Foo - What do you do with a "local minimum" type of day?

I don't intend this to be self pitying in any way, shape or form (because I know a lot of people are far worse off, and have bigger issues.) However, this day seems to have been a day of being broadsided by a number of things at once, a number which are not worth mentioning.

One of the bigger kickers: I'm trying to peddle some startup proposals (with known ROIs, how much the company is worth, the product, overhead) to VCs. Today, I got a response after a long delay that essentially said, "Thanks for the idea, chum. Yes, I know I signed an NDA, but I have more cash than you so good luck fighting in court over it, especially once the offshore lackeys start coding it." Thankfully it wasn't something I spent a lot of time on (nor could it really be patented and have the patent solidly stand to prior art claims), but it stung nontheless. I'm also very glad it was the only thing I sent to that VC person as well, and not multiple proposals.

This was one of many things.

When you have a day that can only be summed up as EPIC FAIL, anything to do in particular? (Well, other than drink. I don't mind a pint or two, but I never like getting intoxicated for any reason.)

Get used to it.....it will happen more. :(

Sucks, doesn't it? I worked with some guys a few years back, brainstormed some ideas, one in particular that *I* came up with.

A few months later, not only did credit go to one of the other guys....but I was not even included in helping detail the design further. I was pretty much told to go do something else, we're busy with this great idea of ours.

That was when I realized my manager at the time wasn't the saint of all things good like people made him out to be.

I don't intend this to be self pitying in any way, shape or form (because I know a lot of people are far worse off, and have bigger issues.) However, this day seems to have been a day of being broadsided by a number of things at once, a number which are not worth mentioning.

One of the bigger kickers: I'm trying to peddle some startup proposals (with known ROIs, how much the company is worth, the product, overhead) to VCs. Today, I got a response after a long delay that essentially said, "Thanks for the idea, chum. Yes, I know I signed an NDA, but I have more cash than you so good luck fighting in court over it, especially once the offshore lackeys start coding it." Thankfully it wasn't something I spent a lot of time on (nor could it really be patented and have the patent solidly stand to prior art claims), but it stung nontheless. I'm also very glad it was the only thing I sent to that VC person as well, and not multiple proposals.

This was one of many things.

When you have a day that can only be summed up as EPIC FAIL, anything to do in particular? (Well, other than drink. I don't mind a pint or two, but I never like getting intoxicated for any reason.)

I'm just learning about IP security and patenting, and it seems that these kinds of problems are typical for start-ups and innovators. Additionally, I've gotten the impression from an entrepreneurial mailing list I'm on that if you're looking for any sort of security for your idea, you will need to patent it or find some method of securing it. Good luck dealing with it...you're gonna need it!

I don't intend this to be self pitying in any way, shape or form (because I know a lot of people are far worse off, and have bigger issues.) However, this day seems to have been a day of being broadsided by a number of things at once, a number which are not worth mentioning.

One of the bigger kickers: I'm trying to peddle some startup proposals (with known ROIs, how much the company is worth, the product, overhead) to VCs. Today, I got a response after a long delay that essentially said, "Thanks for the idea, chum. Yes, I know I signed an NDA, but I have more cash than you so good luck fighting in court over it, especially once the offshore lackeys start coding it." Thankfully it wasn't something I spent a lot of time on (nor could it really be patented and have the patent solidly stand to prior art claims), but it stung nontheless. I'm also very glad it was the only thing I sent to that VC person as well, and not multiple proposals.

This was one of many things.

When you have a day that can only be summed up as EPIC FAIL, anything to do in particular? (Well, other than drink. I don't mind a pint or two, but I never like getting intoxicated for any reason.)

I'd go for the obvious. Positing that your "epic fail" wasn't bike related, like mine was, I would go for a ride.

I've never had to deal with VC's (other than a few cocky business major acquaintances at school who thought being a VC sounded glamorous), but I've got a general impression that they tend to be a mix of suckers and scoundrels. If it's as blatant as you imply, I'd be tempted to let the prick know you appreciate the opportunity he's given you to learn, and that you'll be sharing your experience with his firm with others in your field. Now you know who not to give an opportunity to share the profits of your work.

Anyway, a hike or a bike ride helps me. Even doing some mindless physical work. Actually it's hard to beat splitting firewood for therapy. Baking bread or cooking a good dinner are also productive options. Saving the world from aliens/Nazis/zombies on my computer is an ok non-productive option.

Drinking is usually one of the last things I feel like when I'm down.

Assuming lack of a significant other: A pint of good beer and dinner with a friend, then maybe some time with the guitar followed by a good night of sleep.

Hang in there buddy! I got screwed over by a couple of VCs in my early days just out of school. Great ideas are really nothing if you can't bring them to market. And one way is with VC capital, but it's really a last-resort. Luckily I pursued a patent later on my designs and stopped giving away free info. However, the economies of scale and technological advance may have made my patent not cost-effective anyway. Even then, patents are only good if you can defend them. Again, requiring VC-levels of capital for attourneys to duke it out!

Don't loose faith, have a couple of shots and keep the ideas rolling!:beer: