are the silent ones. This is giving me anxiety. I work
Why it failed: I spoke to a lot of software engineers around me and the feeling seems common. I remember the days I started coding, and how much I enjoyed that. I was able to create things with just the power of my thoughts, and it felt like a superpower. Nowadays, I feel like I have to jump so
zikero
- startupShut down2023
Mattermost Cloud Free will no longer be offered after July 26, 2023
I just received the following email from Mattermost: Mattermost Cloud Free will no longer be offered after July 26, 2023. Mattermost’s Cloud Free plan will be discontinued for new and existing Cloud workspaces. This includes your workspace. We can imagine that this requires some transitioning for your organization, so we’re offering support for 90 days before deprecating Cloud Free. Why is Cloud Free going away? Mattermost is focused on providing the leading secure collaboration platform for technical and operational teams. To achieve this, we are committed to focusing on customer needs, and correlating our product direction and investments to where customers derive the most value from our offerings, which typically occurs through self-hosted deployments or via our secure Professional and Enterprise Cloud offerings. This means continued investment in providing customers with the essentia
Why it failed: I just received the following email from Mattermost: Mattermost Cloud Free will no longer be offered after July 26, 2023. Mattermost’s Cloud Free plan will be discontinued for new and existing Cloud workspaces. This includes your workspace. We can imagine that this requires some
alhirzel
- startupShut down2023
Tell HN: Teddit has been de facto shut down
It appears that Teddit has been effectively shut down via extreme rate limits by Reddit rendering the app unusable. HTTP Error 429 is now returned nearly 100% of the time.
Why it failed: It appears that Teddit has been effectively shut down via extreme rate limits by Reddit rendering the app unusable. HTTP Error 429 is now returned nearly 100% of the time.
housemusicfan
- startupShut down2023
Re: Did AT&T leak their email list publicly?
I'm apparently on this list: DONOTUSEPOD1NON@list.att.com Here are some screenshots of the debacle [edit: properly redacted now] https://imgur.com/a/MWV2wmk https://imgur.com/a/yRJCKUn It started out when someone wrote to that mailing list with > This is a test to see if external users can email AT&T's internal email list with the most recent email mishap. followed by other responses like > I guess so… > So far, based on the number of unique domains coming back directly to me (and replying all), it appears to be mostly business customers. I am assuming business because I also used my gmail for my business when I set up an AT&T account. Time will tell of course but there's definitely not an insignificant number of people on this list as far as I can tell. > We’re just lucky there aren’t multiple people with vacatio
Why it failed: I'm apparently on this list: DONOTUSEPOD1NON@list.att.com Here are some screenshots of the debacle [edit: properly redacted now] https://imgur.com/a/MWV2wmk https://imgur.com/a/yRJCKUn It started out when someone wrote to that mailing
patneedham
- startupShut down2023
Show HN: I open sourced the QR designer from my failed startup
My designer is somewhat special, if I do say so myself, as it allows you to put arbitrary designs in the middle area of the QR while still being totally scannable.
Why it failed: My designer is somewhat special, if I do say so myself, as it allows you to put arbitrary designs in the middle area of the QR while still being totally scannable.
koch
- startupShut down2023
Ask HN: Details on 04/2021 DigitalOcean data breach?
In April 2021, DigitalOcean suffered a data breach [1], exposing some billing details. They informed affected customers by mail and offered to answer any further questions via their privacy@digitalocean.com address. Since then, I have regularly asked for updates on how this breach happened and if they would publish a postmortem for this event. They assured me that they would share more information once their investigation is complete. In September of that year, they started ignoring my requests for an update, and I haven't heard back from them since. While this is a relatively minor event in the grand scheme of things, it left a bad taste in my mouth. Did anyone dig deeper into this and got more information on what actually was the cause for this leak? Maybe there's a DigitalOcean employee around who can shed light on this? [1] https://www.securityweek.com/digita
Why it failed: In April 2021, DigitalOcean suffered a data breach [1], exposing some billing details. They informed affected customers by mail and offered to answer any further questions via their privacy@digitalocean.com address. Since then, I have regularly asked for updates on how this breac
s_weber
- startupShut down2023
Painful Lesson: Always 'Show and Tell' Your Product Before You Develop It
It's said that amazon asks their product makers to write a press release about the release of the product and work backwards from there. Working backwards has its uses... I recently wanted validation on a product I had already finished developing I thought I needed it so others will too. I put in a lot of time architecting it, designing it with careful UX and UI. When it came time to show and tell through a demo video i couldn't create a simple enough one that explains what it does. So anyway I posted it in some communities and people we just confused and nobody signed up. So I had to abandon the project as there were no takers Cut to about a week back where I had another idea... This time instead of simply developing it further, I jumped straight to see if I can create a explainer video of the product. So with zero expectations about it working I made one without audio or musi
Why it failed: It's said that amazon asks their product makers to write a press release about the release of the product and work backwards from there. Working backwards has its uses... I recently wanted validation on a product I had already finished developing I thought I needed it so oth
anticlickwise
- startupShut down2023
Ask HN: Do you have a digital end of life plan?
My dad died a few years back due to unexpected circumstances so wasn't able to talk to him beforehand which made digging through his digital stuff difficult until I stumbled upon a text file on his PC with all his U/Ns and PWs. Of course thats not the best way to do it but it sure was super helpful. Bunch of stuff I didn't even think about (airline miles, Dropbox's with pictures, interesting forum content, memberships, etc. 50+ accounts total). What's the better more secure way to store this info along with any wishes regarding your digital (after)life if I want to make it easier for my kids or whomever digs through it later? Any additional info thats helpful to include? Who to entrust it with?
Why it failed: My dad died a few years back due to unexpected circumstances so wasn't able to talk to him beforehand which made digging through his digital stuff difficult until I stumbled upon a text file on his PC with all his U/Ns and PWs. Of course thats not the best way to do it
gehwartzen
- startupShut down2023
How Can I Cope With Living In A Dying Nation?
My country (Nigeria) is in shambles. We have a poverty rate of over 80%, illiteracy rate of over 60%, high insecurity and violence. Yet, we just voted in a documented drug trafficker and extremely corrupt person as our incoming President [1]. Most of the votes for this candidate came from the Northern part of the country, the part with the highest poverty, illiteracy, and insecurity. Yet, the people from this region overlook their economic interests and are more interested in tribal and religious politics. Once upon a time, we were improving and seeing progress...until 2015 when we elected a former military dictator who is very clueless about the state of affairs [2]. Since then, we have backslidden on all levels...poverty has become higher, my hometown has become ravaged by separatist violence [3], the economy is very bleak and continues to worsen. I have lost hope. I never wanted to im
Why it failed: My country (Nigeria) is in shambles. We have a poverty rate of over 80%, illiteracy rate of over 60%, high insecurity and violence. Yet, we just voted in a documented drug trafficker and extremely corrupt person as our incoming President [1]. Most of the votes for this candidate
boeingUH60