Embracing the 3-Month Rule: A Pragmatic Approach to Unscalable Solutions in Tech
In the dynamic world of startups and tech innovation, the mantra “do things that don’t scale” is often touted by thought leaders like Paul Graham. However, the challenge lies in translating this advice into actionable strategies, particularly in the realm of software development. After spending eight months developing my AI podcast platform, I’ve formulated a straightforward framework that I affectionately call the “3-Month Rule.” The premise is simple: each unscalable hack is given a lifespan of three months. At the end of this period, it either demonstrates definitive value or is gracefully removed from the equation.
As engineers, there’s a strong inclination to craft solutions that are scalable from the outset. We often obsess over design patterns, microservices, and sophisticated architectures capable of handling vast user bases. Yet, when you’re in the startup phase, this mindset can lead to unnecessary complexity. Scalable solutions can sometimes equate to expensive procrastination, preparing for challenges that may never materialize. My 3-Month Rule compels me to focus on creating straightforward, albeit imperfect, code that allows me to truly engage with user needs.
Current Infrastructure Hacks: Why They Work
1. Consolidated Resources on a Single VM
Imagine running your database, web server, background jobs, and caching all on a single $40-per-month virtual machine. That’s my reality—no redundancy and manual backups to my local machine. While it might appear reckless at first glance, this setup has significantly enhanced my understanding of actual resource requirements far beyond any theoretical capacity-planning document. My platform, which I presumed would need vast RAM for AI processes, peaks at a mere 4GB. Had I opted for a complex Kubernetes architecture, I would have been engrossed in managing unused containers.
Each time the server crashes—an occurrence I’ve experienced twice—I gain invaluable insights into vulnerabilities I hadn’t anticipated.
2. Hardcoded Constants Throughout
Within my codebase, critical values like pricing tiers and user limits are hardcoded with no extensive configuration files or environment variables. This approach allows rapid modifications tracked directly through version control. Rather than spending a week engineering a separate configuration service, my three adjustments over the last three months took just minutes to deploy. This simple strategy has saved me significant engineering hours.
3. Leveraging SQLite for Multi-User Access
Yes, my multi-user web app operates
One Comment
This is a fantastic and pragmatic approach to navigating the delicate balance between rapid iteration and scalable architecture. The 3-Month Rule not only encourages experimentation with unscalable solutions but also instills discipline in evaluating their real-world value before investing significant engineering effort. I appreciate how this mindset shifts the focus from over-engineering for potential future needs to understanding actual user behavior and infrastructure demands.
Your examples—such as consolidating resources on a single VM and using hardcoded constants for quick adjustments—demonstrate how embracing simplicity can accelerate learning and reduce wasted effort. It reminds me that in early-stage product development, actionable insights often come from direct user interactions rather than meticulously crafted scalable systems from day one.
This framework can be a valuable guiding principle for founders and engineers alike, fostering a mindset of intentional experimentation and thoughtful pruning. Have you considered ways to formalize the evaluation criteria at the end of each three-month cycle, perhaps integrating user feedback or performance metrics to decide on the next steps?