I have an idea for a software product-but no idea how to build it.

Really depends on your idea. I am a programmer and I get sent ideas just about every day. Most are crap. What do you have in mind? I'll be totally honest with you.

Re's
Rob Whisonant

You might find someone who will go 50/50 with you but if that's the case you'll need to prove to them what you bring to the party. Most developers want to get paid for their work (I know, we're a funny lot like that) and won't take on speculative work with someone unless that person is going to deliver just as much as they are.

I regularly get approached by people saying, "I've got this great idea for a product. All you've got to do is design it, build it and sell it and you can have 50%". They always see themselves as my "manager" doing important "thinking" work.

By contrast I was recently approached by two reasonably well known chaps from this forum who had an existing product that they have been trying to get finished for some time. A number of developers had let them down and it was in a mess and needed someone that could deliver. They brought an idea that they'd already invested time and money in, a track record for successful marketing and a plan for what they felt they needed to do to make it a success if I would do the technical work.

Which one would you prefer to be?

Andy

I agree. Unless you are paying for the work you'd need to offer more than just the 'idea'. If you are experienced and knowledgable in marketing a product, SEO etc then it may be worth their time.

If the idea really is that good I would also advise getting some form of non-disclosure agreement in place.

Whatever you decide, good luck!