All entries for Tuesday 02 May 2006

Lessons for start–ups

Writing about web page http://www.paulgraham.com/startuplessons.html

Paul Graham lists seven rules for start–up companies:–

1. Release early
2. Keep pumping out features
3. Make users happy
4. Fear the right things
5. Commitment is a self–fulfilling prophecy
6. There is always room
7. Don't get your hopes up

The first three in particular apply as much to us as software developers for the university as to a start–up, and I liked this quote from the essay:–

Users love a site that's constantly improving. In fact, users expect a site to improve. Imagine if you visited a site that seemed very good, and then returned two months later and not one thing had changed. Wouldn't it start to seem lame? They'll like you even better when you improve in response to their comments, because customers are used to companies ignoring them. If you're the rare exception — a company that actually listens — you'll generate fanatical loyalty.

John Dale : 02 May 2006 16:39 |  Tags: Links Musings Tech |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

"Get a Mac" adverts

Writing about web page http://www.apple.com/getamac/ads/

There's a great new series of adverts from Apple just out. They're called "Viruses", "Restarting", "Better", "iLife", "Network" and "WSJ", and they're simplicity itself; each advert starts out with two guys standing next to each other. "Hi, I'm a Mac" says one (the younger, more casually dressed guy). "And I'm a PC" says the other, more conservative figure. Can you guess how the dialog goes from there? Clever, understated humour.

(I want to subscribe to the Awesome Computer Review Weekly Journal.)

John Dale : 02 May 2006 09:12 |  Tags: Advert Apple Culture Links |  Comments (9) |  Close comments |  Trackbacks (1) |  Report a problem