Developer's widget gets too popular, becomes a burden

Filed under: Business, Developer, Internet

Developer's widget gets too popular, becomes a burden

by Peter White Jun 22nd 2007

Widget is a funny word. Let's get that out of the way right now. If you don't giggle when you hear it, you've lost your soul. "I like to think my widget makes a lot of people happy." That's funny, accept it. And everyone wants their widgets to be seen. But if too many people play with your widget, it can start to become a pain. It can happen. A story on InsideFacebook tells about a developer who's had 400,000 people use his widget, and it's really starting to cost him money. He doesn't really have the hardware to handle that type of traffic, and since the widget doesn't generate any money, he's pretty much on his own.

Don Dodge (can that name be real? So dynamic. That's a name that can get things done) talks about how this type of thing happens. Warning: when you check out his article, you'll notice his picture in the top left corner. DO NOT STARE DIRECTLY INTO THE EYES. They're hypnotic. You'll wake up naked in the desert buried up to your neck. Dodge has some good ideas and explanation of this phenomenon, and some ideas on how it can be used to make enough cash to support your ever promiscuous widget. And while Don Dodge's parents are probably proud of what their son is doing, they've got to be a little disappointed that with such a fantastic name he didn't become a spy, or a cowboy, or some sort of intense figure where he could shoot at someone while yelling something witty at them like "get the hell out of Dodge." It's sad, really.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

sean said 7:06PM on 6-22-2007

F-ing Hilarious!!!!

Clarion said 1:30AM on 6-23-2007

This post was so humorous and well-written that I don't even remember or care what the subject of it was!

Chip said 1:30AM on 6-23-2007

If Don Dodge can get you naked just by looking at you, seriously consider therapy. If not that, try getting laid more often.

Kim Schulz said 8:07AM on 6-23-2007

Whats the big deal about 400.000 users? one of my google Gadgets is used 7.5mil times a week and the number is raising.

Don Dodge said 1:48PM on 6-23-2007

Yes, Peter, Don Dodge is my real name. Your post had me laughing hysterically. I didn't know widgets could be such a funny topic.

BTW, my dynamic name has allowed me to get a few things done. I was director of engineering at AltaVista and VP of product development at the original Napster. Later, VP of product management at Groove Networks, and now working for Microsoft.

As a young man my goal was to be a Playboy photographer. Hey, somebody has to do it. Why not me. It didn't work out so I went into the software business instead.

Now, about those widgets...

Justin Smith said 8:43AM on 6-26-2007

Great post, Peter! :)

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