Ask YC: Can you learn an industry without working in it?
Let's forget Twitter and Facebook for a bit. I think some of the most interesting opportunities are in industries not directly related to software, where creative application of software can make a huge difference. Octopart is a great example.
The reason there are many such opportunities is that very often software people focus their efforts on rehashing the same themes - software for developers, software for "business", social software, or software for its own sake. And the reason behind this is that many developers aren't exposed to the other industries - mechanical, chemical, transportation, hospitality, farming, industrial fishing... the list can go on and on.
So, a long-winded way to get to my question: Can you learn an industry without working in it, to the point where you can spot the gaps that can be filled with software? If so, how?
The reason there are many such opportunities is that very often software people focus their efforts on rehashing the same themes - software for developers, software for "business", social software, or software for its own sake. And the reason behind this is that many developers aren't exposed to the other industries - mechanical, chemical, transportation, hospitality, farming, industrial fishing... the list can go on and on.
So, a long-winded way to get to my question: Can you learn an industry without working in it, to the point where you can spot the gaps that can be filled with software? If so, how?