Blurrypeople.com - strangers you might actually like(blurrypeople.com)
blurrypeople.com
Blurrypeople.com - strangers you might actually like
http://www.blurrypeople.com
38 comments
Great points, thanks.
We'll think some more about how we can communicate the concept better. Furthermore, we might have to delay the request for mic/camera access as it could scare people away (other have pointed this out as well).
I'm not too fond of changing the tagline to something referencing chatroulette, we're kinda hoping people will not directly associate our site with nude guys ;) But rethinking the tagline might be wise still.
Also, I think you're correct in pointing out a non-video way of getting the site explained is necessary. Perhaps just in words, or otherwise using graphics/drawings etc.
And indeed, we figured this will probably be used for dating-purposes a lot; so we'll try to make sure that is possible on BP.
Once more, thanks for your feedback!
We'll think some more about how we can communicate the concept better. Furthermore, we might have to delay the request for mic/camera access as it could scare people away (other have pointed this out as well).
I'm not too fond of changing the tagline to something referencing chatroulette, we're kinda hoping people will not directly associate our site with nude guys ;) But rethinking the tagline might be wise still.
Also, I think you're correct in pointing out a non-video way of getting the site explained is necessary. Perhaps just in words, or otherwise using graphics/drawings etc.
And indeed, we figured this will probably be used for dating-purposes a lot; so we'll try to make sure that is possible on BP.
Once more, thanks for your feedback!
>Furthermore, we might have to delay the request for mic/camera access as it could scare people away (other have pointed this out as well).
Please do this. I am quite positive that I denied access the first time, but it still displayed the video feed for some reason. That's not important, but you feel monitored when that happens, and if people are having a "bad hair day", the change in mood is associated with the site.
Please do this. I am quite positive that I denied access the first time, but it still displayed the video feed for some reason. That's not important, but you feel monitored when that happens, and if people are having a "bad hair day", the change in mood is associated with the site.
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My personal opinion (and its relevance might be dictated by the score of this comment) is that Blurry People is a good name because it sticks out more than some takeoff on an older product ("Blurryroulette", "blurrychat"). I'm burnt out on websites names that follow a trend. Chatroulette didn't call themselves VideOmegle or something. (I had to look up Chatroulette's wikipedia page to even remember the name Omegle).
On the other hand the tagline I wouldn't mind changing, since it's unrelated to the name. Then again it's more related to the purpose of the site.
On the other hand the tagline I wouldn't mind changing, since it's unrelated to the name. Then again it's more related to the purpose of the site.
like the name blurryroulette
I've read about chatroulette on HN a few times. Most of you point out it needs some form of filtering to become something useful.
So here is our approach to something that will, hopefully, work better:
- it has a feedback system that allows you to indicate why you don't like someone (too old, too male, too boring etc)
- video starts out blurry, and becomes sharper with time (hence the name! ;))
- you can 'like' people, allowing the other to see when you're online and request to connect with you
Could this work? Comments, suggestions?
So here is our approach to something that will, hopefully, work better:
- it has a feedback system that allows you to indicate why you don't like someone (too old, too male, too boring etc)
- video starts out blurry, and becomes sharper with time (hence the name! ;))
- you can 'like' people, allowing the other to see when you're online and request to connect with you
Could this work? Comments, suggestions?
> - video starts out blurry, and becomes sharper with time (hence the name! ;))
This is a fantastic idea. However, it'd be better if that fact were known from the start.
This is a fantastic idea. However, it'd be better if that fact were known from the start.
The introduction-video shows the effect. However, this might not be enough to communicate this concept to visitors. Will think about how we can improve this. Thanks!
For what it's worth, I rarely watch introduction videos... if I need to watch one to use and understand the site, there's probably room for improving your site design.
The system itself makes perfect sense and I actually tried it out, unlike chatroulette.
But the design.. it needs some work. For one thing, the flash webcam popup before I've even read the heading, as has been pointed out, appears much too early. Also have some humble doubts about this kind of dark design attracting many girls.
But the design.. it needs some work. For one thing, the flash webcam popup before I've even read the heading, as has been pointed out, appears much too early. Also have some humble doubts about this kind of dark design attracting many girls.
There's this Dutch dating site Paiq that has the same technique. When chatting with someone, their profile picture gets unblurred after talking a while and hitting their interest words (eg "watching movies"). It lets you focus less on photos and more on personality.
Funny that you mention this, BlurryPeople was founded by the same people that are running Paiq.
Do you blur the video prior to publishing, on a server or on the receiving side?
I like the idea a lot, agree on most previous points about the presentation though!
I like the idea a lot, agree on most previous points about the presentation though!
I don't know exactly what "too female" and "too male" is meant to describe. At best, this just enforces sexual stereotypes, and at worst, people will use it wrongly with poorer matching results to follow.
I understand that this is based on a Dutch concept, but I don't see the too fe/male evaluation working very well. Obviously, it's just beta, and new tags will show up as others disappear.
I understand that this is based on a Dutch concept, but I don't see the too fe/male evaluation working very well. Obviously, it's just beta, and new tags will show up as others disappear.
I love the idea, but I want a version of this that is text only (Blurry Omegle). In general I prefer not having the camera involved.
EDIT: Just to clarify I think BOTH versions should exist, and within the same framework so that filtering applies universally (people could choose if they are interested in text/video/both). Especially since I Omegle at work, webcam only is a no-go for me.
EDIT: Just to clarify I think BOTH versions should exist, and within the same framework so that filtering applies universally (people could choose if they are interested in text/video/both). Especially since I Omegle at work, webcam only is a no-go for me.
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I think it's a great idea, but I'm reluctant to try it mainly because my guess is it's filled with other dudes right now..
Well yeah, dudes -> early adopters. However, I would love to hear your opinion about the concept. Would something like this have a chance of catching on?
I think if you could get a good ratio of guys to girls, the yes. It's a very interesting concept and I think Chatroullette only scratched the surface. I will say one thing though, I have never used Chat roullette or any other service because I find talking to someone live to be somewhat stressful. Can you record videos that are not live and watch videos that are prerecorded? I thought I saw that you could, but it wouldn't let me watch any videos til I created one myself.
I think this has a chance of catching on.
You just have to find the right nitch to go after. Is it online dating (listen to the mixergy match.com interview - their key was gaining women's trust)? Do people want to talk face to face before going out on a date? Could it be founders looking for founders? I don't know. But what I do know is that you should find a segment that could benefit from this the most and go after them. Who's pain is the biggest in this area?
You just have to find the right nitch to go after. Is it online dating (listen to the mixergy match.com interview - their key was gaining women's trust)? Do people want to talk face to face before going out on a date? Could it be founders looking for founders? I don't know. But what I do know is that you should find a segment that could benefit from this the most and go after them. Who's pain is the biggest in this area?
The intro video does not have any playback controls. I'd like to see some standard play/pause and volume control buttons. Also, once I close the intro video, the green "First time here" banner disappears and I have to hunt for the link to re-play the video (which is located at the top right corner).
> I'd like to see some standard play/pause and volume control buttons.
I tend to disagree. I liked the design aspect of not having these. The video fits into the same style as I presume I'll get when using the service (I don't have a webcam handy right now).
Do you actually need play/pause and volume controls while watching the intro video? Would you actually use them, or is it just that it doesn't match your expectation of what an intro video should be, rather than a functional deficiency?
I tend to disagree. I liked the design aspect of not having these. The video fits into the same style as I presume I'll get when using the service (I don't have a webcam handy right now).
Do you actually need play/pause and volume controls while watching the intro video? Would you actually use them, or is it just that it doesn't match your expectation of what an intro video should be, rather than a functional deficiency?
I see your point that the video fits the actual usage style. But I had two issues while playing the video.
1. The volume was too high. I wanted to mute the video first before adjusting my system's volume. 2. I wanted to pause, check out the features mentioned in the video for a while and then resume the video.
So I did need the controls. They can appear only on mouse over so that the feel of a live demo still remains.
1. The volume was too high. I wanted to mute the video first before adjusting my system's volume. 2. I wanted to pause, check out the features mentioned in the video for a while and then resume the video.
So I did need the controls. They can appear only on mouse over so that the feel of a live demo still remains.
Am I the only one to think this won't fly? People probably won't wait longer than a few seconds to see whom they're chatting with. The internet and chatroulette have made everyone pretty ADD about waiting.. Prepare for lot's of "Ciao's".
No idea why but visiting this site crashes MobileSafari on my iPad.
It didn't crash my iPad, but I can tell you that it uses flash, so you won't be able to see it anyway.
<insert obligatory flash on iPad complaining>
<insert obligatory flash on iPad complaining>
Likewise.
Wait, I'm confused; how do I spell the name? blurry people, blurrypeople, Blurry People, blurrypeople.com?
Very interesting idea!
I think that the approach is great given the fact that so many people go to chatroulette and end up looking at pervs. The filtering system can definitely give you the edge.
One thing I did not like was that upon visiting it immediately asked me to share my camera and mic. Perhaps a better front page with a lot more explanation (graphics can help) that would lead you to the 'chat' screen?
I can see the simplicity and I am up for it but a lot of people will think twice to click accept (for camera and mic) if this is the first thing that they are asked to do on a website.
Good luck!
I think that the approach is great given the fact that so many people go to chatroulette and end up looking at pervs. The filtering system can definitely give you the edge.
One thing I did not like was that upon visiting it immediately asked me to share my camera and mic. Perhaps a better front page with a lot more explanation (graphics can help) that would lead you to the 'chat' screen?
I can see the simplicity and I am up for it but a lot of people will think twice to click accept (for camera and mic) if this is the first thing that they are asked to do on a website.
Good luck!
Won't people understand the system doesn't connect you to anyone unless you click 'search'? Because if they do understand, why wouldn't they want to share their camera and mic?
Anyway, thanks a lot for your advice!
Anyway, thanks a lot for your advice!
No, they won't. It's not obvious. Especially since the flash dialog was the very first thing I saw on the page.
I'd start out with two options, a "Tell me more" button and an "I'm ready to get started" button.
I'd start out with two options, a "Tell me more" button and an "I'm ready to get started" button.
That's not what I thought upon my first 10 seconds on the site. Don't make an assumption about user behavior and leave it untested.
Try testing it against a standard format landing page with
- basic explanatory text highlighting the benefits in bullet points
- a picture of a blurred face and the same revealed face (probably rotated pretty girls in a non-"adult" context)
- a big green "chat now free" button and smaller "watch our introductory video" and "create an account" links
my prediction is your bounce rate will drop significantly and number of people chatting will go up.
- basic explanatory text highlighting the benefits in bullet points
- a picture of a blurred face and the same revealed face (probably rotated pretty girls in a non-"adult" context)
- a big green "chat now free" button and smaller "watch our introductory video" and "create an account" links
my prediction is your bounce rate will drop significantly and number of people chatting will go up.
Some people might (like me) want to find out more of what this thing is... A warning about the camera and mic might fend some people off.
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
1. You have to change your tagline. I had no idea going into the site what it was, though it can be summarized as "ChatRoulette, only it works" (or something along those lines). By now, everyone knows chatroulette, and you're missing a huge opportunity to get what your site does across. I'd even consider changing the name, something like blurryroulette or blurrychat or something, since this is a very memorable and easily described idea.
2. Someone else mentioned, don't ask for access to video/mic right away. Especially now, make the intro video more obvious/accessible.
3. Have some text explaining what the site does for people who don't want a video. Again, you have a really easy-to-understand concept - take advantage of it!
4. This is just a guess, but I think this kind of formula would work especially well for dating - this will definitely let people connect without letting looks bother them, at least at first. And by the time you've talked several minutes, you'd already have some kind of connection. This is just crazy enough to work - so start thinking how you can take advantage. For example, connecting people by location is a real easy addition to your site, which facilitates connecting people for dating.