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Request an app

If you are stuck with something a piece of software should be solving, tell me. I read every request myself and answer honestly — including when the answer is no.

How it works

Four steps. Nothing is owed by either of us until step three is agreed in writing.

  1. You describe the problem

    Use the form below. Describe the annoyance rather than the solution — what you are trying to do, what goes wrong, how often it costs you time.

  2. I answer honestly, free

    Usually within a few days. You get one of three answers: I can build this, I cannot build this, or a tool already exists that does it — here is the link. The third answer costs you nothing and happens more often than you would think.

  3. We write the terms down first

    If we go ahead: what it will do, what it will not do, the price, and roughly when. In plain language, in writing, agreed by both of us before I start. No work begins and no money changes hands before that.

  4. You get the app

    Built and tested. If it turns out to be useful to other people too, it may join the public list — and in that case you keep your copy free, permanently, for having had the idea.

The conditions

Short, clear, and the same for everyone. These exist to protect you as much as me.

What I will build

  • Desktop tools for Windows — utilities, automation, converters, launchers, small everyday helpers.
  • Things that make your own machine, files or hardware behave better.
  • Small, well-defined jobs. One clear purpose beats ten vague ones.

What I will not build

  • Anything illegal, or anything built to break into, damage or spy on systems, accounts or people.
  • Cheats, anti-cheat bypasses, licence crackers, or tools whose main purpose is piracy.
  • Anything that harvests other people's data without their knowledge, or that harasses or impersonates someone.
  • Anything I do not believe I can finish to a standard I would put my own name on.

Your idea stays yours

I do not pass your idea, your files or your name to anyone. If your request is specific to your work or your business, say so in the form and I will treat it as confidential — and sign something to that effect if you want it in writing.

Money, plainly

Asking costs nothing. My answer costs nothing. If a request turns into paid work, you see the full price before anything starts, and you are never billed for something you did not agree to in writing. Small ideas that help everyone often just get built for free.

Send your request

The more concrete you are, the better an answer I can give you.

This is where my answer goes. It is not added to any mailing list.

Describe the annoyance, not the solution. Working out the solution is my job.

Honest answers here are welcome. "Hoping it can be free" is a perfectly normal thing to say.

No account needed. No payment details asked for, ever, on this form.

One developer, real limits. I build these alone, around the rest of my life. Sometimes the honest answer is "yes, but not for a few months", and I will tell you that rather than go quiet on you.