If you're ok with a front-end, design bg guy, email me pmura A/T pmura.commercial
Ask HN: I'm looking for a partner
51–60 of 61 posts
Re: Ask HN: I'm looking for a partner
#52Earlier quoted context omitted.
We track our search term rankings daily and they frequently drop off the frontpage google results for a day than come back higher up or at the same rank the next day. Google is constantly testing sites and seeing which ones perform well. I wouldn't be worried unless its still not back in 2-3 days.
What tool do you use to track search term rankings? Manually or automated?
Advanced Web Ranking for osx.
I'm not a fan of it (non-native UI) but it does the job and I got it for free through my company.
Re: Ask HN: I'm looking for a partner
#53since iPad is a registered trademark...you can lose that domain at any time Milk it as much as you can...but don't expect to keep it forever. I think a big problem with trying to rank for trademark terms, is that you'll never beat out apple for the #1 position. So even though "ipad case", is searched 70K+ a month, #2 position will only see a 1/3 of that if lucky.
Do you think Apple would come at us?
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Re: Ask HN: I'm looking for a partner
#54[deleted]
Re: Ask HN: I'm looking for a partner
#55Re: Ask HN: I'm looking for a partner
#56Earlier quoted context omitted.
In other words: If you're good at web design and programming, then perhaps you want someone who's more business and idea focused. This person would need to have some connections too. Otherwise, if you just don't like doing the design portion, but you really like to code, then find another entrepreneurial minded person who like to design.
I'm a marketer, with basic technical knowledge. I know how to run and adjust WordPress blogs, I can dive into the code and change basic things. I owned www.PSDtoWP.com - so I'm quite compitent. It's just the decisisions.. Do I want: - A designer - A coder - Someone well connected, or versed in device peripherals - Or another good PR / Marketing person (This is what I'd call myself)
But your strong attribute seems to be marketing (according to you) with only basic technology knowledge. Think of all the hours and hours you may have struggled trying to figure some things out. You may enjoy it (or you just think you do) but perhaps it actually takes you longer than an actual development minded entrepreneur.
Of course, I don't know you, so I don't know. But that's how you should be figuring out who to pair with. You should be thinking "Whats the BEST use of my time?"
This is why some people pay people to clean their homes, cars, and clothes.
Re: Ask HN: I'm looking for a partner
#57since iPad is a registered trademark...you can lose that domain at any time Milk it as much as you can...but don't expect to keep it forever. I think a big problem with trying to rank for trademark terms, is that you'll never beat out apple for the #1 position. So even though "ipad case", is searched 70K+ a month, #2 position will only see a 1/3 of that if lucky.
Do you think Apple would come at us?
Yes, eventually. Their success will hinge on whether you used the name before they did, imho. But you are a value-added service for them, so unless you poke at them they might simply decide to tolerate it. Their case would be complicated, regardless of the registry dates. But they have deep pockets and a case like that would bring them publicity, (as it would you), so who knows what they'll decide to do or not. Hard to predict that one. If I was on their counsel staff I'd say they should go for it and make sure there is nobody else using their trademark. And that's their pattern. I hope you're saving most of your income for your next venture. And I hope you are preparing your legal team with all the information you have available so they can give you the best advice possible. Good luck, my friend.
Re: Ask HN: I'm looking for a partner
#58Earlier quoted context omitted.
eventually yes...they have to defend their trademark or they'll lose it. Here you can see a bunch of domains that they fought for: http://www.udrpsearch.com/index.php?query=apple&search=p... Granted for each one of those, there are probably hundreds of domains flying below apple's radar...but if you get big, you can expect them to sue.
I'm prepared to think we're safe, for at least quite a while. I imagine they would allow you to move before having to give it up as well. They seem to mainly be after direct names e.g. iPod Nano, or Airport, etc.
You've got the right attitude for running a business, however I would caution you to begin preparing your counter-case now, just in case. No pun intended.
Re: Ask HN: I'm looking for a partner
#59Earlier quoted context omitted.
I'm prepared to think we're safe, for at least quite a while. I imagine they would allow you to move before having to give it up as well. They seem to mainly be after direct names e.g. iPod Nano, or Airport, etc.
what I would do in your position is start a site called skinz.com or something along those lines. And use the ipad site as a way to direct traffic to it. i.e. in the footer list "a skinz company". Also setup a newsletter and add a subscribe to newsletter button prominently on your site. This way you'll have a way to contact your users when Apple hits you(and if you get big, they will). Then you just tell them to come…
FTW! Good advice. That would give you a way to keep earning income on your products even if the name itself gets "complicated" by potential future legal action.
Any of us who have done a successful startup knows that the name itself is great for marketing, but as soon as it becomes a liability be prepared to sell it or abandon it, if necessary.
Word of warning: legal action is a major expense, once it gets its teeth into any company. Even Microsoft suffered tremendously because of it.
Litigation is the most expensive legal action for both sides. If you can meet a challenge with an amicable settlement you will have a much greater chance for survival long-term. i.e., be prepared to cease and desist on the narrow issue of the name. Try to contain the legal issue.
My advice (which is solely personal. I am not a lawyer) is to do all you can to anticipate legal challenges and have files ready to go when your attorneys might need them. Or, if the IRS requests documentation. They require full and complete business records. The standard is nebulous, except as regard financial transactions. Those are pretty clear. Full and complete is safest.
Documentation is like disclosure. Just like the old joke about voting in Chicage. "do it early and often" Not publicly, necessarily, of course.
Before you even start using a trademark owned by a large company, you need to prepare your eventual defense theory.
Look at the case of Mr. McDonald who was told he can't use that name. Even though it was his.
And make sure you have a good attorney involved from the get-go. Don't let him prevent you from doing things so much as allow him to be ready for any legal challenges.
My 2c worth. Good fortune, my friend!
Re: Ask HN: I'm looking for a partner
#60Earlier quoted context omitted.
Don't call a your product 'lame' just because it is simple. Making it good as you did is nothing but 'that' simple, maybe your experience make you think it is the natural way to go but not everyone follow that way. And don't be ashamed that such a product doesn't trigger any real technical challenge. Be proud of it.
Yeah, I am quite proud of it, I just think most will underestimate it. I really do appreciate where your coming from. :) Thanks
That's normal. Just because you're good doesn't mean all your competitors are, though. There's a name for that that I can't remember, but the simple fact is that you can carve out market space even with substantial competition. You only need to distinguish yourself by competence, responsiveness, honesty and transparency and ethical dealings. imho, that's the key.