Writing software is hard

Good software is uncommon because writing it is hard. In the abstract, we all know that it is hard. We talk incessantly about how it’s hard. And yet, we also collectively seem shocked — just shocked! — when the expectable happens and the software we’re exposed to or is working on…

Best Buy vs. The Apple Store

A recent shopping experience that really surprised me

I was captivated when Apple opened its first set of physical retail stores in 2001. I’ve never owned a retail business, but I worked a variety of retail jobs…

A question I ask new entrepreneurs

I’m not an investor, although I have put some money into a few friend’s businesses. What I try to be instead is a helper — an advisor with no strings attached.

If someone wants to give me some equity I may take it, but I don’t ask for it and I…

What’s an hour?

When 15 + 15 + 15 + 15 does not equal 60

Remember the first time someone asked you what’s heavier — a pound of feathers or a pound of lead? You probably fell for it. I sure did.

80 hours now, 40 hours later?

Probably not. Habits die hard.

The outwork myth

Enough already

You can’t outwork people.

You may be able to outwork someone.

Maybe you have a lazy friend. Or you’ve met a few entrepreneurs who talk a big game but they don’t seem to want to do any work.

New in Basecamp 3: Project Templates

Do the same sorts of projects over and over? Save yourself time by adding frequently-used messages, events, to-dos, and documents to a project template.

More work, worse outcome

Man vs. snow vs. time

The liquidity what if? Our alternative to employee options/equity grants

Employees can still benefit from a sale or liquidity event without offering equity or options. Here’s how we do it.