[jpeterson]

Indeed. These guys should be lauded for getting something out. It's a very non-trivial accomplishment.

I'm afraid that Diaspora might be in an impossible position. If they release something early, they'll get a lot of bad press from knuckleheads like this one that the quality is no good. If they release late, everyone will be clamoring over the wasted $250k in the interim, demanding: "when will we see something?".

[mkramlich]

I'd argue just the opposite. Especially in today's world. "Getting Something Out" is very easy. I can come up with a project idea tonight, start coding, then publish the code within an hour. Then iterate (or not) to my heart's content. Granted, it's harder with a group. But still, it's always easy to publish shit code. Non-shit is a little harder, but also easier to do with experience and talent.

Now growing it over time, standing up to public scrutiny, hardening, balancing, monetizing -- those are much harder problems. Getting code out? Not really, in my opinion.