I’m a kitchen sink guy. When I want to improve something my first thought is to add to it, ultimately creating a product that has everything but the kitchen sink.
I’m not alone. All the bloatware on our computers proves most software companies believe “improvement” means “added features.” But as Google shows every day on their search page, simple is sometimes the best approach.
I had the pleasure of attending Craig Mod‘s “Subcompact Publishing” session at last month’s Books in Browsers event. Craig talked about how our industry is often enamored with adding more features and functionality to create the next big thing. We dream of building gas-guzzling, luxury sedans with more chrome and buttons than last year’s models while consumers are showing a strong interest in economy vehicles.
Craig’s presentation is embedded below and I highly recommend you take the time to view it. And as you watch, think about how many products you’ve seen that were just like The Homer, my favorite example in Craig’s presentation.
P.S. — I caught up with Craig shortly after his Books in Browsers presentation and asked him a few follow-up questions in this brief interview.
TOC NY 2013— The publishing industry will gather at the Tools of Change for Publishing Conference in New York City, February 12-14, to explore the forces and solutions that are transforming publishing.Save 15% on registration with the code COMM15