Richard Branson accepting micropitches via Twitter • Hacker News Board

Re: Richard Branson accepting micropitches via Twitter

#21

Post by kyro » Thu, Aug 20, 2009, 5:11 PM UTC

DannoHung wrote: post #13

gizmo wrote: post #4

Okay, let's give this a go: Dropbox: Share files instantly and easily across mac, pc and web. For teams. Has file versioning. Freemium. (108 chars) Grooveshark: database with millions of songs. Visit site to play music for free. (80 chars) Amazon: sell books online. Cut out middle man (bookstore). Share profit with customers. (88 chars) I haven't put much effort into this, but it looks like 110 characters is plenty.

Okay, now do twitter.

Twitter - Streaming the world's thought/opinion/information streams.

Re: Richard Branson accepting micropitches via Twitter

#22

Post by mooted » Thu, Aug 20, 2009, 5:11 PM UTC

I choose not to publicly tweet my billion dollar idea.

Re: Richard Branson accepting micropitches via Twitter

#23

Post by DannoHung » Thu, Aug 20, 2009, 5:12 PM UTC

gizmo wrote: post #18

DannoHung wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Okay, now do twitter.

Hah, twitter is difficult. Twitter: system for people to broadcast tidbits of information. Listener opts in. Sender does not expect reply. (111 chars) This was my best attempt, because it raises enough questions to see that yes, twitter is different. It doesn't make an attempt to prove it's a good idea, just that it hasn't been done before (and is therefore worthy of investment).

It's accurate, but I don't think it really transmits the appeal.

I suppose I should have a go since I made the challenge: Tell the world what you're thinking RIGHT NOW. The world listens only to people it thinks are interesting. (107 chars)

Re: Richard Branson accepting micropitches via Twitter

#24

Post by chrischen » Thu, Aug 20, 2009, 5:13 PM UTC

Somebody pitched this: harrisimo A sporting event where you try and toss computers as far as you can #micropitch 4 minutes ago

Re: Richard Branson accepting micropitches via Twitter

#25

Post by chrischen » Thu, Aug 20, 2009, 5:15 PM UTC

gizmo wrote: post #18

DannoHung wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Okay, now do twitter.

Hah, twitter is difficult. Twitter: system for people to broadcast tidbits of information. Listener opts in. Sender does not expect reply. (111 chars) This was my best attempt, because it raises enough questions to see that yes, twitter is different. It doesn't make an attempt to prove it's a good idea, just that it hasn't been done before (and is therefore worthy of investment).

Your status feed for everyone to see. See how many idiots follow you!

Re: Richard Branson accepting micropitches via Twitter

#26

Post by chrischen » Thu, Aug 20, 2009, 5:16 PM UTC

profquail wrote: post #15

edw519 wrote: post #3

forcing you to explain a business idea in 111 characters really could reveal the megastar ideas Finally, a reason to tweet. [EDIT: This is hard! Words like technology, proprietary, and customizable consume too much of a limited resource. I guess I'll have to speak English to convey my idea.]

Finally, a reason to tweet. I'm not a big fan of Twitter, but given how many VC's and investors are using it now, I'm signing up for two right now (a personal account and another for my startup). EDIT: Or not. Looks like Twitter is down again: http://downforeveryoneorjustme.com/twitter.com

Reason is artificial. They could have just used email.

Re: Richard Branson accepting micropitches via Twitter

#27

Post by nir » Thu, Aug 20, 2009, 5:31 PM UTC

Are people here really taking this seriously? You believe Sir Richard will read your tweet and make you a millionaire? The combination of Branson + Twitter + Fast Company should be overloading your hype detectors. Come on.

Re: Richard Branson accepting micropitches via Twitter

#28

Post by teehee » Thu, Aug 20, 2009, 6:11 PM UTC

mooted wrote: post #22

I choose not to publicly tweet my billion dollar idea.

imo..its not really the idea that makes a billion, its the execution of that idea.

Re: Richard Branson accepting micropitches via Twitter

#29

Post by gehant » Thu, Aug 20, 2009, 6:25 PM UTC

DannoHung wrote: post #13

gizmo wrote: post #4

Okay, let's give this a go: Dropbox: Share files instantly and easily across mac, pc and web. For teams. Has file versioning. Freemium. (108 chars) Grooveshark: database with millions of songs. Visit site to play music for free. (80 chars) Amazon: sell books online. Cut out middle man (bookstore). Share profit with customers. (88 chars) I haven't put much effort into this, but it looks like 110 characters is plenty.

Okay, now do twitter.

Live, searchable collective intelligence that continuously percolates

Re: Richard Branson accepting micropitches via Twitter

#30

Post by movix » Thu, Aug 20, 2009, 7:36 PM UTC

nir wrote: post #27

Are people here really taking this seriously? You believe Sir Richard will read your tweet and make you a millionaire? The combination of Branson + Twitter + Fast Company should be overloading your hype detectors. Come on.

I'm with you on the hype tip. I think this is more about RB getting on trend, than a serious attempt to find great ideas.

If you're not into the whole brevity thing (quotes The Dude) I'd stick to the standard ways of getting your idea across. This just looks like a painfully difficult way of giving your next business away. 'scuse the cynicism.