37Signals cry foul, as Google ruffle some feathers.
Thursday, April 24th, 2008Blogs are buzzing after the Google launch of Apps Engine Platform was overshadowed by an accusation of ‘copy cat’ by 37Signals.
All the excitment is focused on ’HuddleChat’, an application released as an example of what is possible with Google App Engine, and is ’accused’ of being a dead ringer for the 37Signals chat offering, Campfire.
Let PR Tennis begin…
Worried that it would be seen as a Big Bully, Google decided to pull the application, leaving only this message.
37Signals CEO Jason Fried used HuddleChat as a PR opportunity, telling Read Write Web:
“We’re flattered Google thinks Campfire is a great product, we’re just disappointed that they stooped so low to basically copy it feature for feature, layout for layout…We thought that would be beneath Google, but maybe its time to reevaluate what they stand for.”
As far as i can see, all 37Signals have achieved here is a clean ’shot in the foot’. 37signals is a company that adheres to the spirit of sharing and thanking folks who inspire them… but not if you’re a Goliath like Google, obviously! (Hmm, you’re face doesn’t fit so you’re not getting in.)
They may look like a victory over the ‘big boys’, but I cant help but feel they’ve tarnished their own brand values and associated it to a bad precedent of web censorship. At the end of the day web based chat clients have been available for years and they all look about the same.
Google should have kept HuddleChat and left users to make their own judgment, thanking 37Signals for their inspired thinking and positive outlook. In turn 37Signlas should stop listening to their own hype, get back to work, and add unique features to make sure Campfire is always a step ahead.
When all is said and done this episode should serve as a reminder for the web 2.0 startup community at large, that Google is in this to make money just like 37Signals and everyone else.
