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Tell HN: Please continue offering your services (goods, rooms etc)

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Re: Tell HN: Please continue offering your services (goods, rooms etc)

#11

Post by SebastianSh »

swombat wrote: post #3

For what it's worth, I've upvoted this too. I certainly didn't mean to kill the trend completely (which is what seems to have happened :-/). There is some obvious value to it. I wouldn't want to see the Offer HN thing become a lasting trend at the current levels... that said, the odd "Offer HN" doesn't bother me, and I certainly wouldn't want to think that all offers stopped completely just because my post got upvote…

I created the SEO-thread.

I got a bunch of questions and emails (around 250 and they're still coming in) - all they ask for is tips and tricks, maybe some ideas on how to further expand their presence on the webz.

I don't ask for anything in return, I don't promote products, I don't promote services - just plain old "This is your site. These are the flaws - this is why it's called a flaw, and here's how to fix it".

I once wrote: "I'm really interested in your project. Here's my personal email. Email me and we can discuss a possible investment on my part."

Crappy SEO, but the product was incredible.

Back on track;

I created a special email address just to accept HN questions.

But I do see it from your POV. Many entrepreneurs I know have lost a lot of money via the "I do something free for you - but you have to buy something from me in return"-scheme.

Re: Tell HN: Please continue offering your services (goods, rooms etc)

#12

Post by iamdave »

I think these Offer HN posts are a great way to see junior startup groups pitch their services to the community, and the passerby audience as they grow closer to (a) launch or (b) YCombinator! application process.

It gives them a real, tangible idea of how well their application/product/idea will do, and it's an excellent way to test the waters, get feedback and make even the most minute refinements to their services that could mean acceptance or rejection from prospective investors.

Good luck to you all!

Re: Tell HN: Please continue offering your services (goods, rooms etc)

#13

Post by [deleted] »

swombat wrote: post #3

For what it's worth, I've upvoted this too. I certainly didn't mean to kill the trend completely (which is what seems to have happened :-/). There is some obvious value to it. I wouldn't want to see the Offer HN thing become a lasting trend at the current levels... that said, the odd "Offer HN" doesn't bother me, and I certainly wouldn't want to think that all offers stopped completely just because my post got upvote…

[deleted]

Re: Tell HN: Please continue offering your services (goods, rooms etc)

#14

Post by jackowayed »

swombat wrote: post #3

For what it's worth, I've upvoted this too. I certainly didn't mean to kill the trend completely (which is what seems to have happened :-/). There is some obvious value to it. I wouldn't want to see the Offer HN thing become a lasting trend at the current levels... that said, the odd "Offer HN" doesn't bother me, and I certainly wouldn't want to think that all offers stopped completely just because my post got upvote…

Don't worry. Even if the trend doesn't die, I'd be shocked if it didn't level off within a week or so. That's just how things like this go. At first it's cool and exciting, so lots of people want to do it. Then the novelty wears off, and it it drops off sharply.

But I'd love it if we were to reach an equilibrium where we get one or two good Offer HN's a week.

Re: Tell HN: Please continue offering your services (goods, rooms etc)

#15

Post by jacquesm »

SebastianSh wrote: post #11
swombat wrote: post #3

For what it's worth, I've upvoted this too. I certainly didn't mean to kill the trend completely (which is what seems to have happened :-/). There is some obvious value to it. I wouldn't want to see the Offer HN thing become a lasting trend at the current levels... that said, the odd "Offer HN" doesn't bother me, and I certainly wouldn't want to think that all offers stopped completely just because my post got upvote…

I created the SEO-thread. I got a bunch of questions and emails (around 250 and they're still coming in) - all they ask for is tips and tricks, maybe some ideas on how to further expand their presence on the webz. I don't ask for anything in return, I don't promote products, I don't promote services - just plain old "This is your site. These are the flaws - this is why it's called a flaw, and here's how to fix it". I…

I'm pretty sure that HN users would find a way to make their displeasure known about those that abuse the 'Offer HN' format.

Re: Tell HN: Please continue offering your services (goods, rooms etc)

#16

Post by duck »

let's hope they will put HN on the map as a place where people do more than just talk

Really? I think HN was already a lot more than that. People are always helping each other on here in one way or another, from advise to reviews. I think the "Offer HN" is great, but it really is just an extension of what was already there.

Re: Tell HN: Please continue offering your services (goods, rooms etc)

#18

Post by jacquesm »

sabj wrote: post #17
jacquesm wrote: post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Because of a discussion in #startups. I should have made that clear, thanks.

Where is #startups?

It's an IRC channel on irc.freenode.net.

See: http://jacquesmattheij.com/The+Unofficial+HN+FAQ#altuis

Re: Tell HN: Please continue offering your services (goods, rooms etc)

#19

Post by rewind »

iamdave wrote: post #12

I think these Offer HN posts are a great way to see junior startup groups pitch their services to the community, and the passerby audience as they grow closer to (a) launch or (b) YCombinator! application process. It gives them a real, tangible idea of how well their application/product/idea will do, and it's an excellent way to test the waters, get feedback and make even the most minute refinements to their services…

I totally disagree with this. If someone is going to put up an "Offer HN" post, it should be because they kick ass at something and want to share their expertise. The last reason should be because people with limited experience want to get their feet wet and use HN as guinea pigs.

Re: Tell HN: Please continue offering your services (goods, rooms etc)

#20

Post by thetrumanshow »

camz wrote: post #5
swombat wrote: post #3

For what it's worth, I've upvoted this too. I certainly didn't mean to kill the trend completely (which is what seems to have happened :-/). There is some obvious value to it. I wouldn't want to see the Offer HN thing become a lasting trend at the current levels... that said, the odd "Offer HN" doesn't bother me, and I certainly wouldn't want to think that all offers stopped completely just because my post got upvote…

I created the HN Offer: Tax Help for Startup Entrepreneur thread and I wanted to reflect on how I went about it. Maybe it would've been better if I didn't show my website. I wanted to show that I've been doing this for a while as a career and hoped that it would help lend credibility. I hope that it didn't come off as a gimmick. I'm keeping my offer open and standing. I was thinking about posting an offer hn tax help…

Well, I can tell you that your advice definitely helped me get over my small irrational fear of taking/holding money as an ad network. Everyone else I asked those questions just shrugged and said "You should ask an accountant".

I know it will seem odd to many of these grizzled veterans around here, but, just a few sentences from you, and I feel like I've overcome something significant. Thank you.

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