[EvilTrout]

When you’re met with confusion, doubt, and dismissal, it’s time to reevaluate. The world, collectively, is smarter than you are — pay attention to it.

I learned exactly the opposite from my startup. I was met with blank stare after blank stare as I explained my idea over and over.

As it turns out, if you are going after a non-mainstream market as I was (Internet culture), you're going to get this reaction a lot.

Okay, so my startup isn't huge. But it pays for itself and my modest salary. It's been 3 years now!

[patio11]

This works across the niche spectrum from "Internet forum trolling simulation game" to "bingo card creation software". Customers validate ideas -- the opinion of non-customers is irrelevant.