Feedback loop - the causal path that leads from the initial generation of the feedback signal to the subsequent modification of the event

EasyImg is our first product, an internet graphics engine. We've advertised on smashingmagazine.com and on webresourcesdepot.com with little success getting subscribers. The campaigns drove traffic but not subscriptions. We can't rely on advertising alone since it takes a big monetary investment to get the volume. And it doesn't really get us into the feedback loop that we're trying to create with people. It's an important part of our marketing strategy. But doesn't fulfill our goal for creating a feedback loop.

Blogging is an excellent way to encourage the discussions so vital to a feedback loop. Our approach to our blogs is the same as with our products, providing value. We're learning how to write content that's of value to people. The idea is that if people get something valuable from our blogs, they'll contribute to discussions on them, creating a response to our feedback signal, giving us an opportunity to create a feedback loop.

EasyImg was started as a solution to using custom fonts in our web designs. And so we've posted an article about the different techniques for using custom fonts in web design. Wish us luck on starting the conversation so vital to our business.

After every engagement, we debrief, discussing what happened, things that went right and things that went wrong. We feel this is an important feed back loop that will help us grow in our abilities to manage projects as well as building good relationships with our clients, partners and employees. The following message came out of our discussions, particularly related to the Agile approach to software development. I'm posting it here as a message to our clients.

Dear Client,

We have identified your needs at a high level. Of those, they can be categorized like such. Of these requirements, you indicated that these items were most important to you. We commit to always working on the most important items. Furthermore, we will break those items down into manageable pieces that we can deliver to you at regular, short intervals. Under this scenario, you are assured of always having the most important parts delivered to you sooner rather than later. Also, we embrace change and understand that as our collective understanding and experience grows in the project, requirements can change. As long as we are delivering the items you deem most important, you are always receiving maximum value for your investment. By constantly delivering working software, if business or market realities change, we can terminate development and your investment to date is secured.