I have the same problem. I find it difficult to keep up the motivation to do the boring work that makes the difference between cool side project and actual product. I think this in large part is because I do things alone, because I don't have a problem with day-to-day drudgery in my day job.<p>Of course, I wouldn't be fiddling around with new product ideas if I was satisfied with the day job either.<p>I'd definitely be into the small group idea - it would have to be quite a bit smaller and non-public than HN though :-)