I've got an idea/concept but don't know what to do.

flibbage0 · 29 Sep 2011 at 11:58

I've got an idea/concept for something music related (on the internet) obviously I can't tell you what it is, otherwise you might steal my idea.

Its like a service but for music, not supplying music like spotify.

It would require a website obviously and some kind of server/database for online storage.

I really don't know how to go about this.

So I need some advice or tips on what to do.

Thanks.

alex24 · 29 Sep 2011 at 12:07

Get in touch with a web developer? Will the idea need protecting? That costs lots of money, as would setting up the infrastructure.

EDIT: Write a proposed business plan.

flibbage0 · 29 Sep 2011 at 12:09

alex24 said:
Get in touch with a web developer? Will the idea need protecting? That costs lots of money, as would setting up the infrastructure.

EDIT: Write a proposed business plan.

OK, well the idea will eventually need to be protected, I can't seem to find anything similar to my idea (well in the music field).

What language are most websites written in?

Participant · 29 Sep 2011 at 12:11

flibbage0 said:
What language are most websites written in?

English.

flibbage0...apart from 'sorry, who are you?', all I can really contribute is to advise that you peruse the HTML section of the forum. There are some serious coding brains in there.

alex24 · 29 Sep 2011 at 12:11

I'm not a web developer, no idea. I'd guess HTML/CSS but that really is a guess. It depends what you need to do with it I would imagine. I would bet there are a few developers on OcUK, maybe one will pop along today and reply.

Deiwos · 29 Sep 2011 at 12:15

Research charities/businesses that deal with start-up ideas/companies. My sister works for the Princes Trust and basically her job is to help people who have business ideas and get them started with funding/business help via a mentor. There's plenty of other organisations who do this sort of thing and they won't be looking to steal your ideas.

flibbage0 · 29 Sep 2011 at 12:15

I don't really have the time to learn programming, I used to do a bit when I was 14-16 year old but the past 3 years I haven't done any.

I think I should make a written plan and look at hosting options and etc.

This might sound noobish but can't you make a website in Adobe Dreamweaver?

Martynt74 · 29 Sep 2011 at 12:16

flibbage0 said:
This might sound noobish but can't you make a website in Adobe Dreamweaver?

Yeah, Dreamweaver is a good package to use. But its usually based on the above languages

Participant · 29 Sep 2011 at 12:17

flibbage0 said:
This might sound noobish but can't you make a website in Adobe Dreamweaver?

Yes you certainly can. HTML(5) coding snobs will turn their noses up as Dreamweaver probably commits all kid of coding faux pas, but I've made drag and click websites in Dreamweaver very easily with barely any HTML / CSS knowledge, it's a bit like using PowerPoint or something. The problem is that the layout's the easy part of what you want to achieve.

You say you don't have time to learn programming, well your only other option is to pay someone, which is like time as you're giving them money you spent time earning.

RoyMi6 · 29 Sep 2011 at 12:19

If it's a real idea that you really want to pursue, and think you can make money from it, then Google for a "non disclosure agreement" and set up a meeting with a web development company.

It won't cost you anything to sit down and discuss your idea with them.

Do it with a few in your area and judging by their reactions you'll be able to tell if it's worth doing.

Sunbed · 29 Sep 2011 at 12:21

Just tell us what your idea is or GTFO

Scrutinize · 29 Sep 2011 at 12:44

flibbage0 said:
OK, well the idea will eventually need to be protected, I can't seem to find anything similar to my idea (well in the music field).

What language are most websites written in?

if it is unique, can be patented (going to be difficult and costly) and going to make decent money, then you want to get your ipr sorted out asap. what would stop your web developer running off with the idea etc or once you start marketing / publish the site anyone viewing it could whip a better alternative up quicker?

Is there something physically unique in the design of this service that will prohibit anyone else just copying it? the easiest and most cost efficient way to protect yourself is to gain sole distribution or production / supply chain rights of said product or published work.

GravyMonster · 29 Sep 2011 at 12:50

From a development point of view, HTML and CSS is the very tip of the iceberg. To create a music delivery service you'll need to use a server side language such as ASP.Net, PHP, ROR etc. You'll also need a database to store your sites content. Given the fact you'll be streaming and/or allowing people to download from you you'll need a big server farm, as well as masses of data storage and bandwidth. None of the above are cheap. You're looking 5 figures minimum for hardware alone. Easily that again for development costs, assuming you don't choose monkies. And there'd be a few grand a month for bandwidth, depending on how successful you were.

Then there's the licensing of the songs your site holds - which is probably a bigger stumbling block - as the RIAA and the labels would be on your arse so fast unless you've got it all cleared with them first.

tl;dr - lots of work, lots of money, unless you've got a REALLY killer idea that blows iTunes/Spotify out of the water, don't bother. If your idea is that great, try to talk to one of the established companies about it - but make sure you own the rights first.

agnes · 29 Sep 2011 at 12:52

Patent it, won't cost a lot, job done, spread the word and get to work

Participant · 29 Sep 2011 at 13:02

Spunkey said:
Then there's the licensing of the songs your site holds

I doubt it will hold any, as he says it's a service for music but not supplying any.

agnes said:
Patent it, won't cost a lot, job done

Lol.

loltim · 29 Sep 2011 at 14:28

Robbie G said:
Yes you certainly can. HTML(5) coding snobs will turn their noses up as Dreamweaver probably commits all kid of coding faux pas, but I've made drag and click websites in Dreamweaver very easily with barely any HTML / CSS knowledge, it's a bit like using PowerPoint or something. The problem is that the layout's the easy part of what you want to achieve.

You say you don't have time to learn programming, well your only other option is to pay someone, which is like time as you're giving them money you spent time earning.

Do they turn their noses up? Using Dreamweaver is fine, but you'll need to tune the website with HTML/Javascript I should imagine. Also standardise it so it works on all variations of browsers.

Participant · 29 Sep 2011 at 15:04

loltim said:
Do they turn their noses up? Using Dreamweaver is fine, but you'll need to tune the website with HTML/Javascript I should imagine. Also standardise it so it works on all variations of browsers.

I just vaguely remember reading loads of coding types saying Dreamweaver was rubbish because of blah blah blah when I made my last website...3 years ago. Maybe things have changed.

GravyMonster · 29 Sep 2011 at 15:07

Dreamweaver isn't rubbish. The code its WYSIWYG editor generates is.

Participant · 29 Sep 2011 at 15:11

Well if it generates 'rubbish' code then it's 'rubbish' surely, since the code it generates is an integral part of its functionality.

GravyMonster · 29 Sep 2011 at 15:15

Generated code is what Dreamweaver, Expression Web et al advertise as their greatest functionality, when in reality no professional should be doing it that way.

If you use it purely as a text editor then it has handy utilities such as intellisense and inbuilt FTP. When hand coding, that's all you really need.