A Russian friend of mine speaks of three lessons he got from game development, that are of use for any startup. Now some of this may sound rough, but it still makes some sense:

1. Know whom to please. The most responsive part of the audience, as a rule, are ordinary, not very educated people. They have a big need to fulfill themselves in this world. These people are the ones that write the most positive and the most negative reviews, delivering the most emotional passionate feedback. Commenting someone else's work is their way to assert themselves.

Pleasing these people is not enough, of course. But they are the main source of information for the higher-level audience. If you're not pleasing the first ones, the second ones will never know you exist.

2. Be ready for bad reception. Be ready to be praised. But be aware that next time the same very people may throw rotten tomatoes at you, saying that "your previous attempt was better". This is psychology - we all tend to think that "it was better in the past - the trees were taller and the grass was greener". And your sequel may actually suck.

3. Never stop. A lot of people will say that your idea is worthless. No one needs your product. Get used to this. The one who tries - succeeds only from time to time. But the one who does not - never succeeds.

via habr