That’s weird, I mean REALLY WEIRD!
I am working on an idea to put a new spin on an existing brick-and-mortar business that involves putting up an authority blog/site. I began some research and found no one out there offering quite what I have in mind. I began organizing my thoughts, writing website copy and collecting ideas for blog posts.
I really thought I was coming up with some great, original, copy and ideas and have not yet put anything online. I guess my thinking was that I need things more developed and ready to go before I go public with it.
In the meantime, I am also putting up Squidoo lenses that have nothing to do with this idea.
Here is where the WEIRD part comes in –
Yesterday I got an email from Squidoo saying that I had a comment on one of my lenses which is great but when I visited the lens to reply to the comment I was shocked to see and ad at the top of MY lens that was offering something that is scary-close to my new idea.
Things get even stranger. Turns out this guy not only lives in my town but he is also only a few blocks away from the business I am working on my idea with.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not afraid of completion and I see this as a great opportunity to analyze his site on what keywords he is ranking for. What I don’t understand is just how this wound up on my lens.
Was it just by chance? I don’t know enough about how Squidoo pairs ads with lenses to answer that.
This raises some questions maybe someone here can answer – “How do you balance keeping a new idea protected while still being able to share information to get feedback and valuable suggestions either here in the WA community or just with family and friends”?
and
“Does anyone know how Squidoo decides just what ads to place on which lenses”?
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I am wireless and password protected but good point.
I really don't think there is anything sinister just a really strange coincidence.
I did some digging and found that the guy put up his site in 2010. Actually I think it is fortunate that I came across it.
I do wonder why I didn't come across him in my initial research though. Guess I still have a bunch to learn.
I noticed from working at 7/11 after 4 and a half years that people seem to follow the same wave length, not all ppl, but a certain amount ppl are thinking along the same lines, or are crabby, or very positive, its pretty weird.
That's a great insight. Bet you learned a lot about human nature while observing things in that kind of a job.
One way to protect your idea is to get a domain name registered. If you follow the steps here at WA and come up with a good name, then you have some protection. Can't help on the second question but hope this suggestion helps.
That is uncanny! But, they say fact is stranger than fiction! That is like having someone reading your mind!
I think it's Google that decides the ads on squidoo as they put the most competitive ones that I am already aware of on my Guitar lens!! Your first question raises a very good point “How do you balance keeping a new idea protected while still being able to share information" I think this has to come down to trust and your gut feeling, if you are not sure of the people you are asking to help, don't ask them!
Squidoo must have used your content to direct the paid ad. I think it was co-incidence that the subject of the paid ad was so close to your own.
Really interesting post. I'm also curious what the big wigs on here would say about that. But also, I think its a bit tough to try to protect your idea especially since you're putting that same idea online. But it almost sounds like the dude actually got the jump on you... Maybe you both had the same idea at the same time and he acted a little faster. But you can still knock 'em dead by making sure your website content is legitimately epic and good articles to drive great traffic to your site.
I do know that you can't keep an idea quiet forever, my only concern is that it does not leak out until you are ready to launch it. Of course if it's a truly unique idea, people will copy it but at least you will have the benefit of being first with it.
I agree that the dude probably just got there first and what I have in mind has a completely different twist to it so, that's fine. I still find it really strange how it turned up on my lens. Not saying that there is an conspiracy there but it is just odd.
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I'll let the experts give you the right insight but here's something I've found interesting as a writer: I believe in the muse. There have been a number of times I have worked on something over the years only to have someone beat me with the same general idea. It's weird but true. Example: the movie "Finding Nemo". I can show dated notes of when my kids and I were researching and coming up with a very similar plot. Had to shelf my idea cuz I didn't want to be seen as a spin off. Weird...but true. That's why I'm a little guarded when I'm working on something and keep it to myself before launching. Motto: if more than one draws on the muse for your idea, you're onto something!
Good point. A truly brand new idea may be great or may be something no one needs or wants. Have to do the homework.