[ansonparker]

I must admit I can't help feel a little cynical about this project.

If an unknown company had launched this website I doubt it would have made anyone's radar, let alone have found a willing group of companies to pay $100/month. If it only works because 37 Signals made it and promoted it (as opposed to being an elegant solution to a problem) is it not a little exploitative?

Haystack's simplicity comes from a dearth of functionality and a small number of users -- neither of these are sustainable in the medium-term for the project to remain viable in its market (which, despite 37 Signal's claims, is pretty well serviced).

They risk damaging their brand by creating a feature-light product that doesn't exhibit any capability to grow beyond a small number of portfolios. They could well find an increasingly dissatisfied group of customers demanding features and results for their $100/month. It will be interesting to see how they keep these people happy while continuing to look after their other interests.

[cmac]

> If an unknown company had launched this website I doubt it would have made anyone's radar

I think that's one of the perks of becoming successful ;) The app rides on the fame that comes with Basecamp's success and there's nothing wrong with that!

I agree, though, that US$99 is quite pricey considering that you'll still be a needle in a haystack (albeit a smaller haystack). If I paid that rate, I'd want more tools for my profile of clients to narrow down on me.

[tjogin]

Assuming your exposure on Haystack brought you business worth substantially more than $99 a month, why ought you be in a position to demand anything at all?

[dhh]

Compared to our jobs board, Haystack is actually overflowing with features. The jobs board has been around for two years, made over a million dollars in revenue, and continues to do very well.

People will pay for Haystack if it works for them. Just like people have paid and continue to pay for the 37signals job board. Both applications work because we have a very targeted audience that's a perfect fit for them.

This is in part what we mean by "Build An Audience". We've spent 10 years doing that at 37signals.

[tjogin]

If you're dissatisfied with the service, why just not stop paying for it? Isn't that so much easier than getting all upset and demanding things?

[ansonparker]

Sure, take your ball and go home.

I'm not dissatisfied, just seems like a slightly opportunistic project that has backlash potential.