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It's partially a problem of silent evidence. For this time tracking app there are hundreds mouldering in some corner of the App Store. And the people who made t

It's partially a problem of silent evidence. For this time tracking app there are hundreds mouldering in some corner of the App Store. And the people who made them aren't gonna write any blog posts, and we wouldn't read them if they did. It's a blockbuster model, sure it's possible to make money but unlikely. It's possible to make money acting, but you probably won't. That's just how it works out. I don't think that's so cynical. Those who succeed in such a scenario are often insensitive to the unlikelihood of their success - so are those who fail.

jakobegger 12y ago
There are lots of people writing blog posts complaining that their apps don't earn them money. Conventional wisdom right now seems to be that it's normal that developers don't make any money. But it is very much possible to make a money selling apps. Just identify a market that you can serve, then make a good app, then advertise it effectively. Profit! However, it's not easy to become a billionaire with your app; for that you need lots of luck among other things. I think the comparison with acting is actually pretty good. There are a lot of people who make money acting. It's not that difficult. You need a bit of talent and a lot of commitment, but I happen to know more than one person who managed to become professional actors. It is of course unlikely to become a world famous super-rich actor; but making a reasonable living from acting is absolutely achievable.
- nsxwolf 12y ago
  The best decision I ever made as an iOS developer was to quit. Now I don't owe Apple $99 a year.
- davedx 12y ago
  > Just... > It's not that difficult... > I happen to know more than one... > ...absolutely achievable. I admire your optimism, but have you personally tried and succeeded at these things you claim are so easy?
  - mathgeek 12y ago
    There was no claim of ease, just of plausibility.
  - jakobegger 12y ago
    I make a living (and support a family) by selling two Mac apps I have written. It didn't seem hard to get to this point, it just took a lot of dedication.

jakobegger 12y ago

There are lots of people writing blog posts complaining that their apps don't earn them money. Conventional wisdom right now seems to be that it's normal that developers don't make any money. But it is very much possible to make a money selling apps. Just identify a market that you can serve, then make a good app, then advertise it effectively. Profit! However, it's not easy to become a billionaire with your app; for that you need lots of luck among other things. I think the comparison with acting is actually pretty good. There are a lot of people who make money acting. It's not that difficult. You need a bit of talent and a lot of commitment, but I happen to know more than one person who managed to become professional actors. It is of course unlikely to become a world famous super-rich actor; but making a reasonable living from acting is absolutely achievable.

nsxwolf 12y ago
The best decision I ever made as an iOS developer was to quit. Now I don't owe Apple $99 a year.
davedx 12y ago
> Just... > It's not that difficult... > I happen to know more than one... > ...absolutely achievable. I admire your optimism, but have you personally tried and succeeded at these things you claim are so easy?
- mathgeek 12y ago
  There was no claim of ease, just of plausibility.
- jakobegger 12y ago
  I make a living (and support a family) by selling two Mac apps I have written. It didn't seem hard to get to this point, it just took a lot of dedication.