Dogfooding

I learned a new word yesterday. From the expression “eating your own dog food,” dogfooding is used to describe when an organization or person uses their own products for personal use.

For example, the team at Basecamp use Basecamp. Go figure.

And (not to be conceited) lots of non-fiction authors purportedly read their own books or blog posts. If they believe in what they have to say, it makes sense that they would want to inculcate their ideas.

And I think we can all assume that the folks who make up Pixar (probably) watch their movies with their kids.

Of course, it works both ways.

If you wouldn’t use your products or services, want to watch yourself give a presentation, or treat yourself the way your customer support team treats your customers, maybe you should reconsider the path you’re on.

If you don’t like the taste of your own dogfood, why would you expect anyone else to either?