All hail XML, CSS and minimalist design

I make no bones about being a TypePad fan. Could I run MovableType on my own server? I already do. TypePad just has a different feel. It’s the best web service I’ve ever used. Well until Basecamp.

It’s project management 37 Signals style. Basically what that means is it’s better than any other project management tool you’ve used in the past. Here’s why:

1) It’s distributed. Bulletin boards don’t work if you don’t work in the same city as your client (or coworker).
2) It’s hot. Beautiful interface.
3) RSS / iCal syndication. RSS is a must, iCal is a plus.
4) Customizable with your colors, logos and doo dads. Makes a great impression on clients.

I’ve been looking for something like this for a while. The open source options all shout “open source” with their ugly UI’s, difficult navigation and slow backends. Any client side options were out (we’re a global marketplace). I’ve only done one local project.