Can we have an "Ask Sean" catagory?

Hi Sean. Nice to see you getting recognition so richly deserved.

I know what you mean about fear of intellectual property theft. I been sitting on an idea for a decade due to lack of connections/experience (I'm Scottish -not far removed from Irish. Probably have that "Lazy" gene too).
I've looked into the patent process and learned:

1. When you file a patent, it is viewable by the public until approved (effectively spilling the beans).
2. Unless your application is PERFECT (by gov standards), it will be rejected.

The implications are obvious. If you mess up your application, anyone can co-opt your idea by filing a corrected application (Jeez, not TOO stressful!).

I also have a question today:

Mine ARC VT-100 has been in storage for 8-9 months.
How long before its capacitors start to go south?
Also have a preamp and CDP in limbo.
When should I start to worry?

Thanks again for your nobel service!

Where have I seen something that was an original idea of yours that has been implemented by a manufacturer? Not being mean, just wondering where you handywork lies?

Well, in the vein of trying to give something back, you might try a simple nondisclosure agreement (NDA). The idea is to preclude a receipient of confidential info from disclosing or using it. Not perfect, since usually NDAs also have exclusions for things already in the public domain or things the receipient already knew about (which gets a bit tricky). On the other hand, they are enough of a stick that some companies won't sign them for fear of getting sued for something they already had in development. But, a decent lawyer and a good NDA might make it worthwhile to make some pitches.

Sean has been helpful to me as well in a few instances, heckuva nice guy. I'm Irish as well, Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I have had a LOT of experience with mutual NDA's, I'll send you a few to peruse. Thanks for everything Sean!

When I envision Sean and his rig's, I think of the professor on Gilligan's Island. Half's of basketball's holding woofers made out of latex gloves and tweeters made out of soda cans, speaker wires made out of aluminum foil, a rubber band drive cdp, paper clip IC's, etc.

Interesting part is that his rigs are probably better sounding than most SOTA rigs costing mega bucks.

Sean, thank you for the wealth of knowledge that you are always happy to provide. I admire that you never really promote anyone's products, but go beyond labels to help everyone understand.

Regards,

PS - Do you have my coat hanger IC's done yet?

Regards,