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Discussion on: Side Projects - Avoiding Failures to Launch

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Jess Lee

Your suggestion on picking a familiar stack holds so much truth! Whenever I think about a new project, there's always the novel idea of Trying Something New. But you're totally right -- if this is a project you actually intend to launch, picking a stack you're familiar with can only increase your momentum and productivity. Really appreciated reading this -- will help me remember for next time!

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Peter Mbanugo

Just a comment on sticking with a familiar stack. I think there are projects that you obviously know that your current stack cannot solve. So it's better to build with the unfamiliar tech stack but agreed, if it's a product sticking to a familiar stack when it can solve the problem will help keep the momentum. Nice Post!

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Ben Halpern

Yeah, I'm torn on this part of the advice. I think it cuts both ways in terms of getting the project done. Some new technologies are easier to pick up than others, so it's hard to paint that with broad strokes. The new tech is also sometimes the motivation for the project, and that cannot be discounted.

Though initial motivation by a new shiny toy that falls off is probably a big reason for the failure to launch idea in the first place.

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Kyle Welch

There has to be a clear motivation for the project.

If the motivation is to use the new hotness than focus the project on that. Then setup the project in a way to properly gain familiarity with the new tech.

Whereas if motivation is a hot new idea and you want to see it to market, it is typically safer to use a tried and true stack and gain the joy of the wins of seeing the project advance.

My would recommend not tying a single project together with these two disparate goals, unless you plan on leaving one by the way side to see the other succeed.