Do things that don't scale, and then don't scale (derwiki.medium.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the idea of 'doing things that don't scale' and how it can be beneficial to stop at the first part, creating something small and personal, rather than trying to scale it up. The author shares personal examples of projects they've built for themselves or a small group, such as a Slack workspace and a postcard mailing service. These projects are not intended to be scaled up or turned into businesses, but rather to solve a specific problem or meet a particular need. The author argues that with the help of AI tools, it's now possible to create software for a small audience at a low cost.

Main themes

• Doing things that don't scale
• Personal projects
• Scaling vs. small-scale solutions
• AI-assisted coding
• Software development
• Entrepreneurship

What commenters say

• Building small, personal projects can be more fulfilling and effective than trying to create something that scales, as it allows for more control and flexibility.
• The cost of building and maintaining software has decreased significantly, making it possible to create small-scale solutions that meet specific needs.
• Some argue that the concept of 'doing things that don't scale' is not new and was originally intended for startup founders, not personal projects.
• Others believe that creating small, purpose-built tools can be a viable business model, as long as they solve a real problem and meet a specific need.
• There is a trade-off between scalability and intimacy, and sometimes smaller, more personal solutions are more effective and desirable.
• The use of AI tools can enable the creation of software for a small audience, but it also raises concerns about the potential for automation and the need for human oversight.
• The idea of 'doing things that don't scale' challenges traditional notions of entrepreneurship and business growth, and highlights the importance of considering the needs and goals of the project, rather than just focusing on scaling up.
• Some commenters argue that the article's message is not about rejecting the idea of scaling, but rather about being mindful of when and how to scale, and considering the potential consequences of growth.