Independent hackers, digital nomads, and solo-preneurs, what are they doing?
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In the eyes of the general public or the mainstream media, "hacker" usually refers to someone who intrudes into computers. However, when the term "hacker" was coined in the 1960s, it actually referred to computer enthusiasts who were passionate about technology. They were skilled at using computer software and programming to solve complex problems and drive technological progress. In modern technology communities, "hackers" typically refer to technical experts and geeks who are dedicated to creating and developing new technologies to enhance people's lives and work. They often possess an innovative spirit, an open mindset, and a willingness to share knowledge and experiences to help others solve technical problems.
The translator of "Hackers and Painters," Ruanyifeng, mentioned in his blog that "according to Richard Stallman, hacker behavior must have three characteristics: playfulness, cleverness, and exploration. Only when behavior satisfies all three criteria can it be called a 'hacker.' On the other hand, these criteria also constitute the values of hackers. Hackers pursue these three values rather than practicality or money." "Indie Hackers" refers to computer technology enthusiasts who have an exploratory and creative spirit. They seek freedom, independence, and flexible ways of working, free from the constraints of traditional institutions. They can work anywhere and anytime.
Digital nomads are also a lifestyle similar to indie hackers. They also pursue freedom, independence, and flexible work arrangements but emphasize global travel. Some digital nomads enjoy doing gigs or working as freelancers, finding job opportunities worldwide through the internet, or generating income through their own projects or businesses. Some digital nomads engage in remote jobs, unrestricted by location, time, or traditional office spaces. They can work from anywhere and communicate and collaborate with clients and teams remotely. This lifestyle became popular after the COVID-19 pandemic, as more companies allowed employees to work remotely. However, digital nomads have diverse professions and are not limited to programmers or the computer field. They can be talented in writing, photography, music, design, or any other field that allows them to work through the internet, enabling the digital nomad lifestyle. Nomad List is a website specifically designed to provide information services for digital nomads. Nomads can filter their preferred travel destinations based on criteria such as internet speed, cost of living, weather, and safety, and learn about the best time to travel. Its founder, Pieter Levels, is himself an indie hacker and digital nomad. He did not receive formal programming education but achieved success through self-learning. He once challenged himself to build 12 independent apps in 12 months and monetize them. Nomad List, Remote OK, and MakeBook.io have all achieved tremendous success, earning him $2.9 million in annual revenue from his products.
Independent developers like Pieter, who advocate for profit and monetization, have another special name: "solopreneurs." These entrepreneurs differ from traditional entrepreneurs who usually interact with venture capitalists (VC) to seek funding and support for their entrepreneurial projects. This process typically involves pitching the project, presenting, and engaging in in-depth business discussions with VCs. In this process, entrepreneurs act as project proponents and salespeople. They need to prepare well-crafted presentations and business plans to demonstrate the potential and value of their entrepreneurial projects to VCs. They need to showcase market demand, competitive advantages, profit models, and expected financial returns. Additionally, entrepreneurs need to address VC's questions and concerns and engage in detailed discussions during meetings to enable VCs to make investment decisions. However, solopreneurs often have a certain aversion to the process of pitching and meeting with VCs because they prefer to quickly try out different business models on their own, adopting a more flexible and guerrilla-like approach to realizing their creative ideas.
If you develop apps just for fun or to create tools that optimize your personal life, you can consider yourself an indie hacker! If you enjoy making friends and exploring a broader world to draw inspiration for your app, you can become a digital nomad! If you focus more on the business model of your app, emphasizing profit and monetization, you can call yourself an independent entrepreneur! Whatever identity you have as you read this book, I hope it continues to ignite your passion for app development and provides you with useful information and perspectives.