Comments on: Inspired or Rip-off?

By: Hany

Hany — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 23:05:00 +0000

It’s just like Matt said. In this day and age, it’s truly impossible to be 100% unique. I say take the idea, improve it, add on to it, and re-display it. That’s how a lot of the internet is nowadays…sharing similar ideas with minimal difference. As long as you add more features to it and improve it, I see no problem with it. You were inspired

By: Matt C

Matt C — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:27:39 +0000

I think that 99% of the ideas that make it into web software aren’t really unique anymore. I hate discovering a feature in a competing product that I came up with organically, but it happens a lot. The “open” web philosophy is centered around building on other good ideas and expanding them. The differentiator is how well you execute.

By: Jacob

Jacob — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 01:09:31 +0000

If you give credit to Walkscore, it’s inspiration, if you don’t give credit, I think it’s still inspiration. It’s a nice idea, but people take nice ideas all the time and make them better

By: Andre Marcelo-Tanner

Andre Marcelo-Tanner — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:25:52 +0000

Like what Ben, if you copy it without changing anything, ripoff, but could be called a copycat (nicer word) if you give due credit to walkscore.

if you improve like get the real walk score around water and other obstacles, its inspired

By: Allison

Allison — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:19:58 +0000

Hmmm, I am leaning toward more of an inspired rip off? No, really, I would view it as passing the baton & inspiration.

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:15:19 +0000

If you add to the concept – inspired.

If you copy verbatim – rip-off.