08/10/2003 Interview with April- author of ThoughtManager Organizer for Mothers.
What was the original inspiration behind ThoughtManager Organizer for Mothers?
Because my husband is head of HandsHigh Software, there are PDA devices, old and new, passing through our house on a regular basis. A little over a year ago I finally decided I should start using one of those little things since there were so many free ones sitting around for the taking. One of the first programs I started to use was ThoughtManager. It was great for lists and thoughts and plans and note-taking of all kinds as I tried to manage our family of seven, which, by the way, is more challenging than my old job as a CPA. As I used it, I developed many lists that were of particular use for mothers as they manage their homes and families, so I decided to research and expand it into Organizer for Mothers.
Are there plans to enhance the software to include more lists and will requests for extra lists in the future be considered?
Definitely. In the manual on the website, users are encouraged to share the lists they develop, especially ones that would benefit all of us. I'm excited to see what people come up with.
I know it's only just be released but how successful has it been so far and has it reached your expectations?
We've really only just gotten it ready to sell on the website and our press releases are trickling out, so it's too soon to tell. A few weeks ago a woman contacted us, very eager to buy the product, but unable to find it on our website where it had been just a few minutes previously. "I really NEED this! It's just what I've been looking for!" She happened to be searching for "organizers" during the short 5 minutes the product was up on the site for testing. That's the kind of excitement we're hoping for. We anticipate that this product is the type that will cause people to go out and buy Palm OS computers because they finally see and understand how they can really use them. It will take some time to reach those people new to handheld computers.
How would you respond if someone said that an application that is designed for 'Mothers' appears to be sexist and could it not be just as relevant to Fathers?
I'd say it's as sexist as Mother's Day, Father's Day, and dresses. But I welcome any father who is the manager of his kids and home to buy it and enjoy it to his heart's content.
What PDA do you use and why?
I use a Palm 500 and I had to go look to see what it was. I use it because it holds its charge a long time.
Why do you think the majority of PDA owners are male?
I don't know. Maybe they aren't marketed to women as much. Truthfully, the vast majority of engineers designing the hardware and software are men. We need more products designed for women and from a woman's perspective; and yes, there is a difference. Ask any advertiser.
What's the best book you have read?
My current favorite is Uncle Tom's Cabin Dig it out, you'll see it's great and timeless. Despite all the negative hype about Uncle Tom, he's my true hero. What a strong, awesome man!
If you could choose any feature to add to a future PDA what would it be?
I want a strong magnet attached that I can use to stick it on my frig, because I often use my handheld in the kitchen as I make shopping lists, phone calls, and notes in the "heart of the home".
If you could describe the feeling of being a parent in 10 words what > would they be?
Blessed, Overwhelmed, Incredible, Exhausted, Excited, Honored, Frustrated, Entertained, Loved, Humbled.
My wife and I are expecting a daughter in January and we are arguing over names- Alice or Cameron??? Your opinion please:)
Congratulations!! You are embarking on a life-long adventure that will make you feel Blessed, Overwhelmed, Incredible, Exhausted, Excited, Honored, Frustrated, Entertained, Loved, and Humbled. We're sincerely happy for you! I don't want to get in the middle of you and your wife's argument, but I like Alice because it begins with an "A".
My thanks to April for one of the best interviews we have posted on PDANews24. Great to see how much thought goes into some products and that the people behind them have good reasons for making them. Full details of ThoughtManager Organizer for Mothers are here.