4 ms·

This line really stuck out to me, adding a hint of perspective in a world where A/B testing and the like are par for the course: "Xerox had been infested by a

This line really stuck out to me, adding a hint of perspective in a world where A/B testing and the like are par for the course: "Xerox had been infested by a bunch of spreadsheet experts who thought you could decide every product based on metrics. Unfortunately, creativity wasn't on a metric." I shouldn't need to say this, but this in no way should be read to indicate that such metrics and testing are not helpful; they're just not everything.

thirdhaf 15y ago
Weren't spreadsheets, a la VisiCalc the killer business app for the Apple II? On a more serious note I'm a true believer in RISK capital. Once your company is actually profitable it seems like a great idea to ensure that you do a bit of R&D in-house. Worst case scenario you get a nice blurb somewhere about keeping corporate research alive, best case you invent something ridiculously cool.