kerben

Great job!

Agree with EECS - Every question is moot if the answer to your first question is NO...

Not sure what you found convincing - it certainly screamed doctored conversation to me...

The movie featured was an actual production - see http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1352388/ - plus the story seems plausible - i doubt its a joke.

It was not too wise to start out down this path with your co-founder in another country - with that said - my advice to you would be to simply trust your gut. Based on what you have described, I don't think equity is the problem. There seems to be an established history of 'flakiness' and he clearly doesn't seem to share your passion. If you continue to sense his heart just isn't in the project then you should cut your losses and sever the relationship. If you do split up make sure you get a waiver from him.

I can relate. Only a couple of weeks ago, days after submitting our YC application, my co-founder (technical half) bailed on me. Fortunately, I had a few other friends that were interested in my idea and they jumped on the opportunity. You can't dwell on it. Shit happens! As an entrepreneur this probably won't be the first or last time that something comes out of left field. I would try to find out why this dude bailed and then use this opportunity to find another co-founder, ideally one you know in person. As an active student, you have access to so many people on campus. Find someone that is passionate about your idea and compliments your skill set. If there is an entrepreneurship club or program at your school, that might be a good place to start...

My friend was faced with a similar problem (10K+ ATT bill) after traveling to the middle east. He hired an attorney, who was able to negotiate with ATT and after some back and forth they agreed to significantly adjust and settle the bill for only a few hundred dollars.