S03E21 – Not Bad
Good morning 👋
One week later, “Keep Going” has made $654 in pre-order sales. Not bad. I mean, considering the size of my audience (small), that’s a respectable return. But time is literally money as an indie. Writing the book originally intended to take a month (was I really a PM in my past life? Yes, helplessly optimistic i.e. not suited for the role). Assuming I managed this miracle, then the aforementioned sales would have felt much more satisfactory. If I don’t continue pushing the book at this point – six months later – (i.e. spending even more time on it) then realistically I’ll be lucky to make more than 50 sales. Even in an optimistic scenario when it manages double that, a few thousand dollars in sales won’t buy us a house in London. Maybe a really nice couch. That’s not bad, except the decision to commit to the best version of the book has delayed Appy Weather’s release on iOS (and other projects). Was it worth $3k? Monetarily, probably not. But as cliché as it will read, its writing was therapeutic. Appy Weather may have been delayed because of it, but it’s going to be so much better because I was forced to reflect. Not on its feature set, but its purpose. Therapy is expensive.
I didn’t give up on ruff two years ago because there was something about ruff. Good thing I didn’t, otherwise no Material Design award. As the book reveals, ruff didn’t become an overnight success on the back of the accolade. In fact, to this day, the numbers continue to support abandonment. But, there is something about ruff. I mean, check out this recent user review:
God! this thing is great! Made with purpose and it shows. Damn strong, beautiful, focused identity. Brilliant and Intelligent design, amazing work at reaching something so admirably essential in the most natural clear headed way.. No bad ideas in hopes of adding value to itself in sight. None. The price is absolutely fair, and Wow! You can buy it! (I can't believe how surprised i am when i can actually buy a quality app, but that's the state of things these days). Congratulations to the maker.
I’m not prepared to give up on it. Not until it gets a fair crack. Same goes for the book. I’ve just spent approaching $1k in sponsorships, reaching out to a potential audience of 20k. Need 50 sales just to break even. Surely! Surely? I’ll let you know.
Book launches midnight tomorrow.
Have a great Sunday!
Best,
Bardi