Guides

Decision-stage reading for builders and buyers.

Stuff we wish someone had told us before burning a quarter on the wrong build. Written from apps we've shipped since 2015 - not from a content calendar.

Build strategy · 14 min

When AI coding tools are enough - and when you still need a product team

You can spin up a demo in a weekend now. Cool. Here's how we decide whether that demo should go to users as-is, or whether it's time to call in people who've shipped for real.

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Pricing · 13 min

The real cost of shipping an app in 2026

The first quote is rarely the full bill. Here's what we see teams forget - QA, store work, AI costs, and the rewrite that shows up after a 'cheap' v1.

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AI · 12 min

How to tell if a team actually delivers AI - or just sells the buzzword

Questions we'd ask before funding an 'AI-powered' roadmap. Job-to-be-done, failure modes, metrics, and who owns the thing next month.

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Delivery · 14 min

Your Lovable/Claude prototype isn't the product - it's the blueprint

Keep the flows people liked. Rewrite the scary parts. Plan a cutover that doesn't make your stakeholders hate you.

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Team models · 13 min

Build in-house with AI tools vs partner with a product team

Speed, control, and risk - without the loyalty speech. When DIY with AI is smart, and when a partner actually saves you time.

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Risk · 12 min

Signs your AI-built MVP needs professional help before you scale

Crash loops, mystery data models, 'usually fine' AI answers - and a calm order of operations before you pour ads on the fire.

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