Like I said, I don't have a problem with the idea, but the more derivative your idea is, the more likely it is that off the shelf solutions can be easily tweaked to build your product. Truemors is more derivative than most, so using it as a barometer for how much it takes to launch a startup isn't completely accurate.
Re:Kawasaki: How I wasted $12,107 on Truemors
by NickDouglas on Wednesday June 06, 2007 @11:26AM
(#26621)
"Every single idea is derivative. Many successful products are simply about taking something that exists and then changing its focus or its look."
Yyyyyyes...but understand that Truemors is rather more "derivative" than, say, the iPod or Windows 3.11.
That's what he did, and he did it for bloody cheap. If you read the breakdown of his costs, you will see that the actual programming + site + logo just cost $4500.
Having dealt with code monkeys that need to be micromanaged, I'd much rather pay $4500 and see a finished product than waste my time micromanaging the development of such an application.
Is the idea stupid? No. It's a reasonable idea. It's a niche idea that has some potential if executed right. Did he overpay? No.
The hardest lesson I ever learnt was that it's often times really not worth it to do things yourself. As a hacker, it's tempting to always do things yourself, but realise at every single point in your life that it's time that is your most valuable commodity.
He's not a hacker. If he tried customizing pligg, it would cost him a lot more time than if he just hired people for $4500.