What's the value of an idea?

Not much apparently.

Consider some of these trends:

• We're generally in agreement that the value of an idea resides in the execution of the idea.
• Pivoting within startups is so in-vogue at the moment. How many startups are still working on the same (original) idea 6 / 12 / 24 months down the line?
• Y Combinator is considering taking on founders / founding teams regardless of whether they have an idea or not. Sure they say it's an experiment, but how much truth lies in their notion?

In principle I agree that execution is ultimately keen for any idea. A shitty idea with brilliant execution > a brilliant idea with shitty execution. Always. But that perception does devalue a good idea and ultimately the effort & brilliance required to make a shitty idea work, makes for a much riskier journey.

Given how easy it is to "have an idea" and get funding for that idea these days, I fear that too little emphasis is being placed on the value of the foresight that a true visionary offers when they have a really great idea.

Good ideas will also be a viable business. If you can generate good ideas, you'll always find yourself there or thereabouts.