Rework is exactly what you would expect from 37signals – simple, easy to read, and “at home good”. About 80% of the book’s ideas are already accessible in keynotes and interviews. But a succinct, well-organized written format was worth the cost of my Amazon pre-ordered copy at $11.88.
Fried and Hansson continue to use common sense to zig where conventional tech startup theory zags. A few examples include:
- Avoid outside money
- Throw less at the problem
- Say no to feature requests
- Underdo your competition
- Embrace obscurity
Like their product Basecamp, the book does not contain everything that I wanted as a customer. For instance, I wish they would have included more stories about how the Rework philosophy plays out at 37signals. However, I acknowledge that they are simply espousing the very principles laid out in text. Cutting fluff makes the book’s pace whiz by with 1-3 page sections that are each somewhere between a proverb and an essay. It took me a couple of hours to get through it (including time to underline and jot down notes).
Personally I would recommend Rework to the people with whom I work. It’s the recipe for a smarter way to do business.
I’m in the middle of this book right now. I’m loving it. There are many principles espoused in this book and by 37signals in general that are so solid. Have you seen the book’s attack ad: 37signals.com/svn/posts/2209-karl-roves-book-vs-rework-what-the-american-people-need-to-know
Just watched the video…hilarious!