[Tawheed]

Its not the idea of the product that counts, its what your vision is for how you want to solve the problem in your own unique way. If you're tapping into a real market, there will be tons of products that promise to solve the problem; you have to believe that your way is the best way to solve the problem.

If you don't believe the above, then don't bother. Go get a normal 9-5 job.

[aaronblohowiak]

It's not the product. It's not the marketing. It's not the tech. It's not the market. Actually, it could be any of these things.. the key is to know what your competitive advantage is and run with it.

[mschy]

you have to believe that your way is the best way to solve the problem.

I disagree. You have to believe that your way is Good Enough.

Good Enough plus effective promotion equals sales. Best is a recipe for Duke Nukem Forever.

[Tawheed]

Sure, if Sales is your only goal. I'm not talking about being a perfectionist, but I'm talking about putting out the best product that you damn well can.

Why aim for mediocre?

[mschy]

Good Enough isn't mediocre, it's good (enough).

If you're selling to NASA, Good Enough might mean you machine it to the thousandth of the inch, with the best possible materials.

If you're selling to Joe Schmoe, Good Enough might mean you machine it to the tenth of the inch, with materials purchased to trade off quality and price.

And both of those products might be just what their respective markets want, once you look at availability, price, etc.

Good Enough is Good Enough.

edit: Besides, has anybody ever seen a product where engineering didn't list ways to make it better, if given more time and money?