Other people's great ideas [sample longish post with an lj-cut]

"Hey, I've got a great idea for a piece of software. I just need somebody who can program it..."

I realized, the last time I heard something to that effect, that reactions to this statement split the world into two camps, pretty neatly: On one side are normal, intelligent, well-meaning people, who love good ideas and like having new software to play with; and on the other side are  programmers - who will be inching towards the door by now, trying to find the right way to bow out graciously without having to resort to smoke bombs or chloroform (though all options are on the table.)

( Hey, I've got a great idea for a ditch. All I need is somebody who can dig it for me. Interested? )

(no subject)

Wow - it only took me 20 minutes to do my taxes, this year. I've never been inconvenienced so efficiently.