How to go about turning an idea into a product?

[Nate]

Anyone out there gone through the process of turning a product idea into the product and all that entails.
I was considering posting the idea on a site like kickstart to raise funds to work with.
Is there a cheap way to protect the idea from being copied that isn't a patent.
Once the initial crop of products was made I have the skills to set up a website to market and sell.
Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Tudor Rickards]

It depends on what type of idea it is. It depends how easy it is to protect (or steal) your idea. Also how fast you can grow the business once you get started. Also how many skills you have of your own.

Also, web-based marketing has been based on giving things away but growing so fast that you eventually make a pile (like Twitter is doing).

Another way is finding someone you trust who believes in you and backs you (an "angel").

Good luck