seasickness
I remember a few years back an entrepreneur I knew mentioned that in running a startup one minute you’ll be ecstatic over how awesome something is or will be, and the next you’ll be ready to jump out your high-rise office window. At the time I didn’t at all appreciate this, but wow, that’s exactly how it is. All the time. One upset email from a customer, or some other reminder about how something is late, or not working, or whatever, and you’re like oh my god, we’re going to fail, and everyone hates us. Other times (late last night comes to mind) you make a breakthrough on something that had you stumped for a year, and all is good and right in the world. Then this morning, more bad news. Another day at a startup! Frankly, I feel a little seasick.
Right now I’m extremely frustrated/scared about 1) cross platform software isn’t done and has a ways yet to go 2) SparkFun has no inventory and won’t until Thursday this week and there’s nothing I can do to expedite it. I really don’t want to get on those guy’s nerves. 3) We’ve got a manufacturing issue with a new enclosure design (plastics related) and there’s nothing can do but wait for the next samples. 4) After being out of stock for a month or so, our cash flow is particularly vulnerable, and we won’t be out of the woods for at least another month 5) A number of other issues.
At the same time, sales are decent, and generally speaking customers are happy. Some certainly aren’t, and for reasons I empathize with (otherwise it wouldn’t upset me), but by and large people seem to understand we’re a small shop, we make mistakes, and we’re doing the best we possibly can. In fact one thing that makes me feel a sign of relief sometimes is that we do seem to have some decent amount of goodwill in the community, and that’s just priceless. Hopefully we can live up to that!
Some other good news: My friend Minh is taking a month off his day job to come help with the cross-platform software, so with any luck we’ll be able to push that to beta under his watch. The schedule (we use www.liquidplanner.com) certainly seems to indicate we can. We’ve got a ton of people on the “let me know when OSX/Linux support is available list” that haven’t heard anything because they signed up after the “alpha is out” email, and I’m desperate to get them an email announcing the beta is ready.
My brother is flying out a few times over the semester to head up some side projects that otherwise wouldn’t get done. That should be pretty cool. One thing I really want is a project blog, and so we should see that coming out soon with any luck.
First rule of sales is “sell what you have” so I can’t really go into anything else (product-wise) we’re working on, other than to say that I’m excited about it and I think it’ll be a nice offering. We’ll see how it goes. We’re not replacing Logic with anything more cool, so not to worry if you got it recently. And, I should mention that it won’t be coming out until AFTER the cross-platform software is out.
Oh, if you want to play with the cross-platform alpha version, just send me an email for the details. support at saleae.com
Back to it!
March 1st, 2010 - 17:49
Just wanted to say “Hang in there!” — I grew a tech company from nobody to 10 people and did it for 7 years (consulting, no product sales).
It really is like walking a tightrope. Thrilling, and you’re always one step away from some real damage. Wish you the best of luck & respect your persistence, it’s worth it, trust me.
One question: what are you using for the cross-platform software – QT, or something else?
March 3rd, 2010 - 15:21
SparkFun had new stock of 24 units on 3rd March, they sold out within 24 hours.
I think you guys need to make some more quick!!
March 17th, 2010 - 20:05
I was lucky enough to snag one a few weeks ago, and its simply amazing.
Just keep pushing hard and don’t let a few bad emails get to you.
The logic analyzer is a great tool and the fact that it sells out so fast should prove that.
March 18th, 2010 - 10:26
I am a big fan you you logic tool. Keep up the good work. And here is hoping the linux people put their money where their mouth is.
March 18th, 2010 - 12:23
Joe, keep up the good work! Those of us who have your product love it! You have a product that really sets itself apart from the others on the market.
Hang in there!
April 3rd, 2010 - 09:37
Another fan of the Logic here. Don’t let yourself be dragged down by unhappy customers. I work in tech support and it sometimes gives me the feeling that our products rarely work at all. But that’s just because happy customers usually don’t contact tech support. But they are out there!
April 4th, 2010 - 18:08
Please hang in there. You’re the only folks even hinting at a cross-platform version. For some reason I am unable to install .Net 3.5, so I need the Linux version very badly. I just don’t know which version of Linux wil be best.
April 4th, 2010 - 21:34
I really enjoy reading your blog. I just with there were more updates! It’s really a treat to be able to follow your progress along. Hats off to you Joe!
George Graves
April 9th, 2010 - 04:49
I am just going to order another unit to show our support, even though they are out of stock
May 17th, 2010 - 09:01
@Howard
As a (strictly) Linux user I’m putting my money where my mouth is! Just ordered myself one and the software isn’t even out yet…
May 25th, 2010 - 15:05
I just bought one of your Logic and it is a great value for money, really nice built and simple but powerful UI.
(Just thinking of an iPad with the camera USB-adapter at bottom with the Logic connected. Seems like the UI would adapt quite well to touch screens, and you already implemented sideways drag scrolling with inertia, iphone/iPad style…)
June 15th, 2010 - 21:33
Looking forward to more Blog updates Joe!
June 16th, 2010 - 13:14
Thanks for a fantastic spot-on description of the life of an entrepreneur! This morning has been a bit of a valley, but we’re planning for a peak afternoon and you post made us get on the way with a smile
Just got the Logic a few days ago, and it’s already been very helpful both for troubleshooting and for documenting and verifying. Simple and effective – love it!
August 10th, 2010 - 17:24
After 29 years in a two person business, we’re still here. Looks like a great product. We havet a small CNC mill to customize our enclosures, we start with generic enclosures from PolyCase.com. Once you have that you realize you can make jigs for holding LEDs in place and can easily whip up custom products for people.
Keep up the good work, just place our order today.