Comments on: PC World Doesn’t Get It http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/ A blog about our thoughts on entrepreneurship, teamwork, our services, the Web and anything we find interesting. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:45:18 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: James http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/comment-page-1/#comment-36061 James Wed, 28 Mar 2007 14:21:16 +0000 http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/#comment-36061 And now, I scroll down this page to see your flashing ad that says you already have had a review with www.whir.com. How the heck did I miss that!?? :D I had to google discover FB. In my last post above "streaming = screaming" And now, I scroll down this page to see your flashing ad that says you already have had a review with http://www.whir.com. How the heck did I miss that!?? :D I had to google discover FB.

In my last post above “streaming = screaming”

]]> By: James http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/comment-page-1/#comment-36036 James Wed, 28 Mar 2007 13:18:04 +0000 http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/#comment-36036 I've had the experience of speaking via phone at length with a reporter. It was a great conversation. He asked questions, I answered, we made jokes, we laughed, we bonded. I explained everything as I would to a friend. Little did I know I was actually being prepared for the PIG ROAST. (well seasoned!!) It seems as if the entire conversation was ignored. Clear points that I thought he wanted to know. Nope. Treat reporters, good and bad, like the "prosecuting attorney". They are not there to do you a favor. They have "their" life, "their" job, and "their" interest at heart. Not yours. FB is "exactly" what I needed to operate my business. How could a reporter (who is not a business owner) even "begin" to explain the benefits and cons of FB? Did he open an account and start using the software to operate his business? Did he do a review from the stand point of what "other" business owners "need" and how it will help or hurt them? Quickbooks = slow books. I don't need accounting software like quickbooks. I only need to know who owes me money and to let them know and keep letting them know they still owe. The accounting part is done separately via a separate program. If the reviewer wanted to get a good understanding that was "non biased" maybe he should have interviewed some users of FB to see how it has helped or not helped them? To get an honest view of the software... (no offense Mike, but everyone loves to hear wonderful things about their creation, so it might not have been as non biased as you think, which is understandable.) :D btw.. I didn't read the article, but have enjoyed this blog greatly. I don't need a PC world article to tell me about FB. I think a great place to get a review of your software would better be found with: http://www.whir.com/ You'll find a much more service based industry "streaming" for software like FB and finding nothing but software like modernbill (which REALLY stinks) and other "host billing software". I'd contact them and ask them to review your software. They also print a paper magazine that goes out to the subscribers. I've been getting it for years and honestly, it's the only magazine I read with much interest each time I get it. James I’ve had the experience of speaking via phone at length with a reporter. It was a great conversation. He asked questions, I answered, we made jokes, we laughed, we bonded. I explained everything as I would to a friend. Little did I know I was actually being prepared for the PIG ROAST. (well seasoned!!) It seems as if the entire conversation was ignored. Clear points that I thought he wanted to know. Nope. Treat reporters, good and bad, like the “prosecuting attorney”. They are not there to do you a favor. They have “their” life, “their” job, and “their” interest at heart. Not yours.

FB is “exactly” what I needed to operate my business. How could a reporter (who is not a business owner) even “begin” to explain the benefits and cons of FB? Did he open an account and start using the software to operate his business? Did he do a review from the stand point of what “other” business owners “need” and how it will help or hurt them?

Quickbooks = slow books. I don’t need accounting software like quickbooks. I only need to know who owes me money and to let them know and keep letting them know they still owe. The accounting part is done separately via a separate program.

If the reviewer wanted to get a good understanding that was “non biased” maybe he should have interviewed some users of FB to see how it has helped or not helped them? To get an honest view of the software… (no offense Mike, but everyone loves to hear wonderful things about their creation, so it might not have been as non biased as you think, which is understandable.) :D

btw.. I didn’t read the article, but have enjoyed this blog greatly. I don’t need a PC world article to tell me about FB. I think a great place to get a review of your software would better be found with: http://www.whir.com/

You’ll find a much more service based industry “streaming” for software like FB and finding nothing but software like modernbill (which REALLY stinks) and other “host billing software”.

I’d contact them and ask them to review your software. They also print a paper magazine that goes out to the subscribers. I’ve been getting it for years and honestly, it’s the only magazine I read with much interest each time I get it.

James

]]> By: Dwight Yugliez http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/comment-page-1/#comment-34989 Dwight Yugliez Sat, 24 Mar 2007 22:47:42 +0000 http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/#comment-34989 Spoiled brat my... you know what. In "bizniz" you must attack whenever possible. Steve Morris, Quick Books Pro costs $200+. Freshbooks service costs anywhere between $14 - $149/month. It's the service that keeps making you pay. :) Still, there is a huge market who are...what's that word... wowed by web 2.0 service apps so they will drop mad cash (as the kids say). The price could be 3x more and there would still be a market. Spoiled brat my… you know what. In “bizniz” you must attack whenever possible.

Steve Morris, Quick Books Pro costs $200+. Freshbooks service costs anywhere between $14 – $149/month. It’s the service that keeps making you pay. :) Still, there is a huge market who are…what’s that word… wowed by web 2.0 service apps so they will drop mad cash (as the kids say). The price could be 3x more and there would still be a market.

]]> By: Steve Morris http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/comment-page-1/#comment-34955 Steve Morris Sat, 24 Mar 2007 19:48:51 +0000 http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/#comment-34955 BTW, It seems to be that you are being compared to QB due to the similar price point. at $15-$20, does it make sense to have a full accounting app, or a scaled down invoicing app? BTW, It seems to be that you are being compared to QB due to the similar price point. at $15-$20, does it make sense to have a full accounting app, or a scaled down invoicing app?

]]> By: Steve Morris http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/comment-page-1/#comment-34953 Steve Morris Sat, 24 Mar 2007 19:45:51 +0000 http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/#comment-34953 Mike, I echo the "ungrateful brat" comment above. I'm guessing this is the first time you've talked to the press, is it? There will be inaccuracies and spin that the journalists themselves put on your story. That's the game man. You need to figure out how to work with it. Inaccuracies? Demand a correction. Spin? Spin before you get spun. Again, if you're a CEO and you're not playing the game, you're going to get played like you did with PC World. Don't be naive about it... Mike, I echo the “ungrateful brat” comment above. I’m guessing this is the first time you’ve talked to the press, is it? There will be inaccuracies and spin that the journalists themselves put on your story. That’s the game man. You need to figure out how to work with it. Inaccuracies? Demand a correction. Spin? Spin before you get spun. Again, if you’re a CEO and you’re not playing the game, you’re going to get played like you did with PC World. Don’t be naive about it…

]]> By: Eli Roth http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/comment-page-1/#comment-34748 Eli Roth Fri, 23 Mar 2007 21:30:21 +0000 http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/#comment-34748 Some people don't understand business. Leonard, before you attempt to criticize an entrepreneur ever again and make a fool of yourself, go and take a few business classes. Business is all about making connections. You ever hear the phrase, "you wash by back and I'll wash yours"? The only thing Mr. McDerment is guilty of is not schmoozing the PC World editor. In the old days, a few hundred bucks or a visit by a paid for hooker was all you needed for a good review. It was a small price to pay for some good press. Nowadays, it has to be more discrete since some "moral" bloggers have nothing better to do than dig up dirt on other people. So instead of offering cash or adult services you now have to hold people's hands and subtlety make it clear that if a positive article is written it will be worth their while. Free and fair press? Keep dreaming. It's a nice thought but extremely naive and it's just not the way the world works. Mike, you seem like a good fella but like every entrepreneur you want to make the big bucks and you want to obtain more influence. I hope you were just toying with young Leonard when you wrote those things. You and I both know that in order to achieve success you must play by the rules that govern the real world. If you need some pointers on getting good reviews I would be happy to give you some advice. You're right, that guy did a butcher job on your business and your instinct of retaliating on your blog was correct. Don't allow know nothings like Leonard to stop you from following your instincts. Regards, Eli Roth Some people don’t understand business. Leonard, before you attempt to criticize an entrepreneur ever again and make a fool of yourself, go and take a few business classes. Business is all about making connections. You ever hear the phrase, “you wash by back and I’ll wash yours”? The only thing Mr. McDerment is guilty of is not schmoozing the PC World editor.

In the old days, a few hundred bucks or a visit by a paid for hooker was all you needed for a good review. It was a small price to pay for some good press. Nowadays, it has to be more discrete since some “moral” bloggers have nothing better to do than dig up dirt on other people. So instead of offering cash or adult services you now have to hold people’s hands and subtlety make it clear that if a positive article is written it will be worth their while.

Free and fair press? Keep dreaming. It’s a nice thought but extremely naive and it’s just not the way the world works. Mike, you seem like a good fella but like every entrepreneur you want to make the big bucks and you want to obtain more influence. I hope you were just toying with young Leonard when you wrote those things. You and I both know that in order to achieve success you must play by the rules that govern the real world.

If you need some pointers on getting good reviews I would be happy to give you some advice. You’re right, that guy did a butcher job on your business and your instinct of retaliating on your blog was correct. Don’t allow know nothings like Leonard to stop you from following your instincts.

Regards,

Eli Roth

]]> By: Mike McDerment http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/comment-page-1/#comment-34742 Mike McDerment Fri, 23 Mar 2007 20:41:36 +0000 http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/#comment-34742 David - I've been offline and on the road...when I have a moment to spare I'll reply to your question in detail. Thanks for asking, - Mike David – I’ve been offline and on the road…when I have a moment to spare I’ll reply to your question in detail. Thanks for asking,

- Mike

]]> By: David Stern http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/comment-page-1/#comment-34385 David Stern Thu, 22 Mar 2007 01:44:04 +0000 http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/#comment-34385 On a more practical note, a while ago I called one of your people when I was investigating Freshbooks to see if its something we should introduce our clients and readers to. No fault of your rep - he was very responsive -- but my main question was unanswered, so seeing this thread makes me inquire again because I love the concept of what you're doing and some of our clients / prospective clients might benefit from it. The question is (and I know, you're not QuickBooks - we love QB and do lots of QB consulting but we're looking for options for clients hence I've been tracking your company for a while with great interest)... ...how do your customers generate financial statements (P&L and Balance Sheet) to analyze their profitability, apply for bank loans, and get taxes done? What would they do if a prospective acquirer wants to see their financials during due diligence? Do you have any past posts or discussion threads that offers some suggestions I could pass on to clients? Thanks - in general, and for bringing a fresh product to the market - I've checked out a few other up and coming (or not) on-demand solutions and nothing's piquing my interest like Freshbooks is. D On a more practical note, a while ago I called one of your people when I was investigating Freshbooks to see if its something we should introduce our clients and readers to. No fault of your rep – he was very responsive — but my main question was unanswered, so seeing this thread makes me inquire again because I love the concept of what you’re doing and some of our clients / prospective clients might benefit from it.

The question is (and I know, you’re not QuickBooks – we love QB and do lots of QB consulting but we’re looking for options for clients hence I’ve been tracking your company for a while with great interest)…

…how do your customers generate financial statements (P&L and Balance Sheet) to analyze their profitability, apply for bank loans, and get taxes done? What would they do if a prospective acquirer wants to see their financials during due diligence?

Do you have any past posts or discussion threads that offers some suggestions I could pass on to clients?

Thanks – in general, and for bringing a fresh product to the market – I’ve checked out a few other up and coming (or not) on-demand solutions and nothing’s piquing my interest like Freshbooks is.

D

]]> By: Mike McDerment http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/comment-page-1/#comment-34317 Mike McDerment Wed, 21 Mar 2007 16:54:14 +0000 http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/#comment-34317 Peace Leonard. Thanks for the comments and please continue to sound off anytime you feel inclined. Comments like yours keep us on our toes and keep us on track...and everybody needs that kind of influence. Much obliged, - Mike Peace Leonard. Thanks for the comments and please continue to sound off anytime you feel inclined. Comments like yours keep us on our toes and keep us on track…and everybody needs that kind of influence.

Much obliged,

- Mike

]]> By: Leonard http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/comment-page-1/#comment-34315 Leonard Wed, 21 Mar 2007 16:37:25 +0000 http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2007/03/21/pc-world-doesnt-get-it/#comment-34315 Ok Mike, maybe I misunderstood your position. I agree with your stance on openness and how media should be independent and fair. I'm not going to argue with you about your target market since you obviously know more about this than I do. However, I made that point because I've read more than a few comments on your forum about how people have converted from Quicken to Freshbooks. I still think the reviewer would be remiss not to compare Freshbooks to accounting software packages, or at least mention how your service can replace these software packages. To do this, they would have to compare what you offer and that means pointing out what features you do not offer. But I do agree that you are not in direct competition. I just don't think that the review was unfair by doing some comparison. I am aware of your direct competition but I would think the majority of your customers have used Quicken or a similar application and very few have used a service from your direct competitors. Anyway, great blog and great service. I look forward to seeing what else you guys come up with. Judging from the functionality and slick look of both your service and your Website it's clear that your team is very capable. Ok Mike, maybe I misunderstood your position. I agree with your stance on openness and how media should be independent and fair.

I’m not going to argue with you about your target market since you obviously know more about this than I do. However, I made that point because I’ve read more than a few comments on your forum about how people have converted from Quicken to Freshbooks.

I still think the reviewer would be remiss not to compare Freshbooks to accounting software packages, or at least mention how your service can replace these software packages. To do this, they would have to compare what you offer and that means pointing out what features you do not offer.

But I do agree that you are not in direct competition. I just don’t think that the review was unfair by doing some comparison. I am aware of your direct competition but I would think the majority of your customers have used Quicken or a similar application and very few have used a service from your direct competitors.

Anyway, great blog and great service. I look forward to seeing what else you guys come up with. Judging from the functionality and slick look of both your service and your Website it’s clear that your team is very capable.

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