The term “feature creep” is often used to describe a product or service overridden with features to a point where the overall offering becomes less functional. Rather than focus on a few outstanding features, a myriad of substandard features are crammed into the product, diminishing the overall value and utility. I think the same can be said for blogs — and the abuse use of widgets.
The Craigslist site is as simple as it gets. Literally, it can’t get any simpler. Strategically-placed links form the underlying interface. Having said that, it is by far the most dominant classified ad site on the net. With such a simple offering and total domination, how is anyone supposed to compete?
Making the transition from traditional media to new media is a difficult task. Old-school content providers are faced with this challenge amid a shifting industry. Newspapers are moving online. Cable TV networks and movie studios are doing the same. Many have attempted a successful transition, but few have succeeded.
Yesterday, the fate of Cambrian House was sealed. After raising over $7 million, the Canadian crowdsourcing firm shut its doors after an unsuccessful attempt at a new round of financing. So what gave? Was it a lack of focus or poor management? Or was the model doomed to fail in the first place?
Aidan Henry is an Internet strategy consultant, designer, and web entrepreneur.
aidanhenry (@) hotmail.com
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