codex666's blog

How do topcoders feel they don't receive patent for the algorithm they develop?
By codex666, history, 4 years ago, In English

Dear coding brethren, This question is specific to topcoder style marathon matches where companies with a lot of money who needs to solve a complex problem, simply crowdsource it to topcoder. And while the actual highly skilled developer who solves it is paid a meager amount, the topcoder folks get a huge cut and the company files an IP for the product developed by someone else? This sounds so messed and unfair to the developer. What does the community think about this? We are being used and made a fool of by buisness people!!

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4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +4 Vote: I do not like it

wow, this was my first thought when i started competitive programming, i thought this cp questions are the problem rephrased by companies that we have to solve somehow, i thought what a great way of business, then later i came to know that this are already solved, but i was still confused for Google-Hashcode or similar contest.

I believe that this people who develop a good algorithm or invest so much time, they should be compensated accordingly. It's just like you are purchasing potato for $$$X$$$ price, but selling potato chips for $$$100\times{X}$$$ price, while efforts are person of who grown potatoes.

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4 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +27 Vote: I do not like it

That's Topcoder business model. Nobody forces you to take part in competitions. They don't lie about the fact that sponsor company will get access to participants code. What's your problem exactly? You can go and work for a company. Top competitors in such competitions are actually paid good money. I can't compare it to a salary cause I have no idea about salaries, but if top people do that then they probably find it worthwhile? Maybe not in terms of money, but some other things they get from topcoder — thrill of competition, interesting problems, community etc.

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