Posted on 06/27/2006 by burnt toast
Viewed: 411 times
I just have to vent. I left a job a year ago to pursue an internet business opportunity. At the time, my boss was asking me about it and wishing me luck. I was proud of it and had no hesitation in sharing some key details with him. He had been my boss and a friend for 6 years and he was staying in his full time job. I did not think for an instant that he would take those details and run off with them.
Well I recently came across some websites he made that, guess what, were based exactly on the opportunity I was pursuing! Even the fonts, logos and some of the text were eerily simiar to those that I was using on my own sites! Now, business is business, and competition is healthy but I had considered him a friend who would not do such a thing. Additionally, I have seen him on several social occasions since I left and he never once mentioned his new sites. I knew he was starting his own business and had asked him how it was going on all of those occasions. And of course that would be the perfect time to say "hey I borrowed your idea" do you mind if I enter the market too as a competitor?
Live and learn I guess, but what a shady thing to do!! I've been reading stories on here and see you guys give good advice and now I need some. What would you guys do? Would you say anything to him or just let it be?
POST A COMMENTfreedomringer(06/28/2006)
It is a dog eat dog world; he has no shame. I would leak bad info to him and hope he takes the bait. Then again, you could take the high road, (the one less traveled) and wish him luck.
M. in Wisconsin(06/28/2006)
I agree. Find a niche and be the best you can be. Look at what makes you unique and emphasize it. Enjoy your life. be glad this #$%^^%$# is out of yours. Remember, living well is the best revenge.
burnt toast(06/28/2006)
Thanks for the feedback guys. It angers me because it was a dent in the business I was leaving to make a living at. It's not like he stole my idea for a car purchase or the next day's tie color or something that doesn't really matter. He picked my lock and was snatching fruit from my orchard so to speak. One of you made the point of my livelihood and that's exacty the case here. Oh I am getting mad again typing this. But it does feel good to put this out there. Thanks again, guys. I appreciate the time you took to reply.
Oh My Gosh In Oregon(07/04/2006)
You will be victorious! Your imagination will not fail you..if your ideas were good enough to copy, I'm sure your brain is sharp enough to one up the shmuck! I am confident that confrontation won't be as satisfying as you might like, your intelligence will overcome the lazy copy cat. Don't get bitter, get better!
just me (06/27/2006)
OUCH! What a snake! I would call him on it. Tho not much you can expect to get in return. He doesn't seem like he'd say sorry but he'll know you know. But if he was that bold he probably won't care that you know. How did you find out?
WalkingInMyOwnShoes (06/27/2006)
Don't let him know what your discovered. Be nice and chummy, give him more "Good Ideas" that won't fly. I absolutely abhorred bosses who steal ideas. He is infringing on your livelihood for heaven's sake.
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