[chris_dcosta]

OK sounds like hell, but your programmer is probably not a dick, he's probably got other stuff on his mind and I don't just mean the family.

As founders you're no doubt driven people, it's what it takes, but you can't expect everyone to share your vision, or be able to give up their time or commit their future for something they didn't invent - even if it starts to take off - simply because it isn't their idea no matter what the incentives.

That said, perhaps what you are looking for is someone who fires on all pistons, and surely you can spot that in the recruitment process. The twinkle in their eye, the energy, whatever it is there'll be a clue.

Also have you tried breaking down the tasks into smaller tasks, maybe the sheer size of the project has overwhelmed him. That way you get to keep a good handle on progress and can easily switch to someone else if things go wrong.

Talking of which, you'll be surprised how many good programmers can pick up the ball and run with it, so don't feel tied to this one guy just because he has all the knowledge.

[richardjortega]

"The twinkle in their eye" I think that is exactly right and I can't expect him to share the vision.

I feel the only way I can tell he is working is that the Github repo is updated. He's an amazing programmer and back in college we were good friends (maybe associates), he has a tendency to have "short" responses which we understand.

I think I am looking for a "firing on all pistons" type of programmer.

[chris_dcosta]

I think if it's this easy to find critical points about him, then you ought to ask yourself why you should be continuing.

You might be able to end the relationship now, and stay as friends, rather than prolong it and fall out.

Always a good policy I find.

[peapicker]

1-5 hours a week is like one piston at best. And one pistons engines aren't fast.