I have a hard time focusing on side projects for very long. At any one point in time I'm usually working on 3 or 4 different projects. Then I get burned out and do something that isn't programming instead, like write a book.

Ironically, the only "side-project" I've finished is a book and not code (https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/M0X7KAS29H5Q) Makes me wonder if I'm cut out to be an entrepreneur or even an developer if I can't dedicate all my free time to coding.

Don't worry. It's just their "minimal viable product". <-- Hate that, that phrase has become an excuse to ship/launch crap.

Hmm, not sure it's an MVP - it lacks V.

If it creates buzz and makes money, it's viable. A few unsatisfied customers should be irrelevant in the greater scheme.

So are we suggesting that we know the missing step?

  1. Build something
  2. ???
  3. Profit!

We're suggesting that it's

  1. Build something
  2. Reduce convenience, increase price, piss people off, but get press
  3. Profit!

???

I think the MVP advice to startups is wrong. It is probably given by investors who would like to see many startups that fail fast and pick winners who survive the first round.

It should be MVP + metrics + quiet A/B testing and iteration for months before launch.

I'd rather see someone try to release something new and get a few things wrong than have no one try to release anything at all until it's perfect.

It's not about waiting until it's perfect, it's about waiting a little bit longer and focusing a bit more on the "viable" part of MVP.

Awesome. Application submitted. Anyone know what the typical acceptance rate is for this?

I've never seen a technical person rejected.

It depends on how much space they have. If they are doing it at De Anza College again (and it looks like they are), then they'll have lots of space. But even then, it was pretty packed. I didn't get in until last year, I suspect because of the extra space - and I'm technical.

I've been rejected every time. I have a cs degree and was a technical founder for 5 years. I always wonder if it's worth applying again.