[p0d]

I appreciate your honesty. There are a lot of "field of dreams" comments on HN. So your question is refreshing.

I have a sideline which makes a part-time wage and I have not spent as much on marketing in 10 years as you have in 1 year. This is what strikes me most about your comment.

In saying that I often wonder if my being over cautious is what made the difference from me having a company and a sideline. That's a different question.

So I guess if you do keep trying consider your outgoings.

[akbarb]

I think as a first time founder, I got too excited too soon. The things that I initially spent money on were probably things that I could have done myself for a fraction of the costs. Also, being impatient and wanting to get things done quick eventually led to not doing enough research on whom I was about to work with for marketing and so on. I think it also took me longer than it should have to say NO.

[p0d]

I hear you. Marketing experts are on a scale of awesome to snake oil. Good luck whatever avenue you take.