Ask HN: How do competition patents affect something you're currently working on?

Hi,

I've been working on a small little project whenever I find extra time, and I never thought about patenting this project (I don't even know what you can patent vs not.) It seems more like an idea than anything else.

Anyway, I noticed a similar site today while browsing and it said "patent pending" I am now worried that I should stop all work together and abandon my project in fear of this company potentially suing me if I ever go public with this little app I'm creating.

This sucks in general. The idea of someone patenting an idea more than anything is just so bad for innovation and competition which we rely on.

Anyone have experience with this? How does it affect you? Should I start trying to patent my idea too?