[ski2mi]

Repeat after me: A website is not a startup.

It's bad enough that everyone with half a business idea calls it a startup, but now everyone with half a website prototype is joining in.

[joelhaasnoot]

I do like the idea, but agree it's not very polished. It lacks a certain degree of professionalism: it could've been done 5 years ago and we wouldn't have noticed. $30 templates go a long way.

[dpritchett]

Good point. I recently learned that WP theme marketplaces also carry generic HTML themes. Here's a set from a family member: http://themeforest.net/user/Parallelus/portfolio?x=15&y=...

[il]

I think the word startup has lost all meaning at this point, but I would like to propose this definition: A startup is something you quit your job to work full time on. Until then, it's a side project.

If the OP is fully committed to working on this site full time for the next 3 years, he can call it a startup.

Otherwise, calling a side project a startup seems intellectually dishonest in view of those that are putting 100% effort into a website/startup.

[blantonl]

In all fairness, many highly successful businesses started as side projects. In my case, I started my web site about 12 years ago as a side project, and this year I expect to exceed 1 million in revenue.

I'm not sure at what point during the evolution of my side project I went from side project, to startup, to established business.

Maybe a startup should be termed as "a business that is designed to make more money than it spends."

[fg]

Why the negativity? Aside from that, why does it matter what exactly is called a startup?

The worst ideas can transform into the biggest of communities and then be monetized.

[palewery]

it is unfortunate that they didn't consult you before submitting. :(

[revorad]

What is a startup?