Simpler Machines

Zero Configuration Project Management

Nat Bennett -

Two things today. First is that I've got a new newsletter, Mere Being. It's ~monthly and about my work, whether it's software related or not. It's a good way to keep up with me even when I'm not publishing to Simpler Machines.

The new newsletter is hosted on the same Ghost site as Simpler Machines, so you can subscribe to it by signing into the Simpler Machines website and updating your email preferences.

You can also sign up directly here.

Today I'd like to introduce you to a project called "Zero." It's got that as a codename because it's a solution to "problem zero," the problem of deciding what to work on, right now, and because it has "zero configuration."

You might be the target audience for Zero if...

  • The words "zero configuration" get you excited
  • You value the conversations you have while estimating, but you're tired of talking about what story points "mean"
  • You've ever used release markers to organize an Icebox
  • You've ever used a software project management software to manage household chores
  • Slow software makes you miserable

Here's a link to the demo environment that’s hosted on Fly.io now.

Here's a link to the code on Github.


You’re welcome to use the demo version but I have a couple of caveats.

  • The database is an unmanaged Postgres DB. No backups or anything.
  • It doesn’t have any kind of login or multi-tenancy features. Everything that’s in it is visible to everyone using it.


If you do put any data into it I will take that as a signal that you’re interested in using it for more serious work, but nothing in it right now is durable.

I feel a little awkward sharing this out right now, because it's so basic and it’s missing a bunch of features that I think are important, but as Reid Hoffman says, "If you're not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you've shipped too late." So please do take a look, and let me know what you think, either by responding to this e-mail, sending me an e-mail at nat @ this website, or leaving a comment on this page.

I'd especially like to hear from you if you don't like your current project management software and would like to try something new, but haven't been able to find anything that's better.