Getting Site Developed

How to protect concept from being taken?

[ibQuixote]

I've spent weeks assiduously detailing plans for my website. They involve flows charts, extensive descriptions, marketing plans and revenue forecasts. Im no programmer or builder, but I've got great plans for a pretty cool and unique concept. Im ready to find a developer, which I planned to do through a prominent freelancing exchange. Then I had a bit of a freakout.....

How do I protect against people stealing my idea and business designs? They could take them or pass them along for somebody else to build for themselves, and I might not even know they did it. Obviously I would only include the website plan and not the other stuff, but the web plan is the core of the whole concept. I thought, well maybe I can NOT include some of the copy that would identify which sector Im targeting, yet have all the functionality built out. Perhaps I could put the graphic design/copy onto it after I have the technical "guts" built. This might solve the problem, but would be quite a headache to do it this way.

Can anybody suggest the best route for me to take here? I know I can have an NDA or contract, but enforcing those are near impossible and not worth the time. Am I being paranoid or too careful? What is the best approach to having somebody build my plan, and keep my idea mine?

Many Thanks!

[BeeDeeDubbleU]

No you are not being paranoid or too careful but I think an NDA is the only option to you if you want to move this forward.

[adwatson]

It seems your only options are an NDA and contract - or develop it yourself. If I were you I'd be leery of contracting with a cheapo or foreign developer - you may be best looking for someone locally, ideally with good referrals.

[justgowithit]

through a prominent freelancing exchange

You should make it known in your project description that you will only consider bids from provider that are local to yourself.

Defending a NDA across country borders would be nearly impossible if not VERY expensive.

Have you considered networking through various mediums where you might meet people capable of constructing your application..... (Hint: You're in one)