(2010-08-08) Self Design Vs Customer Validation

A couple semi-contradictory posts I ran across...

• Jared Spool, on Self Design, says that Thirty7 Signals has proven you don't have to follow the common wisdom of conducting research studies to produce great results. Instead, you can design something where you are your own user and temper it with direct feedback through discussions and solving problems.

• Jason Cohen, reviewing a Start Up pitch event, says... Hundreds of people ready to quit their day jobs, burn up savings, risk personal reputation, toil 70 hours per week, absorb as much stress as having a baby (believe me, I've done both).... all without identifying even ten measly people actually willing to pay for what they're peddling... You repeat these mantras at Lean Startup Meetings but you're not doing it. (Customer Discovery)