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Ask HN: Review my startup

makefive.com

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Re: Ask HN: Review my startup

#11

Post by karjaluoto »

Dilpil wrote: post #5

Looks like a fun social site, seems more like a possible facebook application than its own site though.

BTW - We're also adding a widget that allows people to take a list they've created on MakeFive and share it on their blogs/websites. This will both accommodate the user's own list, as well as grabbing the community's response to a specific topic.

We think this will be a nice way for people to take what would have otherwise been static content on their blog, and allow others to interact with it through MakeFive. Plus, it opens their list up to a larger community than their blog would have.

Re: Ask HN: Review my startup

#13

Post by thomasmallen »

karjaluoto wrote: post #10
thomasmallen wrote: post #2

To me, it's on the boring side...doesn't have much on a webforum.

It's interesting that you say that. It seems that people who use it tend to get rather addicted, with some online for eight-hour stretches and such. That being said, it could be that the fun of it doesn't translate that well on a first glance yet. One thing that we're working on aggressively is the ability for users to showcase specific lists they've created as a bigger part of their profile. Our feeling is that this…

I prefer discussion and elaboration to simple lists, so a site that shares abbreviated opinions to me is a poor man's forum. Again, this applies to me only, and I know that the internet by its breadth fosters simple, microscopic content.

Re: Ask HN: Review my startup

#14

Post by karjaluoto »

tptacek wrote: post #9

What problem does this thing solve that I would pay money to have solved?

1. It gives people a place for dialogue Lists allow for a quick way to exchange ideas. You can skim a topic, make your picks, and then debate with others. It's a fun way to get a discussion going.

2. It helps brands reach their audience We can stitch brands and advertising into the site in ways that connect with interested parties. (i.e. Dell could sponsor the Technology category for a month and build thought provoking contests around their brand.)

Re: Ask HN: Review my startup

#15

Post by karjaluoto »

thomasmallen wrote: post #13
karjaluoto wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's interesting that you say that. It seems that people who use it tend to get rather addicted, with some online for eight-hour stretches and such. That being said, it could be that the fun of it doesn't translate that well on a first glance yet. One thing that we're working on aggressively is the ability for users to showcase specific lists they've created as a bigger part of their profile. Our feeling is that this…

I prefer discussion and elaboration to simple lists, so a site that shares abbreviated opinions to me is a poor man's forum. Again, this applies to me only, and I know that the internet by its breadth fosters simple, microscopic content.

I agree with you and I feel that this is something that we haven’t quite remedied yet.

The nice part with the brief lists is that it allows almost anyone an easy entry point to a discussion. Plus, the nature of these list forces users to condense their choices, which we feel is helpful. (It does make the site nice to browse and information easy to digest.)

But as I noted, we do recognize the need to make the dialogue more involved. The element that we’re adding next week asks users to explain why they made their selections, which we’re hoping adds to the amount of content as well as the depth of conversation.

For some this won’t appeal at all; however, for people as obsessive and particular as me, it will be nice to compile my list of the best entrepreneurial books I’ve ever read, alongside extended notes on why I enjoyed them. :-)

Re: Ask HN: Review my startup

#20

Post by karjaluoto »

eli_s wrote: post #19

Isn't every other submission to reddit or digg a top 5/10/20 list already? From what I can see people visit the list and discuss on reddit/digg.

I don’t think that would necessarily be a bad thing. In fact, we’re pretty interested in seeing how we can tie MakeFive into other sites. If it turns out that the content our users create gets discussed on Digg/Reddit, or another site for that matter, all the better. (That just means more traffic to MakeFive, which makes us happy!)
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