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Ask HN: Your primary source of inspiration?
Gah, I feel like I know Python 2.6.2 enough to make something I'm proud of, but I lack so much inspiration it's fairly pathetic.
Thus, HN, where is your prime source of inspiration?
- zaidf 17y agoAnytime I hear a friend whine or experience a major inconvenience, I am inspired to find a solution:) I rarely succeed. But most recently I hopped across my new startup idea through this process.
- rw 17y agoIf you ignore the pomposity, http://www.ted.com http://www.ted.com can be wonderful.
- riffer 17y agoWhat would you do more of on the web if it didn't take so long, and wasn't such a hassle? Now make it fast and easy.
- pizza 17y agoThat was an exceptional comment. I just felt I needed to tell you that.
- lacker 17y agoMy prime source of inspiration is promising other people I am going to do something cool really soon. Then I feel obligated which forces me to become inspired.
- jhancock 17y agoThat's more motivation or responsibility than inspiration. But I use that technique too and it does work in many cases.
- edw519 17y agoWork. The software sucks so bad, I know I can do better. And I have. And I will continue to.
- deleted 17y ago[deleted]
- elcron 17y agoFind something that is pathetic and make a good version of it. Find something that you feel should be done and do it. I recall reading somewhere that the best way to find problems is to act like a brat and complain about everything, write down your complaints and start working on the first one you feel needs to be done.
- swannodette 17y agoLearning. Even when building, I'm mostly inspired by the possibility of learning. Because usually the first time you built it kind of crooked. The next time it'll be a little straighter. The next time perhaps there will even be a touch of elegance in one miniscule part. I find programming very much like practicing an instrument. There's the dim hope that one day you'll master it. But trying your best and learning is more than satisfying/inspiring for me anyway.
- jhancock 17y agoinspiration? or motivation? I find that inspiration mostly makes me daydream of all the wonderful things I'm "going to do". I find I usually need motivation to get them done. I find that precursors to motivation, for me, are be happy and get a good nights sleep. [EDIT] let me add more to the "be happy" issue. It doesn't well describe things. Software is never "finished". One technique I have learned to coupe with this un-motivating feel of something never being done is to find simple things that give me pleasure that have a fixed ending. For dinner tonight I made a tasty hand crafted sandwich. It took 10 minutes to make and 10 to eat. I enjoyed it and felt satisfaction for a job well done. Then I went back upstairs and was productive. Some people find jogging or other exercise a great method. It has a clear ending and you feel good.
- spaghetti 17y agoMaking things that are beautiful, fun, and other people enjoy. Currently I'm making a game and taking my time with the artwork, sounds etc to make it as enjoyable as possible.
- GotToStartup 17y agoI find a lot of inspiration from other really well built apps. Often finding something that somebody has clearly done RIGHT motivates me to do the same.