Jason's comment (as well as others) is spot-on. It's only a project. However, projects are how many sustainable businesses begin.
Your project is based on your assumptions on what customers wants. You now need to discover whether those assumptions are true (facts) or completely wrong. If they turn out to be true, then you're on to something.
Don't give up. Even if your assumptions turn out to be wrong, 'failures' are part of the process, and you can use what you learned on your next quest for a sustainable business.
For me, it depends on whether the project is for fun (just something I need) or a chance at a sustainable business.
If I want to test whether the project could turn into a sustainable business, I'll take a few days and create something minimal. This allows me to get the solution "out of my head" and ensure I actually want to work on it. In parallel, I'll start defining potential market segments and the problems the project could solve (C-P-S). This starts the process of customer development and trying to determine problem/solution fit. I'll then tailor the project based on actual metrics and user interviews.
I think utilizing another method besides "votes" could help increase traction for more submissions. For example, if I could easily discover users who share my interests, I'd love to receive an update (RSS) whenever that user submitted, voted, commented, etc. on an article. Instead of receiving a stream of content that may not interest me (I therefore only scan the page), I would know the content I'm seeing is somehow pre-vetted (at a minimum, by the submitter).
Ironically, I've felt this way for a while and created a website to test this theory.
I've used YouTube for some video hosting on my website and don't believe it to be unprofessional. In fact, when requesting feedback on a landing page which showed the video, I never received a comment that would have implied YouTube hosting was anything other then acceptable.
I think that unless you have an overall vision and reasons for running a closed beta, you should open it up. Forcing users to invite their friends for earlier access only works if your website has the capability to go viral. It's worked for the few companies who initially did it, but too many companies are jumping on this method, in my opinion.
If possible, I think the "best of both worlds" solution is to have an open beta, but encourage users to invite friends by offering something other then early access. I do this with my startup and it has helped get the word out.
Thanks Patric. A more compelling preview screen is something that hasn't even crossed my mind (Sometimes it's the little things). Also appreciate the other feedback.
Thanks for the links, as well as the feedback. I have been wondering if oAuth with Twitter has been turning people away, so definitely appreciate the comment and will look into straight email.
* Not Launching Early. It's wishful thinking that your initial product is perfect. I read somewhere that if you're not embarrassed by your initial product, then you waited too long to launch.
Note I'm not talking about a "marketing launch", but a launch where your product gets in front of early adopters.
When do you work out? Like yourself, I have had phases where I worked out in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Each has their pros and cons, depending on your other activities.
I get to the gym most often when the rest of my life is "structured". You seem to be looking for the same qualities. Here is what worked for me.
1. Set a specific goal, with an end date. If you have a goal, then you are more likely to work hard to accomplish it. Working out without a goal means it's easier to quit, as you're not working to accomplish anything. Your goal should be specific. Just don't say "I want to be in better shape." Specific goals could be losing a certain amount of weight, completing a set of workout routines (such as P90X), or lifting more weight after a set amount of time.
Also, make sure you time bound the goal.
2. Don't let your job get in the way. My best time to workout has always been the early morning. However, like yourself, I'm also very productive in the morning, so I switched my workout to after work during the winter. To make this work, I have to force myself to leave work by a certain time. Getting home too late leaves me tired and gives me an excuse to not workout.
3. Think about the other 23 hours. I've read that while the 1 hour you workout is tough, you feel better the other 23. This is true.
Your project is based on your assumptions on what customers wants. You now need to discover whether those assumptions are true (facts) or completely wrong. If they turn out to be true, then you're on to something.
Don't give up. Even if your assumptions turn out to be wrong, 'failures' are part of the process, and you can use what you learned on your next quest for a sustainable business.