Just came across this comment as I have built and launched a feedback widget as well. Why is it a hard space to compete? Yes, there are a few players there but I feel there’s room for everything if there’s a competitive edge and differentiation. Like any other product out there. Just curious if you have a specific experience in this space …
I’m building and marketing Feedback widget. It’s being more difficult on the latter - to gain interests and drive traffic. Maybe I’m spinning my s in the saturated market. I’d like your honest opinion. If you have a website, please install and try for FREE. Let me know what’s missing, what would be more useful or any large issues.
micro-management dictated by the company with their policies and promoting to management those who lack basic management skills. Isolation is based on the culture of competitiveness, self-centered goals, ignorance and, again, lack of necessary management skills in understanding by removing blockers, offering help... etc
Being a TVC (contractor) this option is close to impossible, as I would need to go through a typical 5+ rounds of interview process - the same as for outsiders. This is a different discussion, however, and this process is completely broken, unfair, discouraging and illogical even for Google. My main point in answering the question was around restrictions to, mainly, house-brewed tech stack and overall attitude of other developers I had a chance to work with.
I'm still a TVC. This could be a separate discussion on the scope of how TVCs are treated and it could complement all the recent articles in the media, however, my main focus was on something common, such as tech stack, restrictions and constrictions that will impact you when you go out and work somewhere else.
Other than having “Google” on my resume there is nothing special or applicable outside of Google. Most tools are internal, isolated and the choices are restrictive. Management is shitty - micro-management is in full bloom, display lack of management knowledge, skills and there’s plenty of abuse of power. They don’t show their appreciation to what we do. All developers are very competitive. My entire time of over a year in 2 different teams is spent in isolation and self learning without much help or directions. I’m currently actively interviewing outside.