Show HN: a social network conducted entirely through email • Hacker News Board

Re: Show HN: a social network conducted entirely through email

#21

Post by bvi » Tue, Oct 04, 2011, 3:25 PM UTC

tci22 wrote: post #16

Skywing wrote: post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

There is still a ton of information that you could provide to the new users visiting your home page. It is your job to convince the users to send that first email. Suggesting that people create throw away email accounts does not sound like the best user on-boarding process. This is where examples, or better descriptions on your home page would help.

Okay. Good point. How would you describe it through words? Keeping in mind people don't want to use their personal emails. Suggestions welcome.

> How would you describe it through words?

That's your job. :)

Put it out there, be as succinct as you can, and tweak it along the way. No shortcuts here.

Re: Show HN: a social network conducted entirely through email

#22

Post by pavel_lishin » Tue, Oct 04, 2011, 3:32 PM UTC

tci22 wrote: post #15

pavel_lishin wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's asking me for a lot of effort without giving me much of a reason.

The concept of the site, or the description of the site? What seems taxing?

Having to set up a throwaway e-mail account to try out your service, without an explanation of how it works, first.

Yes, it's easy. No, I don't want to have to do it.

Re: Show HN: a social network conducted entirely through email

#23

Post by tci22 » Tue, Oct 04, 2011, 3:39 PM UTC

bvi wrote: post #21

tci22 wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Okay. Good point. How would you describe it through words? Keeping in mind people don't want to use their personal emails. Suggestions welcome.

> How would you describe it through words? That's your job. :) Put it out there, be as succinct as you can, and tweak it along the way. No shortcuts here.

I dunno...seems succinct enough: pick a topic, send us an email, and we forward emails to you from emailers discussing same topic. I only suggested creating a throwaway because people worry about spam.

Re: Show HN: a social network conducted entirely through email

#24

Post by tci22 » Tue, Oct 04, 2011, 3:44 PM UTC

kunday wrote: post #20

tci22 wrote: post #17

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Thanks for your response. Just select from those email address that hold potential for interesting discussion and communicate with them directly. Forwarding enables you to pick and choose from people dropping in to comment on the topic.

Cool. It does bring a new way of discussion to the table. But was wondering what would normally be an users behaviour? You could selectively reply to it, mute it or mark it as spam. Any trends data you got so far to throw light on this?

Honestly, only a couple people have emailed in so I can't offer you anything concrete. The goal is for users to reply to the forwards so that anyone involved in the topic is updated.

Re: Show HN: a social network conducted entirely through email

#25

Post by agileqr » Tue, Oct 04, 2011, 3:44 PM UTC

Interesting. I found myself reluctant to start using this just because of the fact that I'd have to use an e-mail address, but I ended up submitting a topic anyway from one of my secondary e-mail accounts, just because I'm interested in participating in new ideas. I do wonder though, how many people who would otherwise try out the service, are stopped in their tracks due to the mandatory e-mail aspect?

Re: Show HN: a social network conducted entirely through email

#26

Post by agileqr » Tue, Oct 04, 2011, 3:47 PM UTC

orenmazor wrote: post #18

I can't wait for the social network that's conducted entirely through beer at a pub.

That would be pretty sweet!

Re: Show HN: a social network conducted entirely through email

#27

Post by agileqr » Tue, Oct 04, 2011, 3:50 PM UTC

athst wrote: post #5

Stock wordpress install? Come on guys

Actually, I totally applaud these guys for getting their MVP out quickly via WordPress to get to what matters most - finding out what users/customers want!

Re: Show HN: a social network conducted entirely through email

#28

Post by tci22 » Tue, Oct 04, 2011, 3:54 PM UTC

pavel_lishin wrote: post #22

tci22 wrote: post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The concept of the site, or the description of the site? What seems taxing?

Having to set up a throwaway e-mail account to try out your service, without an explanation of how it works, first. Yes, it's easy. No, I don't want to have to do it.

Um...okay

Re: Show HN: a social network conducted entirely through email

#29

Post by tci22 » Tue, Oct 04, 2011, 3:57 PM UTC

agileqr wrote: post #25

Interesting. I found myself reluctant to start using this just because of the fact that I'd have to use an e-mail address, but I ended up submitting a topic anyway from one of my secondary e-mail accounts, just because I'm interested in participating in new ideas. I do wonder though, how many people who would otherwise try out the service, are stopped in their tracks due to the mandatory e-mail aspect?

Thank you for your response and thanks for checking the service out. It may be prohibitive for many people who do rely on a personal email account rather than a secondary one.

Re: Show HN: a social network conducted entirely through email

#30

Post by pavel_lishin » Tue, Oct 04, 2011, 4:15 PM UTC

tci22 wrote: post #23

bvi wrote: post #21

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> How would you describe it through words? That's your job. :) Put it out there, be as succinct as you can, and tweak it along the way. No shortcuts here.

I dunno...seems succinct enough: pick a topic, send us an email, and we forward emails to you from emailers discussing same topic. I only suggested creating a throwaway because people worry about spam.

How about illustrating the whole process? Cartoons are easy to understand.