[RANDY P]

sounds like fun.

The only thing is, remember that right now it sounds like a great deal, but it can also turn into something very ugly and expensive and ultimately you will be the loser out of this deal.

I'd level with your buddy, perhaps agree to work "for" him for a year or so, earning modest pay with a contract of some sort that gives you a share of the business after that time. Maybe start some sort of corporation between you, so if you invest your time and put your trust in his beliefs and promises you won't get hurt. Tell him that you want to make sure it's a working fit between both of you. It will give you a chance to see if you are really cut out for this, and it will establish some good ground rules so no one will get bent out of shape.

You set the ground rules and it will eliminate a lot of confusion earlier.

It's a bad deal to be entered into a partnership with someone you've never worked with before, and it can ruin a friendship and cost you a bunch of headache and money in the process. Anything can change his outlook on your partnership, a new GF, a disagreement him or with his family, so on and so on, any one of those instances can and will cause you to be ousted from your deal.

rjp