by Asim Jalis
Here are some more thoughts on how to get things done, when it is
easier to come up with ideas than to implement them:
1. To accomplish projects you must finish them quickly. So write
them in scripting languages like Perl, Bash, Python, or PHP. Do
not write them in C/C++ or Java. Remember that the project is
going to lose its charm quickly. A Perl hack is more likely to
get done than a C/C++ implementation. Delphi and VB might be
other candidates to consider.
2. Avoid test-first. Release your spike solution with some manual
acceptance testing. Write tests later if the experimental idea
turns out to be a winner.
3. It takes less work to release open source applications than to
release commercial applications. Release lots of tiny open source
projects. The money will come later. Your goal is to get ideas
out there, not necessarily to make money.
4. Release quickly. Find models for publishing and releasing
quickly. Keep the bar for publication really low. Don't wait for
things to get perfect. If you wait you will lose interest. So
publish it NOW.
5. Give up the fear that people will steal your ideas. Realize
that this is the best thing that could happen to the ideas. If
someone steals and implements an idea, then the idea has finally
produced real value. Eventually they might hire you to come up
with more ideas. Give away ideas generously -- know that you will
have more and that you will never run out of ideas. Don't worry
about not getting credit, and don't let that prevent you from
publishing and sharing ideas.
