Tell people about your idea, or keep it to yourself?
michael_dorfman: I don't want to sound too old fashioned, but I think the key question you should be asking yourself about your "groundbreaking" idea is "What are the barriers to entry?"  If the idea is such that anyone with a decent technical background could implement it upon hearing it, you're likely to get instant copy-cat competitors even if you do make it first to market.If your idea is good, and there are sufficient barriers to entry, I don't think there's any problem discussing it with others-- in fact, I'd recommend you discuss it with people you trust, as they can help you refine it.