I said this the first time this site was posted. It is brilliant and helpful. It is actually the first helpful site I have found here on HN for my personal life.
I talk to a few close friends to get some ideas, but I don't rely on their excitement to give me an indication of how worthy an idea it is. Validation comes from actually getting it done and having people pay/use it.
If you are at the idea stage, do you actually build every one of our ideas out? Is it possible to test ideas without having to build every one of them?
You might try once a month. Do a poll and see how people would react. you have been so honest thus far, I think continuing to say that it will be very difficult to continue with the existing profit margin will allow subscribers to take a hit. Example: they pay $15 for one shipment per month. You will most likely keep most subscribers and potentially gain the cheaper ones who don't want to pay $24 for Japanese candy
I do not think college will help you. Put the effort into teaching yourself C/C++, PHP, and Python. You can get the books you would have to read while in school anyway.
Then, build a resume of products you have developed. If you have been able to make some cool ones on the side, go with those. If you have an idea for a bigger one, but do not have the time, then maybe live off those 2-3 years of savings for half a year and work on the project full-time. You will learn a ton working on the project, you might make a viable business, and you will add to your resume for getting a job.
Hi, first of all, I sympathize and understand exactly where you are coming from...actually in more ways than you may imagine. I have to agree that the major is not always the end-all. In fact, many programmers I know tell me that school taught them nothing. It was self-teaching and tutorials that helped them learn what they needed to. College these days is about connections, alma mater, and if you are really dedicated you can learn a lot.
I know you want to remain anonymous in your public post on HN, but if you want someone to talk to, send me an email (in profile). Best regards whatever you decide to do. Number one thing is to not worry about the future. Under no circumstances can worrying help you. Make daily goals, attain them, and before you know it you will be successful.
Although I think the idea is less novel than others, I think the presentation is great. I haven't seen as smooth a UI/UX in a while.
Overall, I think the site is pretty awesome. What are your thoughts?