Second the showcase remark, that's a really good observation, I had exactly the same feelings while going through the site. Only when I reached the showcase I got a faint feeling there might be something to this concept after all. If the text of the posting had not been 'please review' then I would have been gone long ago.
This violates the 15 second rule:
Re:Ask HN: Please review my concept
by abhishekdesai on Wednesday August 12, 2009 @08:36AM
(#757893)
Thanks. We sure need to work on this.
Re:Ask HN: Please review my concept
by abhishekdesai on Wednesday August 12, 2009 @08:35AM
(#757889)
Thanks for the feedback. Yes showcase is the most interesting thing on the site and we should keep that on the homepage somehow. I am glad I am getting such cool feedback from you guys. I appreciate your time to review this.
I had the general idea that you were selling something, but wasn't sure what.
I didn't know why you only used a tiny amount of my pretty normally sized screen (no content?)
It was only when I got to the showcase that I felt remotely interested (as it is, I only got that far based upon the faith that I opened the tab so it MUST have something of interest in it). I think the showcase should be on the front page.
On a related note I frequently check out "new programming language!" websites. Unless they have a quick example on the front page I close the tab and forget about them.
I'm pretty sure that most people will exhibit this kind of disinterest: if you want my money you need my interest first. Show me something interesting and concise straight away or I'll walk.