Embracing the 3-Month Rule: A Pragmatic Approach to Innovation in Tech
When it comes to startup advice, Paul Graham’s famous phrase, “Do things that don’t scale” typically generates much discussion. However, the practical implementation of this advice, especially in the realm of coding, often goes unaddressed. After eight months of developing my AI podcast platform, I’ve devised a straightforward yet effective framework: every unscalable workaround is given a lifespan of three months. At the end of this period, if the hack has demonstrated enough value, it will be properly integrated; otherwise, it will be discarded.
As engineers, our training often emphasizes the importance of creating scalable solutions from the outset. Concepts like design patterns, microservices, and distributed systems enable applications to serve millions. However, this mindset often suits larger corporations rather than nimble startups.
In reality, focusing on scalability too early can lead to unnecessary complexity and hinder progress. Many startups face the challenge of optimizing for a user base that may not even exist yet. By adhering to my three-month rule, I compel myself to produce straightforward and even “imperfect” code that is actually deployed, allowing me to understand firsthand what users truly need.
My Key Infrastructure Hacks and Their Unexpected Brilliance
1. Unified Operations on a Single VM
I run everything—database, web server, background jobs, and Redis—on a single $40/month virtual machine. This setup lacks redundancy, and I manage manual backups on my personal machine.
Why is this a strategic advantage? In just two months, I’ve gained insights into my actual resource needs that no volume of capacity planning documents could provide. My “AI-heavy” platform operates seamlessly with just 4GB of RAM. The sophisticated Kubernetes architecture I initially considered would have merely resulted in managing idle containers.
Every instance of downtime has presented valuable data on failures, consistently revealing unexpected points of failure.
2. Hardcoded Configurations
In my codebase, I’ve opted for hardcoded constants like:
python
PRICE_TIER_1 = 9.99
PRICE_TIER_2 = 19.99
MAX_USERS = 100
AI_MODEL = "gpt-4"
There are no separate config files or environment variables; any adjustment requires a redeployment of the code.
The hidden benefit? I can search my entire codebase for any configuration value almost instantaneously. Each pricing change is easily trackable in Git
One Comment
This is a compelling approach that emphasizes the importance of rapid iteration and learning in early-stage development. The three-month rule serves as a practical boundary to prevent perfection paralysis, ensuring that teams focus on delivering tangible value quickly. I particularly appreciate how your infrastructure hacks—such as running everything on a single VM and using hardcoded configurations—enable immediate feedback and understanding of real-world needs.
While these methods might seem unorthodox compared to traditional best practices, they exemplify a lean mindset that prioritizes action over extensive planning. It’s a valuable reminder that the goal of early-stage engineering is to validate assumptions and learn swiftly, not to optimize for scalability from day one. Once the product gains traction, you can then invest in more sophisticated, scalable solutions with clearer insights—much like your framework suggests. Thanks for sharing this pragmatic perspective that can help many startups strike the balance between agility and technical debt.