Posting and idea in another forum and idea gets used by same forum?

[cgchris99]

I guess I am just whining... I sponsor a forum (because it brings me sales) They are the largest forum in my niche. I have a small forum and some unique content on my site.

Since many of these users on the sponsored forum also use my site, I posted a question to them about a new feature.

Should we create xyz feature for our site and what are your thoughts. Well, I received some nice answers. I didn't do anything about it right away but talked to a programmer about having it done.

Next thing I know the site I sponsor has this "new" feature. The exact idea I came up with.

Now I am wondering how long it will be before they duplicate the unique information I provide and totally take my traffic!

The information I provide is public domain and just formatted a certain way. I don't think I can trademark it.

If they didn't bring me quite a few sales from sponsoring them, I would yank it.

Thoughts?

[ScottM]

Time and time again, thoughout my life I've done a similar thing. I'm still full of ideas, but it still hurts when something like you've described happens.

I think you just need to smile and realize that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. (And watch what you say in public forums from now on?)

[cgchris99]

Yep, I learned my lesson. From now on, I will go with my gut feel. Write the code and ask for opinions after it is created.