Be Smart

I've become quite cynical about online project management tools. With each new brand that comes out, I'm either underwhelmed (because there aren't enough features) or overwhelmed (because there are too many features - but most of them I'll never use - and the system is too complicated for my project partners to bother with). Yet, I remain persistent in my search for the perfect application that will free me from having to use four diffrent methods for communicating with people on a given project.

I just became aware of MyQuire, a web application with standard fare project management features: calendar, projects & task assignments, file and photo upload, notifications, and online chat. But MyQuire distinguishes itself from the crowd of other project collaboration and management applications by combining these features with a social networking element, so that you can set up different groups as well as networks to draw from for various projects.

Though I'm not that impressed with MyQuire from a pure project management standpoint, I can see how it could be very useful for charity projects (calling upon a group of people to help rebuild a school in a third world country, for instance) and community events, as well as for organizing social events for enthusiast/hobby groups (like those emerging out of Meetup.com).

I like the concept, and hope that it becomes part of a trend towards building online social networks around causes.