[BobertK]

I love this: boy it's true...

It’s a well documented phenomenon how idea-havin’ first timers just need a programmer to bring their vision to life, as though the idea is somehow half the battle (or 90%, as folks like me often get offered sweat equity deals–10% seems to be a popular number).

[paulhauggis]

The idea is half the battle. If it wasn't, you could write a hello world app and make a million dollars.

I'm a developer and from my experience, coding=50%, timing+idea=50%.

The reason most idea guys are worthless isn't because ideas are worthless. It's because they usually only have a very general picture (I want to write a Facebook clone that does X) when the details are what really matter.

[BobertK]

The idea is huge. The vision and ability to execute it is huger. Point is I won't even work with people who think think "I just need a programmer" - they will not value your contributions and try to chisel you out of as much a s they can. After all, you're just a programmer, THEY had the idea.

This w/o getting into the fact that: product == original idea == never happens ....

[emp_]

Not exclusive to first timers, I have a friend that for 10+ years shows every 1-2 years with this game changing idea that just needs a 5-10% "just convert this 1-page spec into code" founder.