Ask HN: What does "launch" really mean? Is "beta" a private launch?
Do you have to have "major media exposure" to call your site launched? How many private users qualify for a successful beta trial? Thanks!
2 comments
Arguing about the definition of words will very, very rarely help your business.
With particular regards to these words, they mean whatever Marketing wants them to mean. To a first approximation, I'd describe any service I can get into with a web browser and a credit card but no strings pulled on my behalf as "launched." But if Marketing says that it isn't really, truly launched until TC gets their exclusive, I would not burn my karma arguing with Marketing over the point.
With particular regards to these words, they mean whatever Marketing wants them to mean. To a first approximation, I'd describe any service I can get into with a web browser and a credit card but no strings pulled on my behalf as "launched." But if Marketing says that it isn't really, truly launched until TC gets their exclusive, I would not burn my karma arguing with Marketing over the point.
Agree, I don't care about words either. It's just when apply TC disrupt and such, they ask you those questions and I really don't know the difference. Hope everything can be simple. thanks.
Just apply and see, they review each application on a case-by-case basis anyway. Although phrasing your application so it sound less launch-ed (but you should be open about what you have done) will probably act in your favour.
There are no real thresholds. As entrepreneur, you're the one who sets the timing for each stage. Managing beta vs launch has several goals that go beyond media coverage. 1, When talking to users it's a way to tell them that your product is not quite ready yet. It's expectation mngmt but it works. Users are more likely to help you fixing bugs if you're in beta than if you're live. 2, When talking to investors is a way to gain time. If you're live you need to show traction. If you're beta you can go a little slower. You can use your beta stage to create some buzz so then when you officially launch you can actually see decent traction. 3, When talking to the media, it's about getting the big 'launch' coverage and possibly allow for an exclusive. If you're already launched there are no real news.