Beyond the Hype: My Unfiltered Take on 'Building in Public' – The Good, The Bad, and The Awkward

Beyond the Hype: My Unfiltered Take on 'Building in Public' - The Good, The Bad, and The Awkward

When I first decided to really commit to "building in public," there was this immediate wave of…exposure. It felt like standing on a stage with all your unfinished thoughts laid bare.

Every small bug, every moment of self-doubt, every time I hit a wall with my code - it all felt like it was suddenly on display for the world. It was incredibly uncomfortable, to be honest.

The narratives we often see about building in public are so polished. They focus on the wins, the rapid growth, the seemingly effortless collaborations.

What gets hidden are the messy middle parts, the awkward silences when you don't know what to share, the sting of critical feedback, and the sheer vulnerability of putting your imperfect creations out there. It can make it feel like everyone else has it all figured out, and you're just fumbling in the dark.

But the truth is, building in public doesn't have to be this terrifying performance. It can be a powerful strategy if you approach it with a bit of intention. I've developed a simple guide for what I call "Authentic Public Building":

1. Define Your 'Public': Who are you actually sharing with?

Is it fellow makers, potential customers, or just a personal accountability log? Knowing your audience helps you tailor what you share.

I try to focus on sharing with other indie makers and potential users. 2. Embrace Imperfection: This is the big one.

Your work will be messy. Your ideas will evolve.

That's the point! Share the rough edges.

It makes your journey relatable. 3. Focus on Process, Not Just Outcomes: Instead of just showing the finished product, talk about how you got there.

What challenges did you face? What did you learn?

This is where the real value lies for others. 4. Handle Criticism Gracefully: Not all feedback will be positive, and that's okay.

Learn to distinguish constructive criticism from noise. Thank people for their input, even if you don't agree with it.

There have been moments where building in public felt genuinely tough. I remember sharing an update about a feature that completely flopped, and the initial gut reaction was embarrassment.

It felt like admitting failure. Then there was the time I received some pretty blunt feedback on a UI design I was proud of; it stung for a bit.

But the flip side has been incredibly rewarding. Sharing my progress on my latest project, a simple task management tool, led to a couple of early users who gave me invaluable feedback that I wouldn't have gotten otherwise.

It also sparked a conversation with another maker that led to exploring a potential collaboration. These unexpected connections are a huge benefit.

The real takeaway here is that building in public is a tool, not a mandate. It's about finding a way to share your journey that feels authentic to you and your goals.

It's not about chasing clout or fabricating success. It's about connecting, learning, and growing, openly and honestly.

So, if you're considering it, don't let the polished hype intimidate you. Start small, be honest about your process, and remember that your unique experience is valuable.

What are your thoughts on building in public? Have you tried it? Share your experiences in the comments below!