I am skeptical about posting an idea (have prototype for one of my ideas), without them being patented. I do not have the funds to patent them, and as they are ideas that I feel will go over really well, am afraid to share with anyone. Unfortunately, the longer I wait, the more chances there are of someone else getting a patent on a similar item. Has anyone posted their idea without a patent? Please share with me.

To answer your question, yes, others have posted their invention without patent protection. However, it's understandable that you might feel uncomfortable sharing your idea without patent protection. We've designed the site to have the same protection measures you would have if you spoke to someone person-to-person: confidentiality agreements, identity verification, and a feedback & rating system. On our site, you can put as much or as little information about your invention. If you choose to post your invention, then you can require viewers to sign a customized, legally binding, electronic confidentiality agreement. Another option would be to post just a high level de_script_ion of your invention with your contact information, so for others to obtain more information, they must contact you. Another option would be to first apply for a provisional patent for just a few hundred $'s, and then post your invention. For more information about options and features we have on our site to protect your invention, please read our FAQs or Education section for more information. For more information about provisional patents, read about.com's invention section. Hope that helps! Bryan Daigle, Founder of IdeaTango.com