Should I do a project that I am afraid to put my name on it?
So a friend of a friend has proposed a great idea. It is not morally objectionable, just something I do not believe in. Kind of mixture of art, fitness, fashion, and vanity like Instagram. I do like art and fitness but don't care for fashion and definitely don't want to promote vanity.
I think the idea has great potential, if nothing else, I will get to play with some cool technologies. But I don't if I can even put my name on it.
Would you work on such a project and stay anonymous co-founder?
I don't believe in anonymous co-founders because founders are an integral part of the startup brand. If you are even embarrassed to be associated about the business, imagine how that can be perceived by outsiders.
Do you honestly believe this can be used against you? If you had to explain your business in polite company, would people react negatively?
Fashion can be pretty damn creative and fascinating. As for vanity, we're all vain to a certain degree and as long as it doesn't harm anyone, I don't see the problem.
Agreed with a vast majority of answers here. Though I say it is vanity but like Todd said it might be inspiration for others to lead to better lifestyle. It is just matter of your perspective.
I decided to bail because though I love art and beauty, it is just that my conservative parents will find it objectionable. There are tons of other ideas where you don't need to make your parents uncomfortable.
I don't see why you object to art, fitness, etc. Perhaps those types of things aren't as engaging as philosophy or theoretical mathematics but you won't make any money in those areas. Plus health is super important ... getting people healthier is very noble even if it is motivated by an element of vainity.
Bottom line: most businesses don't work out so I wouldn't spend energy moralizing about the highly improbable potential vanity inducing impact on society of your app.
Thanks I love your answer. Yes, it is vanity but it might make people to live healthier and longer. You do make me feel better about it.
Though after a lot of consideration, I decided to not go with it. I will need to give 100% of myself to my business. It will be hard to do that for business that I didn't believe into 100%.
I don't think so. If you're embarrassed to put your name behind the project, I think that's a sign that you're likely not going to have the commitment necessary to make the project a success. Put the effort into something that you believe in and can be proud of!
I think identity and venture tend to be quite intertwined. Your ventures partly define your identity, and your public profile can help push your ventures.
That said, if it's a lowish commitment (more of a side-project than a startup) and you aren't overcommitted, you could go for it. I've worked for clients I disagree with (religion, tobacco, military, naturopathy) and also had past side projects that I didn't put my name to.
Something in fitness/fashion/vanity isn't that disgusting!
I think it depends on what you want to get out of the project. Some projects are just fun, others are financially lucrative and some will get you a lot of publicity. I like the philosophy used by the founders of https://www.bigspaceship.com/ . They rank every potential project against the three F's: Fame, Fun and Fortune. If the project scores high on two of those then it's probably worth doing.
Yes I've worked on projects that I didn't like and remained anonymous. I got paid for a job and the client was happy. I guess no harm done.
If you already feel that way at the beginning, how will you feel when you hit a rough path?
You will constantly think about abandoning the project, so for me it's a clear no.
You really need to give more information about the project.