37Signals say Getting Real isn’t rocket surgery, it is the “smarter, faster, easier way to build a successful web-based application” and while written with web-apps in mind most of the principles can be applied to any business.
“If you want to have a first hand look at how this industry’s
working methods are changing, this is the book to read.”
-Khoi Vinh, Design Director, New York Times Online
Selling over 23,000 copies since March 06, this book is a winner. We originally bought the PDF but today the book is available for free online.
Some of the Getting Real essays include:
- Less mass
- Hire the right customers
- Half, not half-assed
- Rinse and repeat
- Meetings are toxic
- Seek and celebrate small victories
- Wordsmiths
- Epicenter design
- Optimise for happiness
- Tell me a quick story
- Better, not beta
I love them all and could keep the list going forever, but you really should just get over there now and start reading. Although 37s are a web app company the essays can apply to most businesses if you have an open mind. Are there any ideas that you work around in your office? If you've got a blog share them with the world! It's great to see how different people are doing things.
Get Real and read it online here.
If you are not the read off the screen type then you can buy the PDF to print or order a paper copy.
Update: There is also a new video online of 37 Signals and Apple, and you can find online translations of the book around the web now.