Sam Soffes

Retiring at 25

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Growing up, I always told my mom that I wanted to retire* at age 25. She'd laugh and say it's good that I have goals.

So, I'm 23. Two years to go.

A lot can happen in two years. Two years ago I could barely write Ruby and now I make a living (mostly) writing Ruby. Two years ago, I didn't know anything about making products, marketing, design, etc. I was just a programmer. (Not that there's anything wrong with being just a programmer.)

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How To Learn

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If you want to learn something, just start doing whatever you want to learn.

Learn by doing.

If you want to learn iOS, pick something to work on and start. "But I don't know Objective-C." Okay, Google "getting started with Objective-C" or buy a book. If you run into something you can't figure out, Google it, search StackOverflow, or ask a friend. This technique applies to anything.

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Those Were The Days

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I was just talking with my good friend, Matt Grimm. We used to be in a band together called Finding Chesterfield. It was some of the best times in my life.

I wrote a post in 2008 about choosing programming over music. I remember making a conscious decision in high school to pursue programming over music. Mainly because I sucked at music and was way better at programming at the time (by my standards anyway).

It's interesting that the best times in my life have nothing to do with programming, design, making products, or any of the stuff that consumes my life today. I haven't even touched my drums or a guitar in months. It's funny how things change.

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Acquisitions

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I'm really bummed today. Acrylic Apps got acquired by Facebook. Sparrow got acquired by Google.

This is what I want to know: What is Facebook doing with all of these acquisitions? I can tell you. Nothing. They haven't shipped anything that works well or looks great in awhile. Their camera iOS app wasn't bad, but from the talent they've acquired, it should be embarrassing.

I mean, Facebook is the worst iOS app on my phone. How many engineers and designers does it take to make a great app in a year? I think it's a really small team and a few months. I think part of the reason nothing is happening is there are too many cooks in the kitchen.

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