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Maybe someone has experience with this?

I've been mulling this idea for an app that would really show off what's possible with a tablet like the iPad. It doesn't exist yet, and I want it to.

I'm a developer, but not nearly a good enough one to do this project on my own.

What's a good way to find a developer to collaborate with, while maintaining control of my idea/project etc..?

Do I need to write up an NDA? Even go so far as to form an LLC?

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Rather than scout co-developers for a joint project, you best bet and if you really believe in your idea is to hire more experienced developers to actually build the app for you. You have a strong advantage based on your development experience, and you will learn more that it is more important to be an entrepenuer than a developer.

The fact is programming and technology changes all the time. There are always talent you can recruit which will usually be better and more focused than what you could accomplish alone. Learning to take an idea from that bubble in your head to the real world is the fun and valuable experience.

I would suggest finding someone who has experience in building the app and hiring them. As a developer you can provide a detailed technical spec which usually makes the job ea

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@franky, thanks! So follow-up question. I don't really have any money to pay someone up front. Do you know if it's common practice to offer someone an ongoing percentage of profits from the app for its lifetime? The 2nd question is: what's the best way to protect myself from having a potential developer run off with my idea and leave me in the dust? – Matt H. Dec 5 '10 at 2:43
Best way to protect yourself is to have your developer sign an NDA and Non Compete agreement. These agreements dont prohibit someone from breaking them, but give you recourse to sue if they did. A Saavy developer can run off with your product anytime they wish, the best possible way to avoid this is to find a developer that is challenged in that department. I would look for a genuine nerd, someone that cannot make eye contact, or someone that is genuinely insecure. With that type of personality you are likely not to have competition. I have hired many introverted folks in the past and .. – Frank Dec 5 '10 at 2:50
...for small one man projects, or ones that require just bulk labor and not much team collaboration they are great. Seems like you have enough experience to write a good spec, do the marketing, and manage the day to day business. As for the 2nd part of your question, you could give someone equity for their work, but its not a smart idea. The challenges you will face is that a developer you find who will work for equity is likely not going to take on the project, they are more business minded and if they believe in it, will wonder what you bring to the table once they have the idea from u. – Frank Dec 5 '10 at 2:51
..I would try to find investment from a silent source. If you have a rich grandmother, it might be time to give her a call. You will need to raise more $$$ for marketing than development, so simply having a developer build the app for equity will not get you far enough. Plus, the problem is the developer could become bitter upon your success. Say you offer him 25% and the app makes 500K its first year. After you give him 100k, he will soon be wondering, where is the other 400k for my hard work? – Frank Dec 5 '10 at 2:53
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@franky: you just gave me more useful information than the entire semester of MIS I just finished studying. Thank you thank you! – Matt H. Dec 5 '10 at 3:08
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You're a developer in an MIS program and there isn't one other student to partner with on this project? Look around for the smart kids and try to put together a study group or something to assess their ability. Do you feel you don't have enough expertise to complete certain parts of the application or do you feel you could not handle the size of the application by yourself?

Start building something to show other programmers. Get a basic NDA to keep the honest people honest. Since you have no money to offer, you're going to need a little more to show potential development partners than just an idea.

You won't be able to keep this a secret forever. Everyone at Harvard knew about Facebook; didn't do them much good. Nothing to stop others from copying it once you release. Be more concerned with your making it happen instead of worrying about someone else.

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Thanks, Jeff. I'm actually taking all my classes online, out-of-state! I may turn there next though. I've been reading "Rework," by the 37Signals guys, and that definitely got me motivated. – Matt H. Dec 5 '10 at 4:12
To answer your questions, I don't have any significant iOS experience (or, after reading Franky's response, maybe the HTML5 canvas?). I'm good at learning new technologies, but I know I need someone much more skilled and experienced than I. I am more passionate about planning software than I am about writing the code. My "big idea" isn't a big disruptive innovation or game changer, it's just a tool I really want almost every day, and I'm surprised it doesn't exist yet. I don't know if that matters? But, this is just one of the four "unique" ideas I have. – Matt H. Dec 5 '10 at 4:20
.. which is a good reason why I might want to just go-ahead and form an LLC like Franky suggested? – Matt H. Dec 5 '10 at 4:23
@matt, may want to form an LLC soon, and use it for all of your projects. There is an important factor (age of your buisness), that creditors, landlords, and even marchant accounts look for. So the sooner you do that the better. Finding money is not hard, its easy. Think how many people are getting 2% on a CD? Most can tolerate more risk for a higher return. You will find investors if that is the route you want to go. Im a big fan of reinvestment of your own money. If you can do the app, as a web app, or using HTML5 CSS3 then it may give you to opportunity to make a little $$$ then... – Frank Dec 5 '10 at 7:53
..hire someone to do the upgrades. The important thing is to get going. Nothing is more admirable to me than someone that chooses to work for himself. this is a gift, that most Amercians have, and dont appreciate. This is why you see so many minority owned small business, they realize how hard it is to setup a business in their home countries. Nothing can really get in your way, just challenges you can overcome with time, and a bit of practice. Hopefully the app yeilds well for you. – Frank Dec 5 '10 at 7:54
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