# I paid people to try and follow my README

> Terence Eden paid real users €25 each to test his README file and fix biases.
- Title: I paid people to try and follow my README · Shkspr | Shortify
- Summary: Terence Eden paid real users €25 each to test his README file and fix biases. Terence Eden paid people €25 to test his README file and found it confusing for…
- Keywords: terence eden, readme, activitybot, nlnet, virtual machine, sudo, terminal, technology, startups, paid, people, try
- Source: Shkspr — https://shkspr.mobi/blog/2026/10/i-paid-people-to-try-and-follow-my-readme
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: terence eden, readme, activitybot, nlnet, virtual machine, sudo, terminal, technology, startups
## Developers struggle with documentation
Developers often write confusing documentation that users find hard to follow.

> We like to say RTFM but often there ain't no FM to R
## I tested my README with real users
I paid people €25 each to test my README file and get feedback on the first-run experience.

> I was prepared to pay them €25 for an hour of their time
## Users spoke aloud while testing
Volunteers shared their screens and spoke aloud to explain what they did and what confused them.

> Tell me what they were doing
## Key issues found during testing
The link to the demo tool was wrong, some users read READMEs in the terminal, and file renaming was confusing.

> The link to the demo tool was wrong
## I updated the README after each test
After each session I updated the README based on what people found difficult and re-tested it with the next person.

> After each session I updated the README based on what people found difficult
## Real users improved the README
Terence Eden paid out around €150 to have people criticise his README file and make it easier to follow.

> In total, I paid out around €150 to have a bunch of people criticise me to my face
## Key takeaway

Terence Eden paid people €25 to test his README file and found it confusing for users.