37Signals' Campfire; Grade-A Consulting Software
November 10, 2006

So I've been doing a bit of contracted web design lately and have been loving it. What I don't love however, is trying to convey and be conveyed to exactly what a client wants. One can quickly find themselves deep in a nest of 17 e-mails all saying different things - like I did last night.

Enter 37 Signals' Campfire. Basically, a nice slick web-based IM system that allows you and a client to quickly and easily converse and convey your ideas to one another. You can quickly post screenshots, word documents and the like. In true 37signals fashion, it's a joy to use with a simple "upload file" button that pops a file right into the middle of your conversation to be viewed by any other parties you've chosen. It even automatically logs your conversation, so it's all laid out for later.

It's a quick, painless and free signup for the most simple plan - and can really help you out if you're in a pinch and need to talk with a client.