[coglethorpe]

It seems the same as with any "hit" driven environment. Getting a top-40 song, a top blog, the next NYT bestseller, or top iPhone app takes a lot of work and a little luck. There are those who are suited to it, persevere and get that big break. Then there are a few who just don't get lucky and thousands of wannabes who fail to execute, be it on minor flaws or epic levels.

I think the best description of the process comes from an editor explaining why so many manuscripts fail: http://nielsenhayden.com/makinglight/archives/004641.html#00...

It's harsh, but has given me insight into how the startup world, including iPhone app startups, works.

[stcredzero]

Apparently, even being a drug dealer works the same way.

http://www.freakonomicsbook.com/thebook/ch3.html

[coglethorpe]

I don't have statistics to back me up, but I'm fairly certain the odds of survival are considerably higher for iPhone developers.

[stcredzero]

Yes, but the pyramid structure of wealth (concentrated at the top) definitely applies.

[coglethorpe]

With the right binoculars, you can see Steve Jobs standing way up there on top. I do get what you mean about that, but it seems smaller pyramids can be built next to the big ones, even if they do pay taxes (so to speak) to the bigger ones. Maybe the iPhone isn't the best environment for that? Or maybe the real money is in building apps for other companies who need their services extended to a new platform.

[stcredzero]

I strongly suspect your last sentence is the key!

[zmoney]

The survival rate for both groups is exactly 0%.