In this article, the author discusses their personal experiences with DIY automation products. They highlight some common frustrations with these products, including incomplete functionality, difficulty in integration with other devices, and the need to download multiple apps for different brands of smart plugs. The author admits that they do not have a solution to these problems, but suggests that investing in a more expensive automation system like Crestron or Control4 may offer a better user experience. However, they also acknowledge that this is not a feasible option for everyone.