I’ve got to give a shout-out to the guys at 37 Signals here.

They have written, as far as I’m concerned, the best book in existence on how to develop a web app, called Getting Real. This book is fun and easy to read - you can bang it out in a day - but it’s the type of book you’ll constantly be referring back to as you work to build the perfect app. Here’s a peek:

Decisions are temporary so make the call and move on
Done. Start to think of it as a magical word. When you get to done it means something’s been accomplished. A decision has been made and you can move on. Done means you’re building momentum.

But wait, what if you screw up and make the wrong call? It’s ok. This isn’t brain surgery, it’s a web app. As we keep saying, you’ll likely have to revisit features and ideas multiple times during the process anyway. No matter how much you plan you’re likely to get half wrong anyway. So don’t do the “paralyis through analysis” thing. That only slows progress and saps morale.

Instead, value the importance of moving on and moving forward. Get in the rhythm of making decisions. Make a quick, simple call and then go back and change that decision if it doesn’t work out.

Accept that decisions are temporary. Accept that mistakes will happen and realize it’s no big deal as long as you can correct them quickly. Execute, build momentum, and move on.

Brilliant. I just decided I’m going to read this thing a fourth time starting tonight! And they’ve also recently made it available for free online for all you penny-pinchers.