REWORK Building in Public
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Jun 11, 2025 The discussion focuses on the benefits of building products in public, tracing its roots back to Basecamp's early blog posts. Jason shares insights on generating user anticipation through teasers and real-time feedback. The importance of transparency in showing unfinished projects is highlighted, along with the challenges of making future promises. They emphasize authenticity in marketing, advocating for genuine content that enhances brand representation. Overall, the conversation underscores the connection between openness and effective product development.
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Early Product Sharing History
- 37signals has shared early versions and teasers since the original Basecamp in 2004 through blog posts and now videos.
- Jason Fried shares work-in-progress regularly to show weekly improvements, not just final features.
Feedback vs. Building Process
- Don't rely on public feedback from early previews for design decisions; real feedback comes from actual product use.
- Share the building process authentically, including flaws, to engage viewers beyond polished final versions.
Lessons on Future Promises
- Announcing upcoming products can backfire if plans change, as happened with the 'Know-It' product.
- Jason regrets making firm release promises and suggests avoiding statements implying certainty before the product is ready.