Live data from Hacker News

What if your Web startup attracts users without computers?

jasonglaspey.com

1–10 of 17 posts

Re: What if your Web startup attracts users without computers?

#3
I know someone with an informational website that sells a dead tree version online, without the updates. It is kind of a snapshot in time of what was on the site at some point. (Or did at one time. I have just taken a quick look at the site and I am not currently finding a means to buy the book version.)

Re: What if your Web startup attracts users without computers?

#4
This is a good reminder for us tech-savvy people: there's a HUGE untapped market of people out there who either don't have a computer or barely know how to use one. More importantly, they're not stupid or unworthy of your time -- they often need the same tools and information that we do, only simplified and streamlined.

Re: What if your Web startup attracts users without computers?

#5

This is a good reminder for us tech-savvy people: there's a HUGE untapped market of people out there who either don't have a computer or barely know how to use one. More importantly, they're not stupid or unworthy of your time -- they often need the same tools and information that we do, only simplified and streamlined.

Yeah really. It may take some thought but there's often a way to solve their problem!

Re: What if your Web startup attracts users without computers?

#6

This is a good reminder for us tech-savvy people: there's a HUGE untapped market of people out there who either don't have a computer or barely know how to use one. More importantly, they're not stupid or unworthy of your time -- they often need the same tools and information that we do, only simplified and streamlined.

Can I add that, if you go after these markets, rather than competing against web-savvy startups and Microogle you'll instead be ROFLstomping grossly inferior solutions which are offered by companies with no interest or expertise in web marketing?

Re: What if your Web startup attracts users without computers?

#8
When I ran into this problem i simply developed a phone and txt based system for people to get meal recommendations etc... Not only did this allow me to help users that did not have computers but it seems that the majority of users prefer the txt , phone interface because its easier. If you need more info on how I implemented this in a user friendly way just email me; I would be glad to help.

Re: What if your Web startup attracts users without computers?

#9
post #3

I know someone with an informational website that sells a dead tree version online, without the updates. It is kind of a snapshot in time of what was on the site at some point. (Or did at one time. I have just taken a quick look at the site and I am not currently finding a means to buy the book version.)

That reminds me of the seemingly interminable Wikipedia 1.0 project. With that, the value comes from the incredible collection of knowledge being put down in physical form, not from its utility. I wonder what the value is in seeing snapshots of an ongoing and developing thing like a website, and how well it stacks up against the "real" thing.

Re: What if your Web startup attracts users without computers?

#10
post #3

I know someone with an informational website that sells a dead tree version online, without the updates. It is kind of a snapshot in time of what was on the site at some point. (Or did at one time. I have just taken a quick look at the site and I am not currently finding a means to buy the book version.)

That reminds me of the seemingly interminable Wikipedia 1.0 project. With that, the value comes from the incredible collection of knowledge being put down in physical form, not from its utility. I wonder what the value is in seeing snapshots of an ongoing and developing thing like a website, and how well it stacks up against the "real" thing.

Perhaps it didn't stack up and perhaps that is why I am not seeing the book option anymore. It was, sadly, the only form of monetization the site had (that I am aware of).
Post reply on HN