Creating an NDA

JosephDuffy · 9 May 2012 at 21:42

Hi everyone,
I'd still call myself a novice when it comes to web programming (~5 years but started at 13 so I've had school/college to focus on too), but I'm in the process of making my first web app. However, I need some testers for it (don't worry, I'm not asking you!). I'm manually approving people (mainly friends/family), but I didn't want anything getting out, so I've created a Non Disclosure Agreement for users to agree to (I'm not saying it's the best thing ever, I'd just like to prepared for any future circumstances). Now, being 18, I don't feel I'm really able to talk to someone who has actual experiences in law (I'm struggling money for a logo, never mind any legal help).
However, I was hoping I might be able to get some words of wisdom. I've asked around and I've been told I should get the users home address and phone number to have a better record of each user (but this isn't implemented yet). I've uploaded the NDA, which is available to read here. It's just a stock template, but tweaked a little bit.
So, I guess, I'm just looking for some opinions on what I can/should do

aln · 9 May 2012 at 22:11

Your idea probably isn't that great and doesn't require an NDA, but if you _really_ want one you're going to need a lawyer. I doubt you're going to find a way around that.

dfarrall · 9 May 2012 at 22:17

I dont mean to sound harsh, but getting an NDA is an absolutely silly idea.
Sure ask for testers, sure tell them to keep hush, even patent it.

Putting a NDA on it also means no-one will hear about your product before launch, no hype, no sponsers, no help!

JosephDuffy · 9 May 2012 at 22:29

dfarrall said:
I dont mean to sound harsh, but getting an NDA is an absolutely silly idea.
Sure ask for testers, sure tell them to keep hush, even patent it.

Putting a NDA on it also means no-one will hear about your product before launch, no hype, no sponsers, no help!

This is actually something I've thought about, but never come up with a good "model".
My idea was NDA for Alpha (even if it's not that sound, it can at least be something to reference), then a closed beta, then invite beta (to test and build any hype). As I write it out, and after you mentioning it, I'll probably not end up using a "sound" NDA.

Also, a quick note, I don't feel that this the best thing since sliced bread, it was mainly for the experience (sure, success would be great!), not that I though I had the next Facebook

aln · 9 May 2012 at 22:54

JosephDuffy said:
This is actually something I've thought about, but never come up with a good "model".
My idea was NDA for Alpha (even if it's not that sound, it can at least be something to reference), then a closed beta, then invite beta (to test and build any hype). As I write it out, and after you mentioning it, I'll probably not end up using a "sound" NDA.

Also, a quick note, I don't feel that this the best thing since sliced bread, it was mainly for the experience (sure, success would be great!), not that I though I had the next Facebook

The experience you want is to be dealing with a laywer mate, seriously.

Your NDA half reads like an employment contract. FYI, my employment contract has a whole bunch of stuff that basically states I can't give away company secrets. Maybe thats what you're looking for.