All of that is very true. You illustrate the point that things can seem fantastic or "dreamy" until you start to think about the logistics of some of it. Although you can't simply let that squash an innovative idea.
As someone that focuses on the business/marketing side of things I think this is an interesting concept:
"Have a conversation a day with a techie for 30 straight days. You’ll realize they’re smarter than you, more passionate about what they do, more engaged in their work and solve more interesting problems."
I have been starting to think more about stages of launch for a project I am working on it. It is awesome to see the initial "how" that got Mint to what it is today.
I read that book when I was studying design. It is definitely a worth read. It reads very quickly, and truly "shows" key prinicples instead of just "telling" them.
I have heard of companies that actually have their secretaries weigh in on what candidate should receive job offers based on how the secretary was treated when no one was looking.
As a college student that is working on a web app start-up, what Alexis said really hung with me. The fear of failure is present for me. Before watching this video, I had never considered the fact that I have the luxury of nobody caring/expecting my startup to be successful. This thought takes some of the pressure of my shoulders, and allows me to do what I do best: Get shit done.
I appreciated the comments about staying bootstrapped if at all possible. Often, I hear conversation about landing VC funding as the end goal. While this can help develop a product if necessary, that funding will likely be more trouble than it is worth.
Your points about your Facebook network of friends not being your target market is many times true, and something I had not thought about. Good insight Paul.
I just launched it about 2 weeks ago, and I am trying to figure out the best things to do now to market/develop the product.