Re:Ask HN: Does a startup always need a new idea
by Xichekolas on Thursday October 01, 2009 @06:53PM
(#856019)
As I see it, you can do one of three things:
1. Have a new idea (invent first search engine).
2. Have a new approach to an existing idea (Google).
3. Adapt an existing idea to a new market (Baidu).
So no, a new idea isn't required. In fact, it's not so much the idea that matters as the implementation. No one cares who had the idea first. They care which service is the most useful now.
Also, there is the larger point: If it's fun to work on, and you think you can do it better, then who cares if it exists or what others think. Prove them wrong.
1. Have a new idea (invent first search engine).
2. Have a new approach to an existing idea (Google).
3. Adapt an existing idea to a new market (Baidu).
So no, a new idea isn't required. In fact, it's not so much the idea that matters as the implementation. No one cares who had the idea first. They care which service is the most useful now.
Also, there is the larger point: If it's fun to work on, and you think you can do it better, then who cares if it exists or what others think. Prove them wrong.