Obviously I'm biased, but I think this is actually a good method of selecting startup ideas. If open sourcing the code removes most (or all) the value you propose creating, that's a warning sign. Eventually companies thrive by automating tasks with code, but most early stage companies don't provide most of their value in that way. With CodeCombat we intend to either monetize through paid content or recruitment. In either case, having the codebase be open source doesn't impact the value add.
> If open sourcing the code removes most (or all) the value you propose creating, that's a warning sign.
I tend to disagree here: if source code provides your core values, that is a good sign for a healthy business opportunity. Creating your own competition (by open sourcing it) might make sense in some scenario, but it is not a universal good.
