kyro, I would actually like to see you do a design that doesn't fall into the "web 2.0" trend. Your designs overall are nice, and flows well, but falls in the realm of "template" in my eyes.
Really push the boundary of the design to stand out from the rest.
Also don't take this as all web 2.0 sites are similar, or you can't pull inspiration from them. Just something refreshing to break the mold of mundane would be nice.
That is true, but the OP never states what the framework is. So I'm stating ideas of what to look for. Also when I mention "common" best practices, those are the buzz words people like throw around when describing particular points. It's not hard for someone to pick up buzz words, and google their meaning.
Quality is a "measure". So regardless you still have to have a basic understanding of what your considering "quality" and what isn't "quality" to you. Otherwise you just shooting in the dark.
Make sure to read my post thoroughly, even I know what the OP is asking is impossible without a basic understanding of what to measure by. I'm just giving them ideas of what to research themselves to help apply some ideas for their "quality" measure.
Also if you can't code a problem without requiring redundancies in your logic, then you might be looking at the problem wrong. This is not absolute, but there are better ways at problem solving in most cases.
This is just my opinion, but the word quality is a "generic" term. But if you had to judge, a number of things that may be good to look at, is:
1) Are they commenting their code?
2) Formatting structure of code
3) Are there redundancies in logic, that over complicate a simple idea.
4) Are they using "common" best practices while developing the code?
5) How long is it taking them to create/implement base elements like functions, classes, variables, etc.
These are just some ideas to look at. A lot of programmers are really great at what they do, but lack organization of what they build. Some programmers are great at organization, but over complicate simple ideas. It's variable based on what your "expecting" with the end product.
Do you want, just get it done, and it works code?
Do you want clean, efficient, and best practices code?
My brain stated the same thing. Someone is not going about money management properly, if $99/month is true for only a $1000 investment plus freelance budget.
First off, congratulations on being funded, but a number of red flags popped into my head when I was reading your information, and the number you received for funding.
1. Did you have positive sales/user traction?
2. Is your product B2B?
3. Do you feel there are a number of products like yours already in the market that isn't big?
4. Was there a true need to involve investors that you couldn't make up in sales?
In my honest opinion, I think you gave away too much equity.
45% is a lot for only 100K, and with ideals for growth in mind as well. That means you increase your revenue exponentially to offset the need for additional funding in the future, or hope for the next round of investing that investors only want a small chunk. Slightly doubtful once they look at how much you initially gave up.
:D I already have some ideas for this, especially with the current state of the anime industry and subbing. Bandai Namco closing their U.S. Distribution for anime was an additional amplifier for a need to disrupt it.
The main issue is licensing, and showing the "old guard" the new ways to capitalize on the market instead of relying on the current traditions.
Also wanted to add the "current traditions" are similar to the music and movie industry. More so in the vein of music, with the evolution of how fans can acquire anime. So they see no real need to pay for something that comes out months to a year later.
Why a niche? Why not just set the professional standard for auto parts price searching to include an array of all models old and new. It sounds daunting, but can be done. Unless of course someone else has already done it.
Then your course of action would be to find statistical data on auto parts that have a high volume of demand, and begin there.
"Endlessly resourceful" is a broad statement. Groups that are resourceful enough to take an idea/problem (self-sufficient idea or given too them) and expound upon it, is no different than creating a start up, to fill a void or disrupt an industry.
I'm conflicted by this slightly. On one hand I see it as a great idea for great minds to come together, and on the other hand like it was mentioned, this seems to create a lot of additional "noise". Meaning more applications that require reviewing over others with solid ideas.
What are exactly the merits to determine "good" untested founders?
My other question is, which has been eating at me slightly is the trend of the startups I have seen come from Y Combinator being "extremely" similar to each other. Of course there is going to be overlap, but even the backgrounds of founders are largely similar creating this trend of "hive" mind ideologies for startups. Is this intentional?
Overall, I'm curious to see how it will turn out either way.
Really push the boundary of the design to stand out from the rest.
Also don't take this as all web 2.0 sites are similar, or you can't pull inspiration from them. Just something refreshing to break the mold of mundane would be nice.