When a Bug Saved the Company
17 days ago
- #bugs
- #business
- #software
- Bugs in software are usually undesirable, but a bug in Rogue Amoeba's Audio Hijack app in 2002 unexpectedly boosted sales.
- The initial version of Audio Hijack offered a 15-day free trial with no restrictions, leading to middling sales.
- A bug in version 1.6 accidentally limited trial users to 15 minutes of recording from day one, which significantly increased conversions.
- This unintended change created a more effective trial model, leading to sustainable sales and allowing Rogue Amoeba to grow into a full-time business.
- The company credits this bug with saving Audio Hijack and enabling its expansion to a dozen employees.