The Dark World of Software Development

Ok,

So I know this post goes against the motivational train we're brainwashed to ride. Big players pretending everything to do with software development is really great and that shady practices never ever happen just to sell ad space or content market the hell out of your bias.

I thought I'd start off by posting a Top 10 list of what I've found during my 20 or so years in this crazy sector. This list is not intended to stop you from pursuing a dream merely to provide an alternative perspective.

1. Never underestimate the competition and their methods to succeed - they will sabotage your efforts.

2. Software pricing is a race to the bottom and the first to free wins.

3. Never underestimate the marketplace you're going to launch on and their motivations to push another equally viable product because of back-handed deals.

4. Optimism in this space is poison. Pessimism is better for your sanity.

5. There is an average of 300 clone indie devs and companies looking to make a quick buck by tarnishing your reputation across the world - The stores and search engines will do nothing and it's up to you to remove them.

6. Competitors will create fake accounts or hire services to bring down your ratings.

7. Your product is never going to solve a burning problem, merely scratch an itch and then become a chore.

8. Always be the one selling shovels, not hunting for gold.

9. The software sector is oversaturated and if you see an empty market, your product will never sell. Countless people, hedge funds and billionaires far smarter than you have deemed that sector not profitable - move on.

10. The only way to make a global product adoptable is to force it down a consumers throat.

One extra bonus - Lifestyle businesses are still businesses. You don't see the 16 hour days plugging on social media just to get a single follower. All you see is sunshine and cocktails.

Feel like contributing to this list? Post your point below.