Re:Ninite: How we got 18,000 beta users in 4 weeks
by kolya3 on Monday October 26, 2009 @09:14PM
(#904524)
I'd guess that using signup codes is not about merely creating the illusion of exclusivity. I think the real reason behind using signup codes is so you can track your marketing efforts: where did I spend time/money and how effective was it? Without it you are flying blind.
Given two similar services, one with a limit on registration and one without, you can bet that the one with the limit will garner some sort of popularity just by virtue of being "exclusive."
This doesn't mean it's a bad marketing tactic. On the contrary, it's obviously excellent for exposure... but if it ever becomes a popular service, saying "I was there first" is a huge deal for people. For reference: Lines outside movie theaters days in advance for the Star Wars movies, video game midnight release parties, and 8 hour lines outside Apple stores for a phone.