I think the thread here is that we should look at having an option to do automated patching. The major CVE (heartbleed, SHellshock) are really detrimental to the community as a whole and think that the VPS provide could build some "Goodwill" if they offered and automated way to mitigate these Vulnerabilities.
Worst case, is that they send you an email notifying you. Best case they offer you a 1 click (1 cmd line) to resolve the major issues.
For what its worth here is my 2 cents:
1) Do not disclose any code. Period, full stop. Remember that an idea is worthless without execution (or nearly worthless).
2) As another HN stated get a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) in place. If they are serious about an aquirhire, then they should have no issue proceeding down that path. I'd even suggest you get them to draft it, and you'll have your legal council review it. ALWAYS Redline and discuss the finer points of teh MOU, never blindly accept... just the act of disagreeing makes sense... They will respect you for this and would do the same.
3) If they are in the same space they maybe just conducting some dubious business practices by "interviewing" you. They know if they break an NDA you will be tied up in a legal disagreement for years.
Lastly, DO NOT get distracted from your launch date. Tell them you are currently on the critical path to launch (do not disclose the date just a ballpark). Explain that these discussions cannot distract you from that mission and should the company want to delay that you'll need something in writing. If they are serious they will ask if you could delay the launch or probe for more details. Again, get a deal in writing before agreeing because in US and Canada a verbal agreement is binding... (everything but real estate)...
Here's my 2cents and maybe a bit of repeats from earlier comments:
Design the experience for the target audience... You are not going to be selling this to consumers but rather targeting businesses... Take an example such as budgeting, inventory, operations or something similar that businesses will instantly recognize.
There was a comment about making this an MSI... I fully agree. I work as a software asset manager and when we select software if they don't come in mis format, we always look for alternatives. Make documentation for the mis to easily deploy it via AD, SCCMs and common deployment platforms.... This ensures that the employees adopt it quickly and the decision maker looks like a super star.
Change the call to action Something more compiling.
Anyways I think there is applications in enterprise as I get spreadsheets all the time... I usually have to spend 20min to 3 hours trying to decipher what they actually do.
So I honestly never comment but felt moved to ask... What are you trying to test? What's the hypothesis you are trying to prove disprove?
You've spend 200k on a website which seems to function as intended, with a robust back end, and some comes tic issues.
Is your hypothesis:
"will ppl make list for me (for free)?"
"Do people care about lists"?
"Can i trick people into making lists and for me to profit off their user generated content"?
I'm sure there is something far more worthy here but I don't get it.
The value prop when you understand it (which I admit is lacking currently) is a solid one.
I've had an account for a few months and never completed my app profile because there was NO CTA. After the email blast today and review of the site I finished (or at least partially) my app page.
My suggestion would be to do a quick WIIFM (what's in it for me) for "discoverers" and a different one for "Developpers". This will help a tonne in IMHO.
I think constructive criticism is always benefitical however the reality is that HN has form a "elitist" mentality. If you are not putting out world class design or code they'll tell you about it. That is just the way it's evolved and I'd suggest you not give in to it.
Secondly, My suggestion to the "elitist" mentality is we have 1 day a week or month that you cannot be negative. See something negative and that user gets negative karma or something to that nature. We can self regulate and improve the culture within HN if we put some effort in.
Okay now for reality. Seriously you cannot find a brilliant idea? Just take someone elses and execute better. Seriously ideas are worthless and execution is king.
Worst case, is that they send you an email notifying you. Best case they offer you a 1 click (1 cmd line) to resolve the major issues.