Indie Developers Surprise Me
It’s going on two years since I made the switch from PC to Mac and I haven’t looked back since. I still use Windows on occasion at work, since our database software is unfortunately Windows-only, though on the whole I’ve made the move full tilt. Over the last two years I’ve also made a switch from traditional, big name software developers to smaller, independent houses. Part of this switch is thanks to exposure given through MacHeist, but a big reason is that independent Mac software has a whole lot more to offer.
I started using indie software for specialized needs; things, like Delicious Library, that mainstream firms just didn’t make. Then, I’m not really sure when or how, I realized that small, independent firms had the potential to make quality products that could replace some of the software that I use everyday. I stopped using Dreamweaver in favor of Panic’s Coda. I started using independent software for a very large majority of my computing needs.
One thing about all software, big or small, is that something will eventually go wrong and you’ll have to contact support. With the big guys, your Adobe’s and whatnot, you’re lucky to find an email, let alone get a response. But what I’ve found is that when you email an independent developer, not only do you get a response, but it’s most likely from the guy who actually wrote the program. It makes sense when you think about it, but it never really crossed my mind.
Case in point, yesterday I started having problems with 1Password, a password filling tool that integrates with Safari and is basically something I can’t live without. I emailed the support link on the website and was told I’d get a response in a few days. This evening, Dave Teare, co-author of 1Password wrote me back with some suggestions and a request for more information.
Another example. When I bought MarsEdit, the wonderful blogging application that I write all of my posts in, there was a box on the payment form labeled comments; I’m sure you’ve seen it when purchasing things through PayPal before. Considering I had been using MarsEdit for the 30 day trial period, I wrote in the box that I loved the product. A few hours later I received an email from Daniel Jalkut, Red Sweater Software founder, thanking me for my comments and to say he was happy I enjoyed the application.
I’m sure not all independent developers are as hands on as these guys are, but it’s great to know that the guys who actually write the programs take the time to answer emails and help people out who are having issues with it. It’s for this reason that, when faced with a choice between a big name developer and a comparable independent, it’ll be hard to turn down the independent.
Rock on guys and keep doing what you do best.