Comments on: An easier way to respond to equity based web development requests

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:42:23 +0000

Hi Guys,

Funnily enough I strayed across this blog whilst looking for a web developer willing to exchange hard work and expertise for a share in the action; assuming there is any of course.

My view is that it could be the highest paid work you ever undertook. Surely you should explore the idea; suss out the person seeking assistance and then maybe strike a deal if it looks viable. A blanket no is perhaps slamming the door in your own face.

Instead how about a questionairre that asks the potential chancer/genius entrepeneur some searching questions that gives you real insight into both the character seeking assistance and whether their idea has merit.

At the very least you should be able to steel the odd good idea :) (Please forgive my horrendous spelling..it’s genetic)

By: David

David — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 09:53:09 +0000

Simple and informative! Nice response, I cant imagine they would be too offended.

By: Rob Scott

Rob Scott — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:23:01 +0000

I think it makes sense – there’s no point suggesting you want an equity deal if you don’t. Set your stall out. Actually convinces me you could be the right person for one of our projects! Email sent.

Rob

By: Ben Hayes

Ben Hayes — Mon, 17 May 2010 12:52:33 +0000

I like it. Sharp and to the point. I don’t think anyone will be really offended.

By: jazi

jazi — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:51:27 +0000

Comes across a bit curt. Of course it depends on what they sent to you initially.

I’m not all up for equity shares system (unless done with mates) but if they really do think their idea is ‘all that’ then my preferred thinking is

‘Well, okay. You think you have a great idea & I agree. So let us both risk something. I’ll do the work and you pay me a discounted rate – THEN from my share you can claim back that ‘advanced’ payment once the money rolls in’

This seems fair – you get to eat while working on the project and they risk something. It also encourages them to get their act together when it comes to marketing the product/service/site.

By: Tim Ruffles

Tim Ruffles — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:01:55 +0000

Totally agree with the philosophy, but it might come over as a bit sharp. Everybody with an idea thinks they’ll be doing you a favour, maybe send them a couple of links to educate them in why they should value execution above ideas – http://www.oreillynet.com/onlamp/blog/2005/08/ideas_are_just_a_multiplier_of.html

By: Jonathan Ellins

Jonathan Ellins — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:36:12 +0000

You’d be crazy to take on a job for a ‘chance’ of a good idea that ‘may’ make a lot of money in the future (if they share it).

If it was really a good idea then surely they could get a loan or backing :)

By: Matt Hill

Matt Hill — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:20:05 +0000

Interesting approach! I can see that this could go either way as you’re treading a fine line between getting your point across and being perceived as being rude.

I’m curious to know what kind of reply you received?