They said that a lot of the computer projects started as a means to scratch an itch the initial author(s) had. It continues in this vein, solving the problems

They said that a lot of the computer projects started as a means to scratch an itch the initial author(s) had. It continues in this vein, solving the problems that bother the developers. It's not making a product in a traditional or expected sense - that requires an understanding of a larger, less-technical community. It aims to satisfy those that work on it, and it usually does. Satisfying others is a side effect, albeit being a pleasant one. Yes, things like Linux grow far beyond their initial creation but these have had wide-spread, corporate support. And it's still run by its initial guru. I don't think many people would sign up to fulfil the dreams of others unless it's a shared dream. Or they're paid.