There was a discussion at MaGIC about how to think regarding idea sharing issue.

Usually, there are two extremes:

(1) The Silicon Valley Camp: Most people don’t give a fuck about your idea. They don’t even want to listen to whatever earth-shattering thing you’re working on.

So your best bet is to talk to anyone who is willing to listen and use that to help validate your business idea.

(2) The Wantrepreneur Camp: Hell, no! All these people are going to steal my idea. I won’t talk to any one.

At that particular discussion, the practical advice (can’t remember from whom) was: be careful when sharing your idea IF AND ONLY IF the other side has the ability to execute.

It’s elegant.

Following this way of thinking, it’s safe to share your idea with pretty much anyone. The only times you might want to be careful are probably when you’re talking to industry heavyweights who have the resources (AND willingness to execute) to out-execute you :)