Only just noticed this thread. I can see where you all are coming from and be objective as much as possible I think you all are making 'some' good points but I also think we are being a little unfair at such an early stage.
I admire any young ones who joins an adult forum showing motivation and confidence to succeed in life and that inspires me to help them in any way I can, either through expertise, experience or time and effort.
I do think we are being quite unfair to Junior here. We do not have the full facts surrounding his current circumstances after we (or I rather) have put it to him that his parents need to be involved. I had discussions by email with Junior in length about the idea and he was very keen and wanted me to start work on it. I on purpose decided to 're-open' the discussion on the forum about the idea following my emails to Junior because I wanted forum members to be aware that I had insisted on his parents involvement in the event the idea somewhat backfired and pointed to me.
Of all intents and purposes, Junior had, I believe, the best of intentions and I do not feel he has wasted MY time in view of the discussions I have had with him in length both on/off forum. I hold myself responsible as an adult and an experienced businessman that I decided to 'sponsor' the forum out of my own initiative. Any risks associated with that is my own and I take responsibility for it. Under no circumstances do I hold Junior or anyone accountable because Junior or any other teenager has done nothing wrong by coming onto this forum feeling inspired by us as role-models. We have to use our own self-judgment whether any venture is risky and counteract accordingly. I had incurred a small expense as a result but I chose to take that risk and I knew the risks because I am an adult/experienced businessman. I have no regrets whatsoever because there is nothing to stop me or anyone here to pursue the idea.
Junior being motivated and inspired by us as role-models would probably have given him the confidence to confront his parents, who may well have deflated the idea and demotivated Junior and may be grounded from the forum, or the Internet entirely. I can understand where he is coming from because I had unsupportive parents who believed I would not succeed in business. Now twice as rich and successful I have proved them wrong.
Finally, I ask that we all do not jump to conclusions and use our own self-judgment. Macmyday made a very good point that in the real commercial world, more time is wasted and nothing ventured is nothing gained.
I welcome more young ones to come on board to be inspired by experienced business people who are more than willing to share their time and experience. I think we all respectfully ask that teenagers do not come on the forum with a 'get rich quick attitude'.
Sorry it is as long as a legal judgment!
Best wishes
Jonathan