[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."