> No offense, but a user survey is no a good way to figure out what to > develop. It's better to start with something you (or your friends & family) > need but can't quite get on the Mac.
With all due respect to Nick's opinion about surveys, I completely disagree. A user survey (from users in the market you are targeting) is one of the best ways to find out what is missing from that market. We've done a number of surveys to our customers over the past year - they were key to our continued growth and success (more than double from last year), and one of the easiest ways to find out what was "perceived" to be missing in our market. To quote an old marketing adage "Most people don't buy a drill because they want a drill - they buy one because they want to make a hole." Whatever software you're developing, people will only buy it if it provides a solution to whatever issue they are facing. Users are the best source for finding out what they want to do, and why other products in that market aren't meeting their needs. Surveys are a great way to get this info. Another great resource are the online forums in your market. As a quick suggestion, if you decide to create a survey of some kind, don't make it "sterile" or "corporate". Be personable and friendly so that users will honestly share the frustrations and problems they have. Then provide a real & valuable solution to those issues, and you won't have to worry about finding customers. Best, Jonathan NimbleHost.com
