Ask HN: ways to obtain critical mass?

#1

Post by tjit » Wed, May 06, 2009, 7:01 PM UTC

I started this for-fun-project: a highly viral site, called http://www.tjetter.com - it enables you to randomly chat with others, with the added twist of being able to eavesdrop on (and replay) other conversations that take place.

The dutch version is doing OK, because I was able to use my established network to get some initial visitors. However, I have barely any international contacts, so getting some exposure in other countries is rather difficult.

I'm looking for suggestions as to how to proceed in trying to obtain critical mass for this kind concept. Ideas?

Re: Ask HN: ways to obtain critical mass?

#2

Post by asimjalis » Wed, May 06, 2009, 7:38 PM UTC

Look at the conversations and see what the value proposition of the site is. What is it that people are looking for. And then highlight that value.

Re: Ask HN: ways to obtain critical mass?

#3

Post by no_signal » Wed, May 06, 2009, 7:43 PM UTC

Try to make something funny...maybe a video...or something..fun is always viral.

Re: Ask HN: ways to obtain critical mass?

#4

Post by tjit » Wed, May 06, 2009, 7:43 PM UTC

asimjalis wrote: post #2

Look at the conversations and see what the value proposition of the site is. What is it that people are looking for. And then highlight that value.

People are looking for a way to kill some time. I think this is highlighted by allowing visitors to share conversation-links with others..

Still, the problem remains the fact that it's difficult to get an initial userbase that makes sure there's always something interesting to read about on there :)

Re: Ask HN: ways to obtain critical mass?

#5

Post by delano » Wed, May 06, 2009, 7:43 PM UTC

I noticed your post yesterday in the thread about company names and I tried out a few conversations with Tjetter. I saved a couple of the URIs:

http://tjetter.com/#3JcS

http://tjetter.com/#3Jdz

It's an interesting concept but I wasn't sure what to do at first. What do you say to a person without any context? In each of the conversations the other person inevitably asked if I was male or female. I think it would be easier for people to get involved if there was some starting point, like a question. Get people talking about a topic, even if just to disagree. Something to get them going.

As a more general answer to your question, Chris Wanstrath's talk at RailsConf today/this week is a good read: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=596172

Re: Ask HN: ways to obtain critical mass?

#6

Post by tjit » Wed, May 06, 2009, 7:45 PM UTC

no_signal wrote: post #3

Try to make something funny...maybe a video...or something..fun is always viral.

I don't think the concept needs to be more viral. And I wouldn't know what to make a video about in order to promote Tjetter; are you suggesting something along the lines of a webcast of recorded conversations?

Re: Ask HN: ways to obtain critical mass?

#7

Post by markessien » Wed, May 06, 2009, 7:57 PM UTC

I think you misunderstand viral. It may be virally shared, but it's not viral by its nature. A viral app is an app like skype or paypal, as they only get useful when the other person uses it. An app like facebook, you interact with the other person over the site, as the person who invites you is 'there'.

Your app is just a 'share this amusing link if you like' type site. It's not inherently viral app. Change it in a way that people want to invite people, and also to stay there. Then it will grow on its own.

Re: Ask HN: ways to obtain critical mass?

#8

Post by tjit » Wed, May 06, 2009, 7:58 PM UTC

delano wrote: post #5

I noticed your post yesterday in the thread about company names and I tried out a few conversations with Tjetter. I saved a couple of the URIs: http://tjetter.com/#3JcS http://tjetter.com/#3Jdz It's an interesting concept but I wasn't sure what to do at first. What do you say to a person without any context? In each of the conversations the other person inevitably asked if I was male or female. I think it would be ea…

Thanks for your reply, I'm going to think about how (and whether) to prevent the whole ASL-thing on the site.

Excellent read btw, the link you pointed out to me!

Re: Ask HN: ways to obtain critical mass?

#9

Post by swombat » Wed, May 06, 2009, 8:06 PM UTC

How is it "highly viral"? If it was highly viral, surely, it would acquire critical mass by itself (that's kind of the definition of a viral application)

Re: Ask HN: ways to obtain critical mass?

#10

Post by akronim » Wed, May 06, 2009, 8:07 PM UTC

Ok, gave it a few tries, every conversation is terminated as soon as you reply "male" to the inevitable question! So option one is probably get 5000 girls on there!