Back in the old timey days, you made a product people needed or you were through making said product. Today, I'm astounded by how many products/apps do the same thing as their competitors. Take iphone camera apps for example; why are there so many? Why are they getting funding? Do people need a sepia toned camera app? Is it making their lives easier?
This is not so say that innovative and "cool" apps don't have a place - they do. But it is to say that there's something concrete about making a product people need that solves a basic human problem. “My damn phone won’t take a sepia toned picture,” is not a basic human problem. In terms of a bubble, and more so, in terms of revenue – making a product someone needs assures revenue and harkens back to the old timey adage.
So is there a bubble? Yeah. Can it be quelled by a return to making products that help people with basic needs? Yeah. Do I want a camera app with sepia tone? Sure. Do I need it? No.
I was just checking this out and, yes, what is going on here? I'm all for LinkedIn to innovate - it makes them cool(er) and more interesting - but as one of the biggest social/biz connectivity applications, I wonder how they do a launch so half-assed. Empty windows? Cut off text? Have a little QC people. Still a fan, just sayin.
Why the confusion? Why all the cramming of information? Yes! Good Content/Service, but also keep it simple. If I have to read a "chapter" on what you do, or play with four widgets to "learn" more, or visit your blog and troll for topics of interest, then I'm already turned off. I want to know if it's a product I can use/sign up for in less than 30 seconds -- speaking of which, there's a good chance you'll snag me if I'm 30 seconds in and still with you.
This is not so say that innovative and "cool" apps don't have a place - they do. But it is to say that there's something concrete about making a product people need that solves a basic human problem. “My damn phone won’t take a sepia toned picture,” is not a basic human problem. In terms of a bubble, and more so, in terms of revenue – making a product someone needs assures revenue and harkens back to the old timey adage.
So is there a bubble? Yeah. Can it be quelled by a return to making products that help people with basic needs? Yeah. Do I want a camera app with sepia tone? Sure. Do I need it? No.