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> This was the project that made realise how huge the effort-to-effect ratio that can be when computers are involved I love Steve Jobs' metaphor: computers as
by nicbou 4y ago
> This was the project that made realise how huge the effort-to-effect ratio that can be when computers are involved
I love Steve Jobs' metaphor: computers as a bicycle of the mind [0]. Unfortunately, a lot of effort is concentrated on problems that scale to billions of people. There's a lack of attention to problems that would have a big effect for a relatively small number of people. It's a shame, because they're a blast to work on.
[0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L40B08nWoMk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L40B08nWoMk
- OkayPhysicist 4y agoThey really are. I think the most rewarding software I ever wrote was my first paid gig, where I automated lap swim scheduling for my local swim club. Took me maybe an hour, got paid more money than I'd make in two days as a lifeguard, and they were thanking ME for it. Turned out I had saved a volunteer upwards of an hour every week. With a shitty little JavaScript program.
- triyambakam 4y agoThe first time I heard that metaphor, I thought that he meant it in the way that bicycles are really fun to ride. I agree with both interpretations.
- 2muchcoffeeman 4y agoI have a bunch of small scale ideas that I want to implement. Not necessarily for profit. Any ideas on how to execute?
- nicbou 4y agoPick one that scratches one of your itches, and get started. Release early, keep iterations small. It's easier to keep working on something you actively use.