Web startups boot strapping themselves are all the rage.  Every few weeks someone approaches me with a new idea.  The implementation plans for the venture are almost always identical.

• web application
• open source framework, usually Ruby on Rails, sometimes PHP
• free database, almost always MySQL
• cloud hosting
• small group of guys, typically people who have made money at a previous venture
• no salaries, just equity

Inspirations for these companies are places such 37signals, Wufoo, Plentyoffish and World of Goo.

I enjoy hearing the ideas and almost joined one venture.  But in the end none have been compelling enough for me to risk 6 to 12 months of income.  Hopefully I’ll think of one on my own. 🙂