Super Mod

Has anyone tried Campfire by 37Signals? What are your thoughts?

Do you think it has its uses or not?

Chris Gwynne

37Signals sucks!

Super Mod

I know we talked about this a bit over instant messenger, but could you elaborate why you think this for the people here? What specifically don't you like about their "software" and philosophy?

Chris Gwynne

I don't believe any of the crap they shovel on a daily basis. The only reason why they're mega successful is because they continually re-use their products and bring new one out of them.

Take Basecamp for instance, the only real success 37Signals have, created by David Heinemeier Hansson, the real talent behind 37Signals. Before David came along 37Signals was a web design/development company not specialized in anything product related. David brought the company into the whole web 2.0 scene, without him it's doubtful they'd be in the same position they are today.

Let's take a look at their products.

Backpack is a note taking/to-do's/file/photo sharing personal account you can have. Basecamp offers this, but for the clients of the Basecamp account holder. A stripped down product.

Ta-Da Lists is a note taking/to-do list that allows you to share them with other people. Backpack offers this, Basecamp offers this. A stripped down version of Backpack which is in turn Basecamp.

Campfire, their newest product to hit their little empire is original as far as 37Signals creativity goes. It's different, it's unique from their other products. And as far as I'm aware their other products don't offer this, although I wouldn't be surprised if it had slipped into one of them somewhere.

37Signals was not a product based company, they were usability design guys and nothing more, without David they resort to the same thing they were.

On the whole, I don't buy into their products, I don't buy into their presence anymore and I certainly don't buy into their ethics. I think it's totally wrong to offer basically the same application over and over again and charge people for it.

Super Mod

I'm just going to rant in a form of non-sequator bullet points, because I'm too tired to come up with a really good piece of writing at this time. However, I promised to give Chris a response, so here it is.

What I like about 37Signals:

• Their web design is clean and clear. It's a nice change from the bloated company websites that you see nowadays. Most companies have loads of content that really could be cut down.
• Their products are easy to use.
• They dare to go against the establishment. I really respect this.
• They share a lot of their company information with the public. I like a private company that's willing to do this.
• They seem to release early and release often, which they've adapted from the Linux community. I think it works well for web businesses.
• Their philosophy. While there are some holes in it, for the most part it's great.

What I don't like about 37Signals:

• They're arrogant.
• They think they're the best thing since sliced bread.
• They think if you don't do it their way, you're doing it the wrong way.
• A lot of their products are basically the same.
• Their products lack features. I don't care if they say they're not needed. That should be up to the user.

I'd love to hear other comments too!