[Peter]

Okay, so I have this fairly large website idea that is a) unique, b) appeals to a large market and c) could make fairly decent money.
I've got it all planned out pretty much, written specifications, created some interface blueprints and full "what it should be like" documentation.
Now, to create it - I don't really have the time to create it, but I could justify a reasonable amount to hire someone to create it.. I'm worried that its such a large and complex idea (with communities, forums, subscriptions and such) that a company may miss the point..

Is it viable to hire a company to create such a large website? What about these Non-American/English web development companies - worth it? Or should I pay the extra for a local company to create it?

[Peter]

Oh and if anyone can recommend a decent PHP/Ruby/Whatever consultancy/developer - Please do post links
I dont think its necessary to be local, what with VoIP and stuff - Heck, I'd be willing to fly to the states to meet with the developer if really necessary.

[Chuckit]

It depends on what's "reasonable" for you. Most people capable of making a large, business-class Web application are likely to charge $100,000 or more for such a project.

[Peter]

oh, wow.
I was thinking like, $10k, tops.

Guess i need to start learning PHP...!

[analogue SPRINKLES]

Originally Posted by Peter 

I'm worried that its such a large and complex idea (with communities, forums, subscriptions and such) that a company may miss the point..

You don't have to worry about them missing the point, you have to worry about how much they are going to charge you for all that fancy stuff.

How much were you thinking the development would cost?

[Peter]

I really have no idea, guess i should email the specification to some people and see what they come up with.

[besson3c]

Peter,

You are welcome to PM me. I've done a ton of PHP and web development, and might be interested in participating in this depending on the details.

[mindwaves]

I also have an idea which I have been toying around with. Please see my other thread which I will create soon as I do not want to further derail this thread.

[IceEnclosure]

can't you get students to work for you? they are fond of teh 10,000.

[- - e r i k - -]

We are basically in the same process. The best way to do it is to approach a few Web STRATEGIST companies with it. Make sure that you have all your ideas protected before you do so though.

[Mastrap]

This is how I started my own business:

1. Keep the day job.
2. Talk people you know into helping you. Get about 50% of what you're really looking to achieve for free or for minimum investment.
3. Go to market. Start earning a little money from the above.
4. Keep the day job.
5. Invest the money you've made back into the site.
6. Learn from user feedback.
7. Take the cash you've earned and use it to launch version 2.0, incorporating the features your users have asked for.
8. Keep the day job.
9. Take a look at your earnings. Do you have a business or do you have a hobby? Adjust either prices or expectations at this point.
10. Refine your offering further. Use money in the bank to pay for the occasional dinner.
11. Launch version 3.0 of your offering.

By now the money coming in should pay your mortgage or subsidize your main income in a meaningful way. You should now be in a position to decide on whether or not you can quit the day job. In my experience the above takes about three to four years.

12. Have fun. Always.

It's really important to understand that you don't need to be perfect to go to market. MS is the master of this, they launch first, then refine later. This technique is known as ready, fire, aim. Go to market fast, then use market feedback to perfect your idea.

[Peter]

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - - 

We are basically in the same process. The best way to do it is to approach a few Web STRATEGIST companies with it. Make sure that you have all your ideas protected before you do so though.

Is it possible to protect ideas?

[nonhuman]

Triworks.net does excellent flash-based work. Without knowing more details of what you want it's hard to say whether that would be appropriate or not.

(Disclaimer: I'm a managing partner of Triworks...)

[Oisín]

Originally Posted by Peter

Okay, so I have this fairly large website idea that is a) unique, b) appeals to a large market and c) could make fairly decent money.

It’s about ponies, isn’t it?

[- - e r i k - -]

Originally Posted by Peter 

Is it possible to protect ideas?

Patents, NDAs and preserving your documents as an affidavit. Keep a paper trail basically and get people you talk to to sign contracts.

[Doofy]

Originally Posted by Peter 

Is it possible to protect ideas?

There's only one way of protecting ideas: Never tell anyone about them. Ever.