The idea of MVP seems very in vogue right now, which I think is appropriate in the context of lean times and lean startups.<p>However, it's occurred to me that MVP may be overly pessimistic because it ignores potential network effects.<p>For example, a signup flow that ends in a "not available now/just kidding" kind of screen is NOT going to a result in a potential new user tweeting to their followers about your service. It will probably end in a modest amount of frustration. In light of this, perhaps MVP cannot be applied at overly broad levels - would it represent too much of an underestimate?<p>Maybe the real question is -- can you MVP your entire business? Or only features, after you've launched?
MVP is convenient. It allows users to pay for their level of involvement from what I understand. I agree if a startup is going to play that game they should be transparent.<p>Some people get paid to stick company advertisements on the sides of their cars. Perhaps an analogous plan could exist where people agree to post/blog/tweet about the company and use a company avatar in exchange for an MVP account. More followers = better account. I'm sure there's stuff like this already but certainly having a universally recognizable karma system online would help--as sinister as it sounds--still good for business.<p>Also, sites can and do allocate system resources corresponding to account level. This hypothetically gives the user a taste of the real deal on a meager allowance.<p>Just my take on MVP.