Ask HN: What to do when your side project is losing steam in a nascent space

1 pointsDieBruderBauer3y ago1 comments

I have a looney project I worked on for my tradesman degree in Computer Science. This was 4 years ago and I never thought it would get its legs.

Fast forward 4 years, I say I chalked up my initial gusto as irrational exuberance. But eerily, when I now look at the base of similar companies it's like 2-3 that are in my space whereas previously there were 0-1.

What should I do? I feel pressured to keep iterating regardless of cost. Any help would be appreciated. I want to resurrect my ancient code and get it known out there.

The competition has better angels, better execution but not better ideas (I think my idea is revolutionary).

Dear HN: Should I just throw in the towel on this wacky idea?

1 comments

janalsncm3y ago

I can think of four options.

1. Give up and work on something else. Don’t fall for the sunk cost fallacy.

2. Keep going, perhaps with a renewed push towards releasing a beta version. Your end users will see the value even if it’s rough around the edges.

3. Join the competition. Maybe you can leverage your work to land a job.

4. Open source. You’ll have your name out there and have made a mark.

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