How long will this take?
The 50 projects should all be completed within 1 year from start to finish, with 2 weeks of vacation. If a project fails or requires a rewrite, I may revisit it at the end of the year.
How will you pay for it all?
I'll be tapping into my savings to pay for basic living expenses, but the business will be entirely bootstrapped. Early on, I'll concentrate on generating revenue from these projects. At this time I'm not actively seeking external funding, but I would be happy to entertain offers. Contact funding@50projects.com for more information.
Are there any constraints on the types of projects?
I'll avoid projects with heavy security considerations (user privacy and credit cards) - too much liability in that area. I'll also avoid projects that require mass adoption to be feasible.
What are the planned projects?
Currently there isn't a definitive list. Keep following the 50 projects blog for details on what's coming up.
Why are you doing this?
In short, the time seemed right. I have been considering pursuing my own startup for the last 5 years. I had lots of ideas, but insufficient time to pursue them actively in addition to my normal work schedule. When my partner was offered a job in Chicago, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to give it a shot. So I handed in my resignation, packed my bags and flew out to Chicago. I spent the next week purchasing IKEA furniture and unpacking boxes, and then got to work.
What do you hope to gain from all of this?
At the end of the year, I should have a lot of projects under my belt that will notionally include multiple languages and systems. At the very least, I'll have a resume that will make me a prime candidate for a software development or systems positions.
Who are you?
Check out the About Phil page
