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  3. Wow, writing software is hard :p

Wow, writing software is hard :p

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  • E Ennis Ray Lynch Jr

    I am finally biting the bullet and authoring a commercial application of my own. Wow, I thought I'd be finished in a week! On a serious note it is giving me a better understanding of how one man operations are serious competitors. I get to spend time on working on features that are useful and ignoring the 1% case that ties business software development up for months with no progress, I'm not supporting multiple databases, I don't care about Linux, and web-enabled? maybe V2!

    Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. A man said to the universe: "Sir I exist!" "However," replied the universe, "The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation." --Stephen Crane

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    Mycroft Holmes
    wrote on last edited by
    #7

    I found writing commercial software a daunting task, having been weaned on corporate solutions for a number of years I then took on the project of writing a commercial package, what an eye opener. The level of detail and the quality of the application was much greater than mere corporate systems. I hope you have a plan for deployment and a good support model. We went broke selling a great app with no support model.

    Never underestimate the power of human stupidity RAH

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    • E Ennis Ray Lynch Jr

      Unfortunately, I can't share because it is way too simple to implement. A lot of places have tried but have really overshot the mark. My nearest competitor charges about $300,000 for just the software and I am going to bring about the same functionality in for $2,500. Of course, my tool will only be used in-house, it is being developed so I can actually hire people to do all of the labor. Just doing the work without the tool is too time-consuming. My goal is to get five developers servicing 3 clients a day at $250 a pop. Sure, it isn't a million dollar venture but it will pay the bills. Btw, your xml is malformed.

      Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. A man said to the universe: "Sir I exist!" "However," replied the universe, "The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation." --Stephen Crane

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      realJSOP
      wrote on last edited by
      #8

      Ennis Ray Lynch, Jr. wrote:

      my tool will only be used in-house

      I only use my tool in-house. It's probably better that way.

      .45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly
      -----
      "Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
      -----
      "The staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - J. Jystad, 2001

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      • M Mycroft Holmes

        I found writing commercial software a daunting task, having been weaned on corporate solutions for a number of years I then took on the project of writing a commercial package, what an eye opener. The level of detail and the quality of the application was much greater than mere corporate systems. I hope you have a plan for deployment and a good support model. We went broke selling a great app with no support model.

        Never underestimate the power of human stupidity RAH

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        realJSOP
        wrote on last edited by
        #9

        Mycroft Holmes wrote:

        I hope you have a plan for deployment and a good support model.

        That's what they said when the iraq war started. Now look where we are...

        .45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly
        -----
        "Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
        -----
        "The staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - J. Jystad, 2001

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        • E Ennis Ray Lynch Jr

          Unfortunately, I can't share because it is way too simple to implement. A lot of places have tried but have really overshot the mark. My nearest competitor charges about $300,000 for just the software and I am going to bring about the same functionality in for $2,500. Of course, my tool will only be used in-house, it is being developed so I can actually hire people to do all of the labor. Just doing the work without the tool is too time-consuming. My goal is to get five developers servicing 3 clients a day at $250 a pop. Sure, it isn't a million dollar venture but it will pay the bills. Btw, your xml is malformed.

          Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. A man said to the universe: "Sir I exist!" "However," replied the universe, "The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation." --Stephen Crane

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          Christopher Duncan
          wrote on last edited by
          #10

          Although you're talking about the software you're writing for yourself, it sounds like what you're essentially doing is getting into the recruiting / outsourcing business. If you get to the point where you need some help with that icky marketing stuff (doesn't matter how many coders you have if you don't land the clients), ping me offline. Either way, I wish you much success! I'm always impressed by those who decide to take fate into their own hands.

          Christopher Duncan
          www.PracticalUSA.com
          Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
          Copywriting Services

          1 Reply Last reply
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          • R realJSOP

            Ennis Ray Lynch, Jr. wrote:

            my tool will only be used in-house

            I only use my tool in-house. It's probably better that way.

            .45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly
            -----
            "Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
            -----
            "The staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - J. Jystad, 2001

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            P Offline
            Pete OHanlon
            wrote on last edited by
            #11

            John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:

            I only use my tool in-house. It's probably better that way

            Oh I don't know - it's so much fun to use your tool outdoors.

            "WPF has many lovers. It's a veritable porn star!" - Josh Smith

            As Braveheart once said, "You can take our freedom but you'll never take our Hobnobs!" - Martin Hughes.

            My blog | My articles | MoXAML PowerToys | Onyx

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            • R realJSOP

              Mycroft Holmes wrote:

              I hope you have a plan for deployment and a good support model.

              That's what they said when the iraq war started. Now look where we are...

              .45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly
              -----
              "Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
              -----
              "The staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - J. Jystad, 2001

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              ragnaroknrol
              wrote on last edited by
              #12

              Now that was just mean. And far too true.

              1 Reply Last reply
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              • M Mycroft Holmes

                I found writing commercial software a daunting task, having been weaned on corporate solutions for a number of years I then took on the project of writing a commercial package, what an eye opener. The level of detail and the quality of the application was much greater than mere corporate systems. I hope you have a plan for deployment and a good support model. We went broke selling a great app with no support model.

                Never underestimate the power of human stupidity RAH

                R Offline
                R Offline
                RugbyLeague
                wrote on last edited by
                #13

                I sold my business before that happened :cool:

                1 Reply Last reply
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                • E Ennis Ray Lynch Jr

                  I am finally biting the bullet and authoring a commercial application of my own. Wow, I thought I'd be finished in a week! On a serious note it is giving me a better understanding of how one man operations are serious competitors. I get to spend time on working on features that are useful and ignoring the 1% case that ties business software development up for months with no progress, I'm not supporting multiple databases, I don't care about Linux, and web-enabled? maybe V2!

                  Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. A man said to the universe: "Sir I exist!" "However," replied the universe, "The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation." --Stephen Crane

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                  Arun Jacob
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #14

                  Ennis Ray Lynch, Jr. wrote:

                  maybe V2!

                  I remember a quote that I've seen somewhere, If at first you don't succeed, call it Version 1.0 :laugh:

                  Arun Jacob http://codepronet.blogspot.com/

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                  • P Pete OHanlon

                    John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:

                    I only use my tool in-house. It's probably better that way

                    Oh I don't know - it's so much fun to use your tool outdoors.

                    "WPF has many lovers. It's a veritable porn star!" - Josh Smith

                    As Braveheart once said, "You can take our freedom but you'll never take our Hobnobs!" - Martin Hughes.

                    My blog | My articles | MoXAML PowerToys | Onyx

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                    J Offline
                    Jim Crafton
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #15

                    Yes, but then it ends up on Google's StreetView! And trust me, no one wants that!

                    ¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned Save an Orange - Use the VCF! Personal 3D projects Just Say No to Web 2 Point Blow

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                    • J Jim Crafton

                      Yes, but then it ends up on Google's StreetView! And trust me, no one wants that!

                      ¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned Save an Orange - Use the VCF! Personal 3D projects Just Say No to Web 2 Point Blow

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                      Pete OHanlon
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #16

                      That's when you're supposed to put your big tool in the box. Now to see who gets the reference.

                      "WPF has many lovers. It's a veritable porn star!" - Josh Smith

                      As Braveheart once said, "You can take our freedom but you'll never take our Hobnobs!" - Martin Hughes.

                      My blog | My articles | MoXAML PowerToys | Onyx

                      J 1 Reply Last reply
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                      • E Ennis Ray Lynch Jr

                        I am finally biting the bullet and authoring a commercial application of my own. Wow, I thought I'd be finished in a week! On a serious note it is giving me a better understanding of how one man operations are serious competitors. I get to spend time on working on features that are useful and ignoring the 1% case that ties business software development up for months with no progress, I'm not supporting multiple databases, I don't care about Linux, and web-enabled? maybe V2!

                        Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. A man said to the universe: "Sir I exist!" "However," replied the universe, "The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation." --Stephen Crane

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                        L Offline
                        Lost User
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #17

                        Interesting. Are you doing this in your spare time whilst still working a day job or are you're own boss 24/7? I'd love to be my own boss - it's a risk but the potential benefits are nothing short of life changing. I wish you the best of luck Ennis.

                        Blogging about Qt Creator

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                        • L Lost User

                          Interesting. Are you doing this in your spare time whilst still working a day job or are you're own boss 24/7? I'd love to be my own boss - it's a risk but the potential benefits are nothing short of life changing. I wish you the best of luck Ennis.

                          Blogging about Qt Creator

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                          E Offline
                          Ennis Ray Lynch Jr
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #18

                          I'm a consultant by trade so I get a lot of down-time between contracts. Instead of just doing nothing but blowing money and living it up I figured maybe I should try something productive in my down time.

                          Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. A man said to the universe: "Sir I exist!" "However," replied the universe, "The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation." --Stephen Crane

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                          • P Pete OHanlon

                            That's when you're supposed to put your big tool in the box. Now to see who gets the reference.

                            "WPF has many lovers. It's a veritable porn star!" - Josh Smith

                            As Braveheart once said, "You can take our freedom but you'll never take our Hobnobs!" - Martin Hughes.

                            My blog | My articles | MoXAML PowerToys | Onyx

                            J Offline
                            J Offline
                            Jim Crafton
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #19

                            Well it's a damn big tool. And sometimes it takes a while to get back in the box. And now these damn little Googley cars zip by and take snapshots while I'm in the middle trying to do all this, it makes me nervous and clumsy! What to do, what to do...

                            ¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned Save an Orange - Use the VCF! Personal 3D projects Just Say No to Web 2 Point Blow

                            E 1 Reply Last reply
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                            • J Jim Crafton

                              Well it's a damn big tool. And sometimes it takes a while to get back in the box. And now these damn little Googley cars zip by and take snapshots while I'm in the middle trying to do all this, it makes me nervous and clumsy! What to do, what to do...

                              ¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned Save an Orange - Use the VCF! Personal 3D projects Just Say No to Web 2 Point Blow

                              E Offline
                              E Offline
                              Ennis Ray Lynch Jr
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #20

                              You think that's bad the airport has a sign that says no tools over 7" allowed through security.

                              Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. A man said to the universe: "Sir I exist!" "However," replied the universe, "The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation." --Stephen Crane

                              J 1 Reply Last reply
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                              • E Ennis Ray Lynch Jr

                                I am finally biting the bullet and authoring a commercial application of my own. Wow, I thought I'd be finished in a week! On a serious note it is giving me a better understanding of how one man operations are serious competitors. I get to spend time on working on features that are useful and ignoring the 1% case that ties business software development up for months with no progress, I'm not supporting multiple databases, I don't care about Linux, and web-enabled? maybe V2!

                                Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. A man said to the universe: "Sir I exist!" "However," replied the universe, "The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation." --Stephen Crane

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                                P Offline
                                PIEBALDconsult
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #21

                                Ennis Ray Lynch, Jr. wrote:

                                V2

                                V2 can be easier to import into London than V1; with V1 they only hear the buzz... :~

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                                • E Ennis Ray Lynch Jr

                                  You think that's bad the airport has a sign that says no tools over 7" allowed through security.

                                  Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. A man said to the universe: "Sir I exist!" "However," replied the universe, "The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation." --Stephen Crane

                                  J Offline
                                  J Offline
                                  Jim Crafton
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #22

                                  You know it's clearly totalitarian, maoist-leftist dictats like that that make me realize ho far we've drifted from our true democratic Jeffersonian ideals! I say we rise up and strike a vote for freedom! Rise up and say "Tools of all sizes, Unite!"

                                  ¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned Save an Orange - Use the VCF! Personal 3D projects Just Say No to Web 2 Point Blow

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • R realJSOP

                                    Ennis Ray Lynch, Jr. wrote:

                                    my tool will only be used in-house

                                    I only use my tool in-house. It's probably better that way.

                                    .45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly
                                    -----
                                    "Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
                                    -----
                                    "The staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - J. Jystad, 2001

                                    P Offline
                                    P Offline
                                    peterchen
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #23

                                    That's what She said! Ta!

                                    Agh! Reality! My Archnemesis![^]
                                    | FoldWithUs! | sighist | µLaunch - program launcher for server core and hyper-v server.

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                                    • P PIEBALDconsult

                                      Ennis Ray Lynch, Jr. wrote:

                                      V2

                                      V2 can be easier to import into London than V1; with V1 they only hear the buzz... :~

                                      Z Offline
                                      Z Offline
                                      ziwez0
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #24

                                      :sigh: true, without V1 and V2 there would be no space travel (V3)

                                      1 Reply Last reply
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                                      • E Ennis Ray Lynch Jr

                                        I am finally biting the bullet and authoring a commercial application of my own. Wow, I thought I'd be finished in a week! On a serious note it is giving me a better understanding of how one man operations are serious competitors. I get to spend time on working on features that are useful and ignoring the 1% case that ties business software development up for months with no progress, I'm not supporting multiple databases, I don't care about Linux, and web-enabled? maybe V2!

                                        Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. A man said to the universe: "Sir I exist!" "However," replied the universe, "The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation." --Stephen Crane

                                        A Offline
                                        A Offline
                                        Anna Jayne Metcalfe
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #25

                                        Yes, it is. I had to unlearn just about everything I knew about the way to develop software (especially the documentation bit!) when we struck out on our own. We eventually settled on a basic agile process which seems to work very well. Aside from the business stuff, key lessons we've learnt are to use TDD and refactor as much as practical, keep track of complexity metrics in each build (to make sure that refactoring and the addition of new features is making the software less, not more complex) and keep a customer friendly version history with the code (just a version.txt alongside the solution) so there is no faffing around rewriting change data out of SCC at release time. On the business side there's lots more of course - particularly as this is the first ISV venture I've been involved with. Six years later we're still here, and with a 300kLOC codebase shared between two developers life certainly ain't boring. :-\

                                        Anna :rose: Tech Blog | Visual Lint "Why would anyone prefer to wield a weapon that takes both hands at once, when they could use a lighter (and obviously superior) weapon that allows you to wield multiple ones at a time, and thus supports multi-paradigm carnage?"

                                        modified on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 6:39 AM

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                                        • A Anna Jayne Metcalfe

                                          Yes, it is. I had to unlearn just about everything I knew about the way to develop software (especially the documentation bit!) when we struck out on our own. We eventually settled on a basic agile process which seems to work very well. Aside from the business stuff, key lessons we've learnt are to use TDD and refactor as much as practical, keep track of complexity metrics in each build (to make sure that refactoring and the addition of new features is making the software less, not more complex) and keep a customer friendly version history with the code (just a version.txt alongside the solution) so there is no faffing around rewriting change data out of SCC at release time. On the business side there's lots more of course - particularly as this is the first ISV venture I've been involved with. Six years later we're still here, and with a 300kLOC codebase shared between two developers life certainly ain't boring. :-\

                                          Anna :rose: Tech Blog | Visual Lint "Why would anyone prefer to wield a weapon that takes both hands at once, when they could use a lighter (and obviously superior) weapon that allows you to wield multiple ones at a time, and thus supports multi-paradigm carnage?"

                                          modified on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 6:39 AM

                                          G Offline
                                          G Offline
                                          Gary Wheeler
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #26

                                          I just noticed the new sig, Anna: :cool:. I'm going to see how often I can use the phrase 'multi-paradigm carnage' today :-D.

                                          Software Zen: delete this;

                                          A 1 Reply Last reply
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