On: A viral "launching soon" form

[aberkowitz]

As a one time idea, this is unique and clever.

Unfortunately, I foresee many "me too" companies that will make this a tired paradigm.

[melvinram → aberkowitz]

I disagree. I could see this working over and over if executed well.

Imagine a brand new site called Hulu that promises free TV shows in a legal way. To get on the beta, you do the normal list sign up but they tell you that you could get first access if you referred 3 people. Would you dig out 3 people to refer? My response is "Hell ya!" if I think my friends will like it.

How you get people to want the service bad enough that they'll invite others to get on a priority list will likely be the thing that people will need to focus on.

[aberkowitz → melvinram]

If I was desperate to get an account, I would create fake e-personas to sign up as well. I would be embarrassed to spam my friends for my benefit.

[melvinram → aberkowitz]

"if I think my friends will like it."

[aberkowitz → melvinram]

So, through this process, your early access is restricted to sites your friends like?

[melvinram → aberkowitz]

If I like something, I'm sure I'll know 3 people who will likely like the same thing.

[thenduks → melvinram]

If you are trying to get 'priority' or early access to the site/service then you have no idea if your friends will like it. You don't even know if you like it yet.