[matt1]

You're presumably trying to compete with eBay, which is certainly an ambitious goal. I like that about your team: you're aiming high. The problem is that it might be too high right now. I think you need to find a niche and then expand as your customers want it.

For the average internet user, onista is probably a bit overwhelming. Hell, its even overwhelming for me and I read HackerNews! I get to the site and think eBay. Then I see social networking and think Facebook. Then I see automatic negotiations. It's not clear from your homepage how all of these are woven together to create something that benefits users. I think a lot of people will see this and say "I don't get it" and move on.

My 2c:

- Do usability testing with some normal people. Figure out what they don't get and where they get lost and make changes - Maybe simplify the homepage and make it clearer how the site benefits the users

- Who is your target audience? Consider finding a niche.

- The color scheme... while very web 2.0, you might do better with something more distinctive. I don't know who came up with the colors for HackerNews, but it's different and I've come to associate that combination of colors with this site. It has an identity. Go to the nearest bookstore and spend some time flipping through the magazines finding color schemes you like. Test a few out on onista and see what works.

Your site has a lot of potential, but you've got to get passed this initial stage for it to matter.

I keep thinking of WebVan for some reason. I'm not sure if thats good or not...