Re:Ask YC: Will there really always be room for more success...
by optimal on Thursday December 13, 2007 @01:13PM
(#89235)
I think the Web may be less like the kitchen, and more like television. Shows come and go every year, so there will always be a need for new ones.
In an attention economy you're fighting for eyeballs. And there's a smaller group that's always looking for what's new and different. If you want to pursue this demographic, and the larger, lagging crowd behind them, then you have a chance at capturing attention.
I share many of your concerns, and personally use very few Web applications--basically maps and mail. I often ask the same question: what can I build?
Perhaps it's better to choose a pre-existing category/market and try to win through better execution. I also think success is more likely when building software as a product instead of a free service.
In an attention economy you're fighting for eyeballs. And there's a smaller group that's always looking for what's new and different. If you want to pursue this demographic, and the larger, lagging crowd behind them, then you have a chance at capturing attention.
I share many of your concerns, and personally use very few Web applications--basically maps and mail. I often ask the same question: what can I build?
Perhaps it's better to choose a pre-existing category/market and try to win through better execution. I also think success is more likely when building software as a product instead of a free service.