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by BrandonMTurner 5286 days ago
This is a crowded space as you mentioned. I don't know why this is any different then Flipboard from reading the description, only thing maybe is that you remove advertisements and make it easier to read. However, the big difference between you and Flipboard is that Flipboard has a brand that I know of, its free, and I know there is a large team behind it making it better all the time (or at least trying to).

Edit: One thing I forgot to say, is that the app actually looks pretty nice. Sadly, I don't think that is enough to break into the market.
1 comments
mmackh 5286 days ago
I understand what you mean, many companies like Flipboard, Zite, FLUD are backed by teams and incredible high funding. I'm 19 and worked on this whole thing on my own, which makes me sad
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bradhe 5286 days ago
If you knew this, and felt like you are at such a disadvantage (as evident by your tone), why are you surprised that it is not doing well?

Let this one go. Be more innovative on your next project.

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mmackh 5286 days ago
Because I honestly believed, and still do, that my app provides a service that was missing on the iPad. About being more innovative - ideas do not come easy to me. Any suggestions?
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pgroves 5286 days ago
My advice would be to use this app as your 'portfolio' for building other people's ideas on a contract basis. ODesk or Guru.com are decent places to start, although here in Chicago Craigslist has a suprising number of iOS contracts.

You will likely find people to partner with that have more niche markets to go after. One of your problems, IMO, is that you're product is very general and therefore has lots of competition. Once you are familiar with a smaller (but not too small) market, you will likely end up with many more ideas for products people will pay money for.

Contracting is underrated in the startup world, IMO. You can spend 6 months out of the year building other people's ideas, and the rest of the time building your own until your own products can support you.

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Sidnicious 5286 days ago
> my app provides a service that was missing on the iPad.

That’s awesome! What is it? Is there a way you could tell people what that is in the description of the app?

Right now I have trouble telling what’s different about Read from, for instance, Instapaper.

Like paulsilver, I don’t think that “beautiful and revolutionary” means enough by itself.

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