HERE’S A REPORT from the comfy-chair revolution’s fast-moving front lines:
Co-founded by graphic designer Mike Matas and programmer Wil Shipley, the company’s first title, Delicious Library, was launched in November 2004. It generated $250,000 worth of sales in its first month, and the company has a crowded, popular booth here at Macworld.
But its four main employees meet every day at the popular Zoka coffee shop in Seattle’s university district.
“It’s cheap rent and a fun environment,” said Matas. “We go down there every day with our laptops and work. It’s an incredible place. They have two or three of the top baristas in the country (the awards are on the wall). We pay our rent by buying coffee…. They love us. We’re some of their best customers.”
As well as creamy lattes, the coffee shop offers wireless internet access and big, bench-like tables that several people can gather around. Often, Delicious Monster’s entire seven-person staff will work there.
There’s a lot of this going on, I think.
UPDATE: Greg Piper notes that the revolution has its costs. Hey, you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs!