I too am interested in everyone's experiences in joint ventures with non-programmers. I just signed up yesterday and I am exploring a few options to develop some software I designed (not developed). I currently am a database analyst and I know enough Visual Studio to generate screenshots and be mildly dangerous, but I am afraid I would classify myself as a "non-programmer", although I am well-versed enough to hold a reasonably intelligent conversation with a programmer about development, design logic, and draw up some specifications. I'm toying with the idea of learning programming and developing the applications myself, but I feel like the man asked to drink the ocean. A joint venture sounds much more apealing, but that special combination of programmer and entrepreneur seems to be a very rare breed. For those of you who are experienced professional programmers, what entices you to enter a join venture with a non-programmer (besides huge sacks of money)? The intellectual appeal of their idea? The progress of the non programmer with the idea prior to approaching you? The potential of a business spawned from the idea? The business caliber of the non-programmer? How the idea advances world peace or some other social agenda? Other? Huge sacks of money and only huge sacks of money? Or do you generally shy away from these kinds of ventures because of past experience? Also, how do you feel your answer reflects the general sentiment of the programmer community?
One day I will fill this space with a witty signature.