[vessenes]

>>> Finally, since there are more ideas than doers, even if your idea is taken, there is another one coming down the pipe tomorrow :)

This has to be one of the hardest things to remember for entrepreneurs, especially new ones. I frequently have to remember not to fall too hard for some cool idea, and I've been at this for a while now..

[javajosh]

The grandpost is brilliant. But that comment assumes that ideas and execution are independent variables, which is not the case.

[sophacles]

Thanks! Can you expand on this notion that ideas and execution are not independent? What I think you're suggesting is that the act of executing (or attempting to execute) will add data to the process of what is good or bad about a particular idea, and perhaps provide hooks for new thoughts/improvements to that idea. Is this accurate?

[vibrunazo]

I think that's just semantic misunderstanding. Some people name as "idea" the combination of concept + execution proposal. Other's name "idea" as the concept alone. I don't think there's a right or wrong here, people just have different opinions of how to call what.

Personally, for practical purposes and pushing myself forward, I prefer calling idea something that has a clear execution strategy. If you have a brilliant concept but not sure how to put it in practice. Then in my opinion you got half an idea, and should work on the other half.

[vessenes]

Yes, exactly. This is a more nicely stated version of what I was thinking.

[javajosh]

Ideas and execution are not independent. For example, it is easier to execute an idea that you believe in rather than one you don't. (In a vacuum it may seem strange to think that someone would execute an idea that they don't believe in, but realize that this happens all the time, perhaps the majority of time). Another example, it is easier to execute an idea which actually has a market - the enthusiasm of customers is infectious and highly motivating. Final example, execution is better when the idea 'goes with the grain' of available technology (if it's a technology idea, of course).