[hugo31370]

There are no real thresholds. As entrepreneur, you're the one who sets the timing for each stage. Managing beta vs launch has several goals that go beyond media coverage. 1, When talking to users it's a way to tell them that your product is not quite ready yet. It's expectation mngmt but it works. Users are more likely to help you fixing bugs if you're in beta than if you're live. 2, When talking to investors is a way to gain time. If you're live you need to show traction. If you're beta you can go a little slower. You can use your beta stage to create some buzz so then when you officially launch you can actually see decent traction. 3, When talking to the media, it's about getting the big 'launch' coverage and possibly allow for an exclusive. If you're already launched there are no real news.