We've been using Basecamp + Campfire for a few weeks on our project, and I have to say that I really like it so far.

I AM really concerned about the amount of content in our Basecamp site growing out of control -- already, I have to scroll several pages to add a note to an old, seldom used message... we already have fifteen or so writeboards. If there's a way to archive this stuff, it's not readily apparent to me (although I am a bit of a dolt).

For those who have used (and enjoyed) Basecamp, has this been a problem for you as your project expanded?

As an aside, did anyone else find the embedded headlines for other stories in this article dreadfully confusing?

Interesting article. It pointed out a lot of flaws in 37signals software that are clearly intended. Whether a lack of features and a strict conformance to bare software is a net positive or negative for small business is another conversation, but this does point out a need for features that they are missing.

This also comes along with 37signals' post on the permanent nature of features, and the importance of getting it mostly right from the beginning.

On that topic, the idea of providing business services in the mindset UNIX tools is beginning to be really attractive to me. Provide a limited set of features in a small bundle that plays well with other services, along a similar mindset. A billing component, a collaboration component, etc, such that each one can play with another very well. That should make offering new services more painless and intuitive.

Any takes on a venture? :)

I think the premise of the article is misguided. If they need time tracking with accounting software integration, have they tried Harvest?

Linda sounds like the problem not basecamp. If Linda was doing a good job she would have researched problem and turned up Harvest-- at least as an option to try.

Instead she fell into the 'this is the way it's been done before mindset', that doesn't recognize the benefits of collaboration or web services.

In my experience, Linda's approach may make her feel like every penny is accounted for, but that will only be true in her books. Everyone else will be left with a print out of a week old, outdated gantt chart, and less certainty about what to do.

"Expect to either make a major investment in developing your own financial and tracking software that works with Basecamp to make it do what you need (37Signals provides an open applications development toolset, so this is certainly possible),"

Business opp, anyone?

Jason Fried sez: we'd prefer that you outgrow our software, because we still have your fucking money. Hah!

In 37Signals' defense, they don't have time to bend over backwards for each and every little customer whim, especially enterprisey-type crap like this customer wanted. You have to be utilitarian or else you're dead.