Comment by al_borland

This creates a negative feedback loop. Developers release a product and if they don’t instantly get millions of users, the project is abandoned. This teaches users not to bother with new software and services that won’t stick around, making it even less likely that the project will survive the first year.

I used to sign up for new stuff all the time, but I don’t bother anymore. I don’t trust anything will still exist in 6 months.

With TV shows I have a soft rule that I don’t bother starting a show until it’s at least 3 seasons. I’m thinking of taking a similar approach in software, where I won’t bother with anything that hasn’t been actively supported and updated for at least 3 years. If the developer isn’t committed to the idea, why should I commit as a user or customer?

While there are certainly benefits to lowering the barrier of entry to starting a company or releasing software. I think the lack of commitment and seriousness on the part of those releasing it is a major drawback for users. In a brick and mortar business, owners put a lot on the line to get up and running, they expect not to make a profit for several years, and fight like hell to make it work. Meanwhile in modern software, it’s just a bunch of people throwing spaghetti at the wall, hoping something with stick long enough for a 7+ figure exit.