Anything is walking distance if you have the time...

Our progression from the Stikkit as first implemented to the Stikkit we're currently spinning up, bolt-tightening, and spit-polishing puts me in mind of that lovely Samuel Clemens quote:

"I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead."

We've been taking the time and exercising the patience it takes to build something usable, useful, smart, and beautiful.

You'll find Mr. Twain's suggestion reflected in another quote I've been keeping close, this one from the 37signals:

Try this: Next time you set out to build something, make a list of the things it won’t do before you list all the things it will do. This is a great way to get focused on building half a product, not a half-assed product.

Stikkit in pictures

Our documentarian pal James Duncan Davidson caught the Values of n crew on camera at Stikkit central the other day. Comments Merlin Mann: "I love how easily "Stikkit" could be a Portland band that's opening for the Decemberists."

On the launch pad

I'm thrilled to announce that we've been chosen as one of thirteen to launch on the Web 2.0 Launch Pad on Tuesday, November 7th in San Francisco. This will be the first public unveiling of Stikkit and we're all champing at the bit to show everyone what we've been working on for the past few months.

This has been some combination of the hardest time I've ever had having fun and the most fun I've ever had working my tuchus off—with the emphasis on the latter. We've an amazing crew. We're backed by and incredible support network of friends, family, and peers. And we've amassed a collective energy and intestinal fortitude that has me positively hurtling out of bed in the morning.

And the next three weeks promises to offer just that much more.