Extensis Archive

On our sister site HTMLCenter, I get a variety of software to review. One of the companies that has sent us software for years is Extensis, makers of a bunch of Mac tools – mostly font-related software. Every time, it’s either software in a box, or just the cd/dvd plus media materials. This time is different.

The box was a weird cube-shape which had me confused as to what it could be. I rip it open and inside I find a safe. It’s a piggy-bank safe with a combination. There’s a card which says "During Macworld 2008, you’ll receive a follow-up noteand a combination that will unlock key details about our new Type Server as well as your vault, revealing its contents."

So naturally I put all blog posts on hold and got out my stethoscope, piece of chewed gum and a straw and went to work. After 14 minutes, I was able to get into the safe. And inside is a foam piece covered in plastic that says "UNLOCKED" on it.

I won’t break the embargo and open it, but I will say that it’s the most interesting thing I’ve received from a firm in a long time. Something for you to think about as you pitch a blog or a news reporter about your startup.