In the first situation (i.e., trying to find a partner) the problem isn't "getting people to do stuff", it's "finding the right partner." If the people you are talking to aren't sharing your enthusiasm (and willingness to work), there's not a good fit. Either change the idea, or change the people you approach.
In the second case, at work: here it depends on what your role is. If you are not a manager, it's not your job to get people to do stuff-- just do what you are assigned, and if it seems appropriate, take initiative and do more. Don't worry about what the others are doing. If, on the other hand, you are a manager: well, then you have bigger problems than a simple post to HN is likely to fix.
In the first situation (i.e., trying to find a partner) the problem isn't "getting people to do stuff", it's "finding the right partner." If the people you are talking to aren't sharing your enthusiasm (and willingness to work), there's not a good fit. Either change the idea, or change the people you approach.
In the second case, at work: here it depends on what your role is. If you are not a manager, it's not your job to get people to do stuff-- just do what you are assigned, and if it seems appropriate, take initiative and do more. Don't worry about what the others are doing. If, on the other hand, you are a manager: well, then you have bigger problems than a simple post to HN is likely to fix.