About Cool Tools
Cool Tools is a web site which recommends the best/cheapest tools available. Tools are defined broadly as anything that can be useful. This includes hand tools, machines, books, software, gadgets, websites, maps, and even ideas. All reviews are positive raves written by real users. We don't bother with negative reviews because our intent is to only offer the best.
One new tool is posted each weekday. Cool Tools does NOT sell anything. The site provides prices and convenient sources for readers to purchase items. When Amazon.com is listed as a source (which it often is because of its prices and convenience) Cool Tools receives a fractional fee from Amazon if items are purchased at Amazon on that visit. Cool Tools also earns revenue from Google ads, although we have no foreknowledge nor much control of which ads will appear. Cool Tools also earns income from more traditional FM ads, which are managed by Federated Media.
We recently posted a short history of Cool Tools which included current stats as of April 2008. This explains both the genesis of this site, and the tools we use to operated it.
Steven Leckart
Steven has been editing Cool Tools since 2007. He solicits, selects, edits, prepares and packages all reviews on the site. If you'd like to submit a review or have a question about a past review contact him (or use the submit page). Steven's email is steveleckart {at} gmail.com.
Kevin Kelly
Kevin started Cool Tools in 2000 as an email list, then as a blog since 2003. He edited all reviews through 2006. He writes the occasional review, overseas the design and editorial direction of this site, and is working on the book version of Cool Tools. If you have a question about the website in general his email is kk {at} kk.org.
Camille Cloutier
Camille runs the Cool Tool website, posting items daily, maintaining software, measuring analytics, managing ads, and in general keeping the site alive. If you have a concern about the operation or status of this site contact her email is cc {at} kk.org
James Home
This site was originally designed by James Home, who also did the coding for it on Movable Type. Jim is a true renaissance guy -- designer/coder/humanist -- who also suggested the site's logo and domain name, and designed the Asia Grace website.
Kirk von Rohr
A revised design of Cool Tools was initiated by graphic designer Kirk von Rohr. Kirk also designed the new KK*logo and redesigned Asia Grace.
Thomas Marban
The new Cool Tool design was further revised by Thomas Marban, who developed the alternative grid views. Thomas is designer, programmer and creator of Popurls, the best one-stop aggregator site on the web.
Wayne Bremser
The tough job of implementing all these changes -- and additional design tweaks -- was done by Wayne Bresmer. Wayne is a Movable Type wizard who also gave the site badly needed hygienic upgrades.
We only post things we like and ignore the rest. Suggestions for tools much better than what is recommended here are always wanted.
Inspector Gadget: A New Guide Gives You the Lowdown on Must-Have Items
Article by Lisa Sweetingham
Time Out New York, January 29, 2004
Relevant and Useful, In a Catalog Redux
Article by John Markoff
New York Times, December 8, 2003
Kelly's Catalog of the Cool
Interview with Leander Kahney
Wired News, December 1, 2003
