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"""Stop making apps, or gimmicks, things that don’t solve problems""" I hate the false sheen of 'altruism' that seems to be pervading start-up (i can't think o

by anjc 15y ago

"""Stop making apps, or gimmicks, things that don’t solve problems""" I hate the false sheen of 'altruism' that seems to be pervading start-up (i can't think of a better word to describe it) circles. Solving problems. Changing the world. Fundamentally, if it's making the app-author money, it's solving a problem. If you don't like it, don't buy it, and if you're right that crap-apps are a problem, the market will sort it out.

Timothee 15y ago
I think "solving problems" is fine because for the most part that will be why people will use what you built. But I'm with you on "changing the world". When I hear about wannabe entrepreneurs who say they are out to change the world with their photo-sharing app ("we're gonna change the way people share and communicate with their close friends!"), in a way I'm impressed by the dedication and motivation, but wonder if they're just saying that to appear confident and motivated or if they're just delusional. Someone was telling me that they were working on something that could become a fundamentally new mean of communication comparable to emails or SMSs. I later worked on said product and it was of course nowhere near the hype (though still cool).
- anjc 15y ago
  It really does come across as either naive, delusional, or socially maladjusted, sometimes. Ah and you're right on the 'solving problems' thing, it'd have to solve somebody's problem to get any sales.
AznHisoka 15y ago
I agree. Author's view is very shallow, and lacks depth. Honestly, there are very few true problems in life. And the real ones.. when someone wants to solve it, it's immediately viewed as "scams". Talking about diet pills (weight loss is a HUGE problem). Talking about get rich books (being poor is a HUGE problem). Talking about viagra (not having enjoyable sex is a HUGE problem)...

3 ms·

"""Stop making apps, or gimmicks, things that don’t solve problems""" I hate the false sheen of 'altruism' that seems to be pervading start-up (i can't think o

by anjc 15y ago

Timothee 15y ago
I think "solving problems" is fine because for the most part that will be why people will use what you built. But I'm with you on "changing the world". When I hear about wannabe entrepreneurs who say they are out to change the world with their photo-sharing app ("we're gonna change the way people share and communicate with their close friends!"), in a way I'm impressed by the dedication and motivation, but wonder if they're just saying that to appear confident and motivated or if they're just delusional. Someone was telling me that they were working on something that could become a fundamentally new mean of communication comparable to emails or SMSs. I later worked on said product and it was of course nowhere near the hype (though still cool).
- anjc 15y ago
  It really does come across as either naive, delusional, or socially maladjusted, sometimes. Ah and you're right on the 'solving problems' thing, it'd have to solve somebody's problem to get any sales.
AznHisoka 15y ago
I agree. Author's view is very shallow, and lacks depth. Honestly, there are very few true problems in life. And the real ones.. when someone wants to solve it, it's immediately viewed as "scams". Talking about diet pills (weight loss is a HUGE problem). Talking about get rich books (being poor is a HUGE problem). Talking about viagra (not having enjoyable sex is a HUGE problem)...