The 3-Month Rule: A Pragmatic Approach to Unscalable Solutions
In the world of startups, navigating the complexities of building and scaling a new product can be daunting. While many entrepreneurs have heard Paul Graham’s iconic advice to “do things that don’t scale,” implementing this principle effectively, particularly in technical development, is often overlooked. After eight months of developing my AI podcast platform, I’ve established a framework I like to call the “3-Month Rule” that has served me well in this regard.
The essence of my approach is simple: every unscalable solution is allowed a lifespan of three months. After this period, it must either demonstrate its value and merit further investment or be discarded. This process enables a more agile and pragmatic development strategy, allowing for rapid learning and adaptation based on actual user needs.
A Shift in Perspective
As engineers, we’re often trained to architect solutions with scalability in mind from the outset—thinking about design patterns and systems that can handle enormous user volumes. However, this mindset can lead to unnecessary complexity, especially in a startup environment where demand is uncertain. In my experience, chasing scalability too early can result in expensive delays and wasted resources. By focusing on simple, straightforward solutions, I can better understand my users’ true requirements.
My Tactical Infrastructure Decisions
Here are some of the unconventional methods I’ve employed and the valuable insights they’ve provided:
1. Consolidated Operations on a Single VM
Instead of distributing my database, web server, and processing tasks across several nodes, I opted to run everything on a single $40/month virtual machine. This decision has allowed me to pinpoint my actual resource needs far more efficiently than traditional capacity planning methods. The result? A frugal setup that provides critical, real-time data on system performance without the overhead of unnecessary infrastructure.
2. Embracing Hardcoded Configurations
My configuration is kept straightforward, with constants explicitly written in the code. This approach may seem less sophisticated, but it remarkably enhances my ability to track changes. By using version control, every modification is documented meticulously, and I find it completely sufficient—only a handful of adjustments have been made in the past three months. The upfront time saved by avoiding complex configuration management is invaluable.
3. Utilizing SQLite for Simplicity
While many would argue against using SQLite for a web application with multiple users, my experience tells a different story. With a compact 47MB database that comfortably handles up to 50 users at once,
One Comment
This is an insightful approach that challenges conventional wisdom around scalability from the outset—it’s a refreshing reminder that startups often benefit from prioritizing learning and iteration over premature complexity. I particularly resonate with the “3-Month Rule,” as it encourages rapid experimentation and validation without overinvesting in unproven solutions.
Your tactical decisions, like consolidating operations on a single VM and using hardcoded configurations, exemplify a pragmatic mindset that minimizes overhead and accelerates feedback loops. This aligns well with the idea that in early stages, simplicity often yields the most valuable insights.
One thought to build on this is considering how to gracefully transition from these unscalable solutions once they’ll need to evolve. For instance, planning a clear pathway for scaling SQLite to a more robust database as user growth demands could ensure your infrastructure remains adaptable without sacrificing the gains you’ve made through your initial streamlined setup.
Overall, your framework offers a compelling blueprint for balancing speed, learning, and resourcefulness—crucial elements for successful startup engineering.