A Case of the 'Yes, buts...'

Not too long ago...

A recent post had me sharing my intentions to rollout my first ever Android application to a limited audience for initial review and my angst about that.

Well, that initial rollout did take place. The feedback from that rollout has been positive and full of great suggestions which are now being incorporated into the app for further review. Mission being accomplished. This is good.

Ask and you shall receive, but will you accept?

While seeking feedback from some pretty awesome people, I occasionally countered with a 'Yes, but...' response on what were some really good ideas. And still are really good ideas. Yes that was rather unbecoming behavior that needed adjusting if I was to rely on the goodwill of those agreeing to help me out. Oh my.

I'm not sure if it was my professional pride at work or just a knee jerk reaction to anything that asked me to deviate from this creative endeavor I am putting together. Or both. I am thinking both. Whatever the reason, how curious it was (note the past tense please) that help was asked for, so generously given to me, and still there was hesitation on my side. Hmmm...

Some takeaways...

Well anyways, part of my publishing the app was to understand how I would roll with the feedback so kindly offered to me as I will need the lessons learned from this effort when the app gets rolled out to the general public. And a wonderful part of this exercise is that I am learning quite a bit in the process as highlighted below. Again mission being accomplished.

• Everyone has a creative way about them if you give them a chance to offer their creativity to you. Especially if you ask them for their help, Let's all shine together right?
• Be receptive to improve that masterpiece you put together with suggestions from others as their contributions will only make the masterpiece that much better and more importantly, be one formed by a community.
• It really is pretty cool and fun to build something with the imprint of others on it. Having an 'all me' centric app seems kind of boring to me at this juncture. i.e. Don't go it alone. Yes I admit that.
• Listen, listen. And listen some more. You will be rewarded.

I'd like to think that those 'Yes, buts...' are going to fall by the wayside and possibly my putting myself on notice here is the perfect remedy for that. Stay tuned.