Ever see that 90s cartoon where the anthropomorphic kid told the other anthropomorphic kid an idea only to have it retold and ruin his presentation? Or how about that early 2000s flick where the kid wrote a paper and it was stolen and turned into a movie without his permission?

If you’re anything like me, you already see the connection between these two real-life based works of fiction.

These guys are dummies. Period

They came up with profitable ideas, then practically handed them to someone who would ultimately use it to foil their original plans. Granted, one of these examples was based on using others with the intent for personal gain, and the other was a case of misplaced belongings. But the lesson remains the same…PROTECT YOUR IDEAS!

Don’t get me wrong, it’s fun to share ideas with others; especially when coming up with ways to improve existing techniques or tools. However, an important thing to keep in mind is that there are some folks out there who are looking to use your ideas without giving you any credit for your input. If you want to keep that idea, you better pay the price for it. Discretion.

I’ll preface this next part by pointing out my boss was a jerk. There, I said it.

I once had a manager give me a list of tasks for this project we were going to work on. Unfortunately (for them), we didn’t have the tools necessary to complete the project and the idea was tossed aside. However, our conversation gave me a few ideas of my own for developing a similar product for my own personal use. Now, I can’t tell you exactly what since I’m still creating it at the moment. And that’s what this article is all about!

I wasn’t looking to take this idea. But It was there for the taking and I took it. There, I said it.

Treat your million dollar ideas exactly like that. Like a million dollars. You don’t have to hide that briefcase from everyone. But keep in mind that you have a duty to yourself to protect your ideas from would-be idea thieves who would exploit you for their own personal gain. Don’t end up like that kid from that movie or that animal from that show chasing retribution after your mistakingly let one of your jewels fall into the wrong hands. Instead, keep watch over them and use them responsibly.

Peaceful in action, never in thought
Coding Fanatic

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Link to the featured image here

See what I did there? I gave a link to MaxPathSpotter’s work on DeviantArt. Which I borrowed. Not stealing. There, I said it.