Rainsystems · Editorial operations
The newsroom · est. May 2024

Between commits.

A studio notebook. Essays on editorial systems, engineering field notes, the occasional rant about CSS. Published when there's something worth writing, not on a schedule.

Strategy · May 24, 2026 · Lead story

Grant Cycles Are Killing Your Product Roadmap

One- and two-year grant cycles make it nearly impossible to build a platform that actually serves your audience long-term. Here's how to plan anyway.

By Akel Aguad·May 24, 2026·1 min read
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One- and two-year grant cycles make it nearly impossible to build a platform that actually serves your audience long-term. Here's how to plan anyway.

From the lead story
Strategy · Apr 29

How to Know If Your Website Is Actually Working

Most business owners assume their website is working. But working is not a feeling. It's a measurable thing, and measuring it starts with knowing what you're trying to measure.

By Akel Aguad·April 29, 2026·1 min
Services · Apr 28

What to Expect After Your Website Launches

Most clients go into a website launch focused on getting it done, not on what comes next. But what comes next is where the real work begins.

By Akel Aguad·April 28, 2026·1 min
Services · Apr 27

The Real Cost of a Cheap Website

The $500 website exists. You can get one. The question isn't whether it's possible. It's whether it's actually cheap once you account for what comes after.

By Akel Aguad·April 27, 2026·1 min