Many companies, investors do not think about the re-invention issue. Most VCs, Seeds, goodwill or angel investors or even partnerships will consider the impact of your work/product/solution. Does it have to be ground breaking? It has to be different.... *As a example of re-inventing the wheel is this:* -OLD WHEEL : Fascinating facts about the invention of the Wheel by Mesopotamian's in c3500 BC. http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/wheel.htm - NEW WHEEL : The brand OZ Racing is developed and manufactured in Italy. Pure OZ Racing Style, pure Italian Style. http://www.ozracing.com/car_wheels_brands/OZ%20Racing.aspx So with that simple example in mind, I'd like to have your attention for the words below. I list this project and is the property of the Skunks KE community. *Lets begin with what you are: * - 90% of us are all just end users of systems. Whether Developers or not, you are just that. So you know how to write scripts on linux, windows or mac? So what, so can millions of other people. - You know how to write C#, C++, CSS or HTML or JAVA? So what, you are no different from 90% of the end user market. - You know to configure Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris? Yeah, ok whatever. - You know how to create graphics or logos on photoshop? Yeah, good work but no one cares. - You know how to setup, configure, plesk, cpanel, asterisk etc? Again, so what. So does the rest of the world who taught you to configure these. - I know how to confirgure Cisco, Nortel, Juniper, Rad, Extreme Networks? Right, tell the world something new! While we all are at the mercy of what happens elsewhere it becomes our zone to improve, re-evolve and re-invent as much as possible. *The Project Idea:* We all know that the Mobile market is exploding with many demands and better handsets. We also know that Smartphones is just but a tiny market. What is needed is really a USSD type of application that is not handset dependent, thus allowing access that is not even internet dependent. *The Wheel:* Ohh, do I hear everyone running to Kannel? Or providers like clickatel? I bet you 90% of all SMS gateways are running kannel and so you know how to setup and configure? Great, your are just another user statistic in the picture of technology development. How many kenyan providers use this product? Ohh, am a kannel developer and I know how to do wonderful things on kannel. Rubbish statement, you are just driver of a nissan matatu that is an LHD model. The Kannel Wheel evolved for Kenyan and African Markets, developed and open for re-investment to any investors like eg Nokia, VCs, Seeders, Telcos, Partnerships : Let me not even fill in the details here..... *So what is it that am saying?* Gentlemen, Ladies. Mind not the language but I hope it brings out the point. There is so much to be done, we need to build and invite investments. Am still a hobbyist dev so I have enough time to kill study and time on various projects, so far there are 17 lined up enough to keep me busy for many many months. Are you still trying to be an end user in the name of not re-inventing or re-evolving? My plea to you in one. Please wake up from that end user sleep and do something. Each day that goes is a loss for this country in terms of investments, recognition. and technology development You are also letting opportunities go by as you stand and watch others from countries come up with simple and silly ways, yet they are getting somewhere. I can only wish you success with your projects. :-) Me thots and corrections welcome. Rgds.