I just like building things. Cool things are more fun to build, but not everything needs to be in that category. I'm in software because it's significantly cheaper than other ways to build things. I love working on open source software because you can build bigger and better things with a team, it builds good will and unless it's core to a business, there's no reason not to. I'm shooting for a certain dollar amount that would let me work on what I want when I want, not just for the things that come with the money. But on the route there I refuse to give up the enjoyment of building things with a preference to cool things.

On the other hand, I only hear about the feature as a product or network effect startups here on HN. Around town, folks I interact with and companies I all work with have real products and at least a real revenue source.

It's like going to comic-con and deciding the rest of the world dresses like that.