As the article describes, products like the Flip Camera have “stunned the industry”, offering “cheap, fast and simple tools” that are extremely popular. The article points to several examples of customers moving towards easy-to-use tools that offer most (if not the majority) of the functionailty we need at a price that cannot be ignored (as is the case of cloud computing, where many software tools are free).

Capps outlines three elements that participants of the “Good Enough Revolution” are focused on; ease of use, continuous availability, and low price. As he explains, “Thanks to the speed and connectivity of the digital age, we’ve stopped fussing over pixel counts, sample rates, and feature lists”. These elements resonate with what we’re building as a non-profit organization, and our goals to be an open-source organization (where our volunteers, staff, stakeholders and fans can participate and collaborate).

As tech tools continue to become the method for which we produce great work (instead of becoming the work itself), do we need flashy options and endless capabilities (and lengthy training courses?) or do we need software that allows us to create, produce and remix awesome work without huge start-up times (and costs). I vote for the latter. As Shel Holtz has said in regards to social media, “It’s not about the tool, it’s about the conversation”.

In evaluating new technical tools for our organization, I am faced with questions like “will our users pick up and start using the tool without much training? Is it accessible and in the cloud? Is it collaborative? I look for tools that can complete the task (ideally quicker and easier than desktop software), that don’t demand a huge learning curve, and at times, ones that have a “cool factor”.

Maybe more importantly, the Good Enough Revolution is successful because it allows organizations to get started in using the tools now, and then adapt and grow in the future.  Picking up the “Good Enough” tools and running without a strategy isn’t the reason why they are so popular.  In fact, using too many tools without a plan is a surefire way to confusion, disorganization and duplicated processes.  Instead, organizations should look to “Good Enough” tools as a way to excute strategies and projects without commitments to expensive software, training and extended planning.  Get going, experiment and adapt.

It’s interesting that Capps writes, “As more and more industries move their business online, they too will find success in Good Enough tools that focus on maximizing accessibility. It’s a reflection of our new value system. We’ve changed.”  At Framework, it is clear that our values lie with accessibility and open-source.  What do you think about the Good Enough Revolution? Are there some features that the “quick and easy” tools can’t provide for you?

Why Phoenix Print Shop? It is a remarkable social enterprise that provides at-risk youth with job training and affordable housing. I have visited Phoenix Print Shop on several occasions, and remain impressed with their level of professionalism (to clients) and services (to residents).

For charities, printing at Phoenix Print Shop is a cost competitive alternative that also brings better ‘blended-value’ to their work. Who would not want to work with a progressive socially and environmentally conscience vendor?

In these recessionary times, it is not easy for charities or businesses to operate as we did 18 months ago. The sand is shifting so quickly that it becomes incredibly hard to focus on the long term when getting past next week seems so daunting.

For the past eight years we have been very focused on the long term. However, it has taken some time to build effective capacity that allows us to host Timeraisers while also participating in larger projects with other like-minded organizations.

The Community Print Club – encouraging 50 charities to get a quote from Phoenix Print Shop – is our first installment of many exciting initiatives that are part of our long term view. If 50 charities with regular printing needs engaged with Phoenix Print Shop, our research estimates that almost $100,000 in new revenue would be generated.

In the coming weeks we will be also sharing our new social media strategy on this blog. Our team will also be sharing every aspect of the strategy including ‘how-to’ tools and resources for other nonprofits or social enterprises to do the same.

Our team has also completed some interesting research that characterizes the type of professionalization that is happening in our space. Additionally, we are launching a Timeraiser in Edmonton mid Fall 2009.

And finally you’ll be hearing lots from our team about the ‘organizational pilates‘ that we do. The capacity building exercise that strengthens our organizational core has been critical for making sure we are living up to the values we want to promote: how to bring people to causes and causes to people.

Thanks for tuning in.

Anil Patel