Thought Experiment / Reading List

Here is an interesting thought experiment for web designers. Try reading Getting Real by 37 Signals and Guidelines for Online Success by Rob Ford at the same time. If it's true that "the test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function." via Then assuming you retain the ability to function this reading list should prove your first-rate intelligence.

37 Signals are the creators of popular online tools known for their sparse elegance, while Rob Ford is the founder of FWA a showcase for extravagant Flash design. Very different viewpoints on where work online should go. Getting Real tends to focus on creating a successful business through efficient process and honest interactions, while Guidelines for Online Success explains strategies to get attention online (i.e marketing). If your working in an online space it's smart to know your way around both of these concepts, no matter which way you personally lean.