Software Thrives When Built on Obsession and Personal Voice
*John Gruber revives a 2009 idea to explain why independent developers like David Smith pour years into apps like Pedometer++, creating tools that stand out in a sea of generic software.*
John Gruber, the voice behind Daring Fireball, argues that the best software emerges from a mix of deep obsession and authentic voice. In a recent post, he revisits a 2009 talk he gave with Merlin Mann at South by Southwest, titled "Obsession Times Voice." The core idea, drawn from a Walt Disney quote, is simple: creators build not just for profit, but to fuel more creation.
That 2009 session focused on independent writers and podcasters—people like Gruber and Mann themselves. They were navigating the early days of digital media, where personal blogs and shows competed with big media outlets. The talk emphasized making work that reflected genuine passion, even if it meant grinding through tough conditions. Gruber recalls the session fondly, noting it captured the drive behind sustained independent output.
The post ties this back to software development today. Gruber points to David Smith's Pedometer++, a new app that tracks steps and activity in nuanced ways. Smith spent six years on it, not as a side project, but as a full commitment. This level of dedication mirrors the obsession Mann and Gruber described: pouring effort into something because it matters to you, regardless of quick returns.
The Roots in 2009
Gruber and Mann's talk landed at SxSW in March 2009, a time when independent media was gaining traction but still felt precarious. Blogs like Daring Fireball had built audiences through sharp, personal takes, but monetization was hit-or-miss. The duo used the Disney quote—"We don’t make movies to make money; we make money to make more movies"—to frame their point. For them, success in writing or podcasting came from consistent output driven by internal motivation, not external validation.
Gruber wrote about the talk's aftermath in real time, calling it a high point. The session wasn't about tactics or tools; it was philosophical. Obsession provided the fuel, voice the direction. Without both, work fizzled out. They applied this to their own lives: Mann with his productivity experiments, Gruber with his Apple-focused commentary. The result was content that felt alive, not manufactured.
This mindset extended beyond media. Gruber notes it fits independent developers perfectly. In an era of app stores and freelance coding, solo creators face the same pressures: algorithm changes, competition from giants, and the grind of updates. Yet those who persist with a clear voice produce software that users remember.
David Smith's Six-Year Journey
Gruber's post spotlights Pedometer++ as a prime example. David Smith, the developer, described his process in detail, which Gruber linked and reflected on. The app isn't just another fitness tracker; it's refined over years to handle edge cases, like integrating with Apple Watch data seamlessly or providing insights without nagging notifications.
Smith's story resonates because it embodies "productive obsession." He didn't rush a minimum viable product; he iterated based on real use and feedback. Six years means wrestling with iOS updates, privacy rules, and shifting user habits. Gruber highlights not just the features, but the why: Smith built it because he wanted a pedometer that worked the way he thought it should, free from corporate bloat.
In Smith's words, as shared in his announcement, the app evolved through trial and error. It started simple but grew into a tool that anticipates needs, like auto-pausing during commutes. This depth comes from someone speaking directly to users who value precision over flash. Gruber sees this as the software equivalent of a well-honed essay—personal, reliable, and enduring.
The post cuts off mid-thought, but the sentiment is clear: such work tastes better amid hardship. Gruber alludes to a line about ice water on a "road trip to hell," suggesting creation shines brightest under pressure. It's a nod to the indie developer's reality—long hours, uncertain pay, but the output justifies it.
Echoes in Today's Indie Scene
No major counterpoints emerge here; Gruber's view aligns with many in the indie community. Developers often share similar tales on forums like Hacker News or Indie Hackers, where six-year projects aren't rare. Critics might argue obsession risks burnout, but Gruber doesn't engage that; he focuses on the positive outcomes.
Smith's release has drawn quiet praise in tech circles, with users appreciating the app's subtlety. It's not viral, but that's the point—voice-driven software builds loyal niches, not fleeting hype.
This matters because app stores are flooded with forgettable tools. Big tech pushes polished but impersonal products, like Google's fitness apps that prioritize ads over accuracy. Independent devs like Smith fill the gaps, creating software that feels human. Gruber's revival of "Obsession Times Voice" reminds us: the field needs more of this. It sustains innovation when corporate incentives falter.
In the end, software like Pedometer++ proves the formula works. Build with obsession, infuse your voice, and the rest follows—even if it takes six years.
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