[Editor: In the interest of full disclosure, Kumquat is a tool conceived, funded, and built through my company, Return. As such, I am over compensating to maintain objectivity in this announcement.]
Portland-based Return has announced the limited release of Kumquat, a tool for self-directed performance reviews. Designed with simplicity in mind, the tool supports both independent consultants and corporate workers who find current feedback channels lacking, allowing them to easily solicit and manage quantitative and qualitative assessments of their performance.
Marshall Kirkpatrick of Read/Write Web has reviewed the tool in a post, entitled “No, Really – How Was it For You? Kumquat Launches Simple Performance Review Service,” noting some worthwhile features as well as some potential shortcomings:
It’s got some early performance issues but scores high on usability otherwise. If you are seeking feedback on your work from clients or peers – Kumquat could be just what you’re looking for.
For all its elegance, Kumquat’s also got a ways to go before anyone should be too enthusiastic about the product…. Simplicity is good, maybe it’s good enough. Integration with other reputation systems? A widget? I’m not sure, maybe those steps would be overkill and Kumquat is just what independent workers need.
Fair and balanced feedback, to be sure. And quite frankly, I couldn’t ask for anything better. Rest assured, a number of the issues mentioned are either resolved or on their way to resolution.
So, if you’re interested in trying Kumquat, please comment below, and maybe—just maybe—I might be able to arrange for you to get an invite. (All kidding aside, I would be very interested in getting your feedback on Silicon Florist using Kumquat. And, once you respond to my review request, you’ll have the option of signing up, yourself.)
If you’re a member of the media—a blogger or traditional journalist—and interested in writing about Kumquat, please visit the media area for resources that may help. As always, please feel free to trackback this post. And obviously, we more than welcome your feedback on Kumquat.
Finally, thank you for putting up with my self-serving post. We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.