This document discusses how to embrace hobbyist users of a product or platform. Hobbyists are intrinsically motivated and not focused on money or validation. While some hobbyists may build businesses, their core motivation remains a love of learning. The document advises embracing hobbyists by building great products, recognizing cool things they create, joining their communities, and keeping communication frictionless. Hobbyists are full of questions, are very knowledgeable, and are among a company's biggest fans.

1. Embracing the
Hobbyist Persona
Tarun Gangwani
Product, Twitch DX
@tarungangwani
gangtaru@twitch.tv
dev.twitch.tv

2. Who is a hobbyist?

3. We welcome everyone.

5. Fame Money Love Learning

6. Hobbyists act out of
intrinsic desire,
not needing external
validation

7. Hobbyists may begin
to build businesses,
but this doesn’t
change their core
motivations.

8. In contrast, game
developers have a
job to be done, so
their needs differ.

9. Why build for users who don’t care to make
money, and therefore don’t generate revenue?

10. Why you should embrace them

11. Their love
conquers all.

15. They are full
of questions

18. They’re your
biggest fans

19. How do you embrace hobbyists?

20. Build great
products.

21. Identify and recognize cool things
built around your great products.

22. Join their communities.

23. Make communication frictionless.

24. In summary…
Hobbyists come from
all walks of life and
are intrinsically
motivated to build on
your product/platform.
Their love for your
product conquers all,
and their knowledge
can help meaningfully
drive roadmaps.
Embrace them by
recognizing them,
being where they are,
and keeping open
communication.

25. Thanks!