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Premature optimization. For most Web 2.0 startups, you can also skip IE6 support, at least in the beginning.
Are you joking? IE6 is still a massive percentage of visitors. It's not hard to do, unless you're just lazy. IE6 is definately not something to skimp on.
Premature optimization. For most Web 2.0 startups, you can also skip IE6 support, at least in the beginning.
http://web.archive.org/web/20010606140033/image.pathfinder.c...
Graphic design, if your concept or implementation is really stellar. Google and Reddit get by just fine. I've noticed that sites such as Digg will actually reduce graphics when redesigning the page, reducing clutter and bandwidth at the same time. That is, as long as your target audience isn't primarily composed of Apple users. Then it's graphics all the way!
The best design is one you don't notice. To make a page look simple and "good", you need a skilled designer. One data point -- I'm not a skilled designer and have tried to "keep things simple". My sites still end up looking like crap :) That is why I let the designers design, though. Making something complex is easy. Making something simple is hard.
Desks. A perfectly functional desk can be constructed out of an ordinary door in mere minutes. http://web.archive.org/web/20010606140033/image.pathfinder.c...
I can't stand working at a desk without a proper keyboard tray and mouse pad.
In many ways having a comfortable working environment is very important. But comfortable != luxurious. Keep it cheap, just not so cheap that you can't get work done because it's not comfortable.
Desks. A perfectly functional desk can be constructed out of an ordinary door in mere minutes. http://web.archive.org/web/20010606140033/image.pathfinder.c...
Of course, one of my new hobbies, since making the voyage out here, has been to practice the wonderfully fun and interesting "make vs buy" comparison game. You can, and probably will have many opportunities to play this game as a startup founder. This game involves simply asking yourself and/or your team numerous questions of a basic logistical nature:
A) How much does X cost to make, if I get to (or have to, depending on the day) make it myself? B) How much does X cost to buy? C) What are the costs, inclusive of shipping/assembly, for scenarios A and B? D) Do I have anything that can be improvised or are there any possible substitutes that can serve the ultimate purpose of X (i.e. using a door as a desk) in the mean-time? E) How long can I "live" with the improvised substitute or the idea of an improvised substitute? F) How much of the actual value of X is imagined; that is, how much have my perceptions been influenced by hype or advertising?
Questions E and F can get complicated, as they relate quite a bit back to the original posit about "necessities" and such. Probably I'm too tired to go into them at the moment, so perhaps in the morning.
I therefore recommend being pretty weary of anything involving hidden "lock-in" costs resultant from usurping alternatives; for example, anything involving a contract probably fits into this category.
Regarding brand loyalty. . . remember that there's a big difference between purchasing actual quality and purchasing advertised "quality." When factoring in costs associated with advertising, the make vs. buy comparison game really can take a person full circle.
Desks. A perfectly functional desk can be constructed out of an ordinary door in mere minutes. http://web.archive.org/web/20010606140033/image.pathfinder.c...
mm.... I would buy cheap desks. you know the $50 kind. And the cheap chairs are always the most comfortable, believe it or not. I can't stand working at a desk without a proper keyboard tray and mouse pad. In many ways having a comfortable working environment is very important. But comfortable != luxurious. Keep it cheap, just not so cheap that you can't get work done because it's not comfortable.
Surely spoken by someone who has never sat in an Aeron...
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Are you joking? IE6 is still a massive percentage of visitors. It's not hard to do, unless you're just lazy. IE6 is definately not something to skimp on.
if you write standard html4 and make sure that you use css that IE supports (even if it's not quite right) you can wait on the IE optimization. because it should still work.
I would say the bottom line is skimp on things that do not directly have a significant impact on your valuation, profitability, primary product/service, or ability to "do well" in your business.
A shorter way to say this is don't spend money on things outside of what you are doing.
There is no reason for fancy furniture, ping-pong tables, the absolute latest computer hardware (unless critical to your startup), or any of the other 'perks' of a stereotypical startup.
After you are beyond the initial startup phase, then you could make arguments for nicer secondary items, to attract talent, or create a certain work environment.
