Hello everyone on DP. The thing is that I got an idea for a website, an idea that is unique and has the potential of getting big (when I say unique, I mean unique. There is not one website, at least that I have seen, that even look the slightest alike what I have in thought) and my problem is that I don't know how to get started. I could take a loan too get things done but I don't got a stable income for a secure one and I don't feel like paying 12 % for an unsecure one. I could make it myself but for this I need knowledge in 'php' and I only know AS and C++ and my biggest problem is that I really suck at designing (not in the way of effectiveness but in the way of looks). I could get myself a businesses partner but I'm actually afraid that once the so called partner hears of my idea, he/she just runs of with it and starts her/hiss own site. I could use my spare money (approximately 4000$) but my parents won't let me (I'm 17 years old) because they do neither know or believe in internet as a businesses. -- Now I ask you, members of DP, what I should do because I really believe in my idea and have really thought about it for a long time. Thank you in forehand and please no comments because of my age.
you are into some deep thinking problem i guess..so better sit down and think calmly and find a person whom you know personally to choose as your partner..i never recommend partners but if you dont have any choice then you have to go for it...Dont choose any one online as your partner until and unless you know him personally...Internet is full of scammers and i dont want you to loose money and idea..
Honestly...if you really believe in this idea you should get a part time job to make a few hundred dollars. Then try and find someone on a site like www.RentACoder.com to work on the technical side of the site. Once your parents (or a potential investor) sees the potential of the website it will be much easier to get funding. Of course...the other alternative is a partnership. But I would only go this route as a last result.
Thanks for the answers, I didn't really expect such quick replys. I would be grateful if I got some more help.
You can also try to launch a beta version of your site with your limited knowledge and upgrade it when you have the funds to outsource your dirty work...
Could you set up a mini site? Information here on resources on how to do it and the how-to is free. http://makemoney-affiliatemarketing.blogspot.com/2008/06/can-you-use-mini-site-for-your.html
I hate to be a downer but the chances of your site actually being unique is very little. Even if it were true and it's a new idea vs. an old one that has been tried and failed, you would have to do a lot of marketing to get it sold or accepted. Before you get too caught up with it, I would ask some of your best friends (in real life) what they think of the idea. Maybe by having more heads around it, they can either find existing examples for you or refer you to nerdier kids they may know.
I would personnally advise against that... Based on personnal experience, most people just don't believe in internet money until they can actually see it...
But that's why it's good. They will ask you the questions that you didn't think of thus either making your idea stronger or more realistically, a toss away. Don't get me wrong, I know plenty of great ideas come out of webmasters' minds but more often than not, the notion that it's completely unique and original is often a result of the person not doing enough research, and not because the idea actually is new and original.
Actually, I have discussed my idea with my closest friends but none of them are interested so the the best answer that I have got from them is "well... I would probably use that website if it existed" And I have done some research, I really wish I could tell you my idea and then you would understand that it's unique. I have had this idea for about two (and a half) years and it have grown closer and closer to reality, smaller parts have changed but the main concept is still the same.
I can offer some help in terms of graphical design, coding (php forms, MySQL databases, etc.) and possibly hosting if you are interested (I am currently starting a hosting service for local businesses in my area.) As for details about the site, seeing that you are not in a position to give too many, we could just discuss the visual aspects of the site (basics such as the format, color scheme, images, etc.) and I could work with those details and produce a sample page. I have experience in Photoshop as well as Dreamweaver. Pricing is negotiable depending on the complexity of the design. If you are interested PM me or send an e-mail to .