So I have had this idea for a while now about an app/website that would target a large niche community (programmers+gamers). I have a proof of concept. Now I would love to get some feedback about the project from multiple people before getting too much involved, or getting other people involved: "Would people be interested in it or will I die trying to build up a community? Is there something similar online that I might have missed? etc."<p>What are some good places to get that type of public feedback?<p>I'd hate to spend 6 months in the dark building this thing to realize that it already existed, or that noone is interested in it.<p>Thanks!
Go where your target audience is and talk to them. HN seems like a good place for programmers + gamers.<p>As a word of caution, doing "customer development" correctly can be quite tricky. People saying that would use your service if you ask them is not a good indicator of you solving a real pain point. You need to figure out the right question to ask. Google for "customer development" for good information on that topic.<p>Feel free to send me an email if you need feedback, I'm in your target audience.
I've had great success chatting with programmers. I find them via blog posts, tweets, etc and then send them an email asking for a quick 15 - 20 min chat. In the email, I tell them I'm not selling anything, reference how I found them (shows 'proof of work' on my part), and tell them a bit about the project.
<i>Is there something similar online that I might have missed?</i><p>The answer to this one is almost always yes. First-to-market isn't necessarily essential. If you fall within your target demographic and you aren't aware of a similar, successful concept then that means there is categorically room for one more.
Build a quick target profile list, sort for programmers in the computer games industry on Linkedin. Then reach out to selected individuals, dialog them about your idea.