Full Width [alt+shift+f] FOCUS MODE Shortcuts [alt+shift+k]
Sign Up [alt+shift+s] Log In [alt+shift+l]
84
In the startup world, there’s a term called “tarpit ideas.” These ideas look enticing at first. They have universal surface appeal, but they end up being huge drains on time and resources, and ultimately, they fail. The common trope is that young, first-time founders pursue tarpit ideas. Experienced founders often warn against pursuing these ideas.
a year ago

Comments

Improve your reading experience

Logged in users get linked directly to articles resulting in a better reading experience. Please login for free, it takes less than 1 minute.

More from Working Theorys

Doomprompting Is the New Doomscrolling.

The new slot machines of thought — AI’s infinite scroll and the quiet outsourcing of our intention.

a month ago 30 votes
Playing to Win Friends & Influence People

The Craft 003: A conversation with founder Avi Schiffman on conviction, AI companionship, and launching the first version of Friend.

a month ago 25 votes
Encore Anxiety

Fear of disappointing people you've already impressed is more paralyzing than fear of impressing nobody at all.

2 months ago 41 votes
Five Jobs

On human work in the gentle singularity.

2 months ago 49 votes
From "Shadow Artist" to Artist

A conversation with Dipa Halder, software engineer turned full-time artist.

3 months ago 40 votes

More in startups

Oracle and OpenAI Are Full Of Crap

This week, something strange happened. Oracle, a company that had just missed on its earnings and revenue estimates, saw a more-than-39% single day bump in its stock, leading a massive market rally. Why? Because it said its remaining performance obligations — contracts signed that its customers yet to pay —

15 hours ago 4 votes
The iPhone 17 and iPhone Air Are New (Enough)

PLUS: SpaceX's $17B Telecom Deal, Larry Ellison's $400B+ HODL.

2 days ago 6 votes
The cold truth about EVs: Freezing weather slashes battery mileage

Innovation in China and Norway makes strides, but in most markets EVs can lose almost half their driving distance when temperatures drop.

2 days ago 4 votes
Civil war is for idiots and losers

Your neighbor is not your enemy.

2 days ago 5 votes
How To Sell to the Dept of War – The 2025 PEO Directory

Announcing the 2025 edition of the DoW PEO Directory. Online here. Think of this PEO Directory as a “Who buys in the government?” phone book. Finding a customer for your product in the Department of War is hard: Who should you talk to? How do you get their attention? What is the right Go-To-Market Strategy? […]

3 days ago 10 votes