I started this for-fun-project: a highly viral site, called http://www.tjetter.com - it enables you to randomly chat with others, with the added twist of being able to eavesdrop on (and replay) other conversations that take place.<p>The dutch version is doing OK, because I was able to use my established network to get some initial visitors. However, I have barely any international contacts, so getting some exposure in other countries is rather difficult.<p>I'm looking for suggestions as to how to proceed in trying to obtain critical mass for this kind concept. Ideas?
I noticed your post yesterday in the thread about company names and I tried out a few conversations with Tjetter. I saved a couple of the URIs:<p><a href="http://tjetter.com/#3JcS" rel="nofollow">http://tjetter.com/#3JcS</a><p><a href="http://tjetter.com/#3Jdz" rel="nofollow">http://tjetter.com/#3Jdz</a><p>It's an interesting concept but I wasn't sure what to do at first. What do you say to a person without any context? In each of the conversations the other person inevitably asked if I was male or female. I think it would be easier for people to get involved if there was some starting point, like a question. Get people talking about a topic, even if just to disagree. <i>Something</i> to get them going.<p>As a more general answer to your question, Chris Wanstrath's talk at RailsConf today/this week is a good read:
<a href="http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=596172" rel="nofollow">http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=596172</a>
Ok, gave it a few tries, every conversation is terminated as soon as you reply "male" to the inevitable question! So option one is probably get 5000 girls on there!
How is it "highly viral"? If it was highly viral, surely, it would acquire critical mass by itself (that's kind of the definition of a viral application)
I think you misunderstand viral. It may be virally shared, but it's not viral by its nature. A viral app is an app like skype or paypal, as they only get useful when the other person uses it. An app like facebook, you interact with the other person over the site, as the person who invites you is 'there'.<p>Your app is just a 'share this amusing link if you like' type site. It's not inherently viral app. Change it in a way that people want to invite people, and also to stay there. Then it will grow on its own.
Make "high-speed replay" more speedy.
Having to watch for 30 lines for 3 minutes is a bit boring...
(or at least add on option to speed it up)<p>This is not going get you "critical mass", but it might help a bit.