Ryan Ripley . Com

A big catch phrase with new and improved “Web 2.0″ is “Less is More”!! This statement refering to smaller teams, fewer features, less overhead, and less red tape has catipulted into the latest fad statement. You can see it in wired, business week, and other tech media outlets. So why now is this message getting lost? Because its a load of marketing BS!

Don’t think so? Alright, lets try the semantic version:

less ( P ) Pronunciation Key (ls) adj. A comparative of little.
1. Not as great in amount or quantity: had less time to spend with the family.
2. Lower in importance, esteem, or rank: no less a person than the ambassador.
3. Consisting of a smaller number.

mo-re ( P ) Pronunciation Key (mn) adj. more, (môr, mr) most (mst)
1. Being one of a large indefinite number; numerous.
2. Amounting to or consisting of a large indefinite number.

Pretty obvious… no? Less is NOT More!

So what is everyone missing? The idea of simplicity leads to FOCUS! It’s simple, if you cut out the 80% crap features that no one is really interested in and focus on the 20% that makes everyone go “wow, my job just got easier…” you are going to have a winner every time. Strive for FOCUS… If cutting out some features, and then adding in a few more focused items makes your application more zero’d in on a particular goal then go for it. Don’t get caught in the hype. Ask your users what problem they want solved and only focus on that problem. Keep your ears open for more problems and keep your minds sharp on providing the answers… Keep adding to your applications, but do it in a focused way. It works for Google, no?