After over a year, I'm finally back to give an update on this thread and to share some of my experiences.
Now for the most pertinent question, did I ever get an app into the App Store? No, I decided to walk away from Apple's restrictive iOS environment in favor of the more open and less saturated Android ecosystem. And Yes I released my first application to the Google Play Store in August 2012, and my second application was released last evening. I did reach my goals and on my own terms.
Many of you all are correct about market saturation, after all there are hundreds of applications that perform similar functions with varying degrees of success. I didn't take see that as a problem. I created 2 applications that are unique in their scope and fill very specific niches. I had a lot of time to brainstorm app ideas, and my children even recommend some ideas as well. I just jot them down and search to see if someone has seen our idea as a need that should be remedied by an app, and based on my research I proceed with the project or table it until I find a way to do it better than the competition. A better mouse trap sells, and having the only mouse trap will really sell.
Besides releasing my 2nd app to the Play Store, this past year I've purchased 2 new cars, learned about investing stocks and technical analysis (to the tune of 98%+ winners picked), created residual income through real estate investing, and developed a personal plan to retire in 11 years and never work again.
The past year I intentionally stayed away from BHW, not because I don't like corresponding with like-minded people, but rather because it became a distraction to my progress. The constant avalanche of "[Method] Insert something catchy, Noob-Friendly, etc." type posts that only served to draw me away from my purpose and sent me on wild goose chases after a supposed method that has already been abused to death. I stopped looking at the methods, and did some personal assessment to see why I was not achieving the level of success that I desired. That was the right thing for me to do, since the problem was not the method, work ethic, or creativity, it was me. I took a year to reprogram myself, and put an actual plan in place for success. My apps have nothing to do with that plan, I made the apps because I like to finish what I start, and when they are successful then it's extra income towards my goals.
An associate of mine, recommended a book by T. Harv Eker titled "Secrets of the Millionaire Mind", and reading it was a life changing event for me. I have read other type books in the past, but I wasn't ready to receive the message. This time the student was ready and the teacher appeared. I still listen to the audio book in full once a month as a refresher to keep myself focused. If you decide to read this book, don't look at it as a method, it's personal retraining so that you can become your own method to success.
If you are serious about your success, don't let naysayers turn your back. If you have a skill or expertise, find a way to lend your expertise to as many people as possible. Don't waste your time chasing the fools gold of short term methods on this forum. BHW is an excellent source for technical expertise and a resource that marketers, webmasters and seo professionals should take advantage of. Just don't expect anyone to post a method that will make you insane amounts of money for 20 minutes of work per day, and give that information away for free. Short term income is a band aid, residual income is the cure.
Again, sorry to keep you waiting so long. I would say that my final venture is just another iron in my residual income fire and publishing an app has been a success. Thanks for coming along with me on this journey. If you would like more details about how I went about developing my apps please ask me here.
Best of Luck In All Your Endeavors,
Mark
