I feel like the main thing that could make it work is the idea of other people also paying and competition/status ... so having a barren homepage without any other avatars/signs of life is probably the wrong way to go. Also I think there's an opportunity for the site to feel more fun / gamified and less academic. (i.e. maybe HOW SHOULDST OTHERS REFER TO YOU rather than Your Name, that sort of thing). Have some more fun with the idea and see where it takes you.