Cloning basecamp
bdmac97: The main problem I can see is that, as with most copies, you are going to lack their insight into that domain which is what makes their product so compelling.  You will always be several steps behind them in usefulness and will always be trying to play catch-up by copying their new features rather than innovating.  It is likely that things just won't work "smoothly" and will be integrated poorly in your clone compared to the original.