It was in the 5 digit range, for a few hours of "work"
> Conclusion.. I released five "throwaway" Android apps, essentially to test various ideas ... resulted in a net loss.... I've come to realize that this path is a dead-end. ... The chances of creating something of value are slim...
Junk apps don't add value to anyone. Cool, good to know.
I think "making junk / throw away apps" is the wrong idea, or the wrong way to look at it. The goal shouldn't be "to make junk" as junk is worthless, but instead, the most bare-bones version of your core idea, so you can test to see if there's someone out there who values that idea.
In addition to that, i think a certain amount of polish is needed for those ideas to be accepted. If one really wants to go down this route, then it's perhaps better to look at making apps as "practice runs" - each one bettering and perfecting the skills for the next..
This article is probably good information to counter the "how i made $50,000 easily making a simple app" clickbait.
talk to investors
nothing wrong with having a hobby, but don’t ever delude yourself