[jt2190]

> Would you still build that app, because it solves an annoying real world problem even if you got paid $0?

Assuming you’re talking about building an app for other people, I personally would not, no. The market is sending a clear signal that it values the app at zero dollars. In other words, they don’t want it.

> If not then the problem you are solving is probably not important and a waste of your time anyway.

This is exactly the question that charging money answers: Do people just say they want your app or are they willing to “put their money where their mouth is” and actually buy it?

(Also note that not all things are paid for with money. Some are paid for with time or attention, so adjust for that if necessary.)

[patcon]

By that logic, isn't building a family something one should never do? There is no market to sell your family, so that must be a clear signal that your attention and energy should go elsewhere...?

I'm sure this analogy is a bit absurd (and I'd love to see it torn apart), but I hope it opens readers to the premise that some highly desirable and important emotional, intellectual and social objects should exist even when there is no market for some of their forms

[jt2190]

I don’t build my family for other people either.

Edit: I can’t tell if you’re willfully misreading what I wrote or just trying to be cute. At no point did I assert that nothing should be created without a market. But if you’re creating something for other people then those other people are, by definition, your market, and you should pay close attention to signs that they actually want what you’ve created (like a willingness to trade dollars or time or attention).

[philipwhiuk]

The issue is that you responded to stuff around reasons for being a hacker with a requirement that isn't a requirement for hacking.

Hacking doesn't require something to be built for other people.

[jt2190]

Ah, I see that the post I responded to (and quoted) has been completely rewritten.

[raverbashing]

> The market is sending a clear signal that it values the app at zero dollars

Oh but those are very different things

An app that people would pay $0 is still more valuable (and might I say, a lot more valuable) than an app that people wouldn't install for free