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Imola Ghost

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Mar 21, 2009
1,153
12
I have an idea for an application for my work that I'd like to see taken to the next level and that is to actually start programming it.

I've contacted a couple of friends that have I believe would know someone but either they don't have time or are not interested.

I don't want someone to steal my idea so I'm wondering what I should do.
 
Test the idea by telling the folks on these forums about it :p

J/k, i would suggest finding a competent ios dev who can complete your app for you but have the proper paperwork in place at inception

Best of luck
 
I have an idea for an application for my work that I'd like to see taken to the next level and that is to actually start programming it.

I've contacted a couple of friends that have I believe would know someone but either they don't have time or are not interested.

I don't want someone to steal my idea so I'm wondering what I should do.

Presumably you are going to pay someone? If so, take a look at the freelancers on oDesk - they can be relatively affordable.

Worth considering the following before thinking about whether or not to approach people:
1/ Ideas are (usually) worthless - it's all in the execution
2/ The great people are usually too busy to copy/steal
3/ If your idea is that great, someone will steal it after you launch anyway
4/ Very very very few iPhone apps make serious money - you won't find anyone who's sane to rev-share with you unless you happen to be the marketing director of ngmoco or something like that

If the app is simple, consider programming it yourself. It can be extremely rewarding when you finally get it working and submit to the app store. Mind-blowing when people actually buy it, and utterly joyous when you make enough money to buy that first beer!

Good luck! :)
 
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If the app is simple, consider programming it yourself. It can be extremely rewarding when you finally get it working and submit to the app store. Mind-blowing when people actually buy it, and utterly joyous when you make enough money to buy that first beer!

Good luck! :)

you mean like the fart app? :p
 
you mean like the fart app? :p

Haha. You know what, I kinda do. It's a bit annoying for consumers to have all those fart apps nowadays, but just imagine how much fun those first few devs had making and (er!) releasing those. Especially once the money started flowing in.
 
5/ If you are a web-dev, consider doing it as HTML in a webview.
 
Best bet is to find a dev you have some trust in, then get an agreement first not to steal ideas and so on at the start. Then you can tell them your idea and discuss it. I write apps like this for people myself sometimes (not just now though, I've got way too much on already).

The main things you want to consider (beyond the app itself) is marketing, and who you're selling it to. Marketing is *at least* as important as making the app in most cases. And you absolutely have to think in terms of 'target audience' - who will buy it, how interested will they be, and how many of them are there. There are many really awesome apps that sell very few copies because the target audience is too small.
 
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