Show HN: a social network conducted entirely through email | Hacker News Reader

Show HN: a social network conducted entirely through email

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8 pointstci2235 comments

You really need an example on the homepage. I read the opening description and still don't feel like I understand how it works. What kind of mail would I get? Would I be able to turn it off? You say 'social network' - so, do I have friends, or is this just a public discussion forum?

I would suggest you set up a throwaway yahoo email and email the site. I understand it may be confusing but all discussion happens through email and the focus shouldn't be the homepage. We can demo thru email once you set up a throwaway account. In addition, you can use the throwaway email to actually use the site if you have an aversion to using your personal email.

That's asking me for a lot of effort without giving me much of a reason.

The concept of the site, or the description of the site? What seems taxing?

Having to set up a throwaway e-mail account to try out your service, without an explanation of how it works, first.

Yes, it's easy. No, I don't want to have to do it.

Um...okay

There is still a ton of information that you could provide to the new users visiting your home page. It is your job to convince the users to send that first email. Suggesting that people create throw away email accounts does not sound like the best user on-boarding process. This is where examples, or better descriptions on your home page would help.

Okay. Good point. How would you describe it through words? Keeping in mind people don't want to use their personal emails. Suggestions welcome.

> How would you describe it through words?

That's your job. :)

Put it out there, be as succinct as you can, and tweak it along the way. No shortcuts here.

I dunno...seems succinct enough: pick a topic, send us an email, and we forward emails to you from emailers discussing same topic. I only suggested creating a throwaway because people worry about spam.

How about illustrating the whole process? Cartoons are easy to understand.

Jesus just get in there and start emailing buddy. :)

Interesting. I found myself reluctant to start using this just because of the fact that I'd have to use an e-mail address, but I ended up submitting a topic anyway from one of my secondary e-mail accounts, just because I'm interested in participating in new ideas. I do wonder though, how many people who would otherwise try out the service, are stopped in their tracks due to the mandatory e-mail aspect?

Thank you for your response and thanks for checking the service out. It may be prohibitive for many people who do rely on a personal email account rather than a secondary one.

I can't wait for the social network that's conducted entirely through beer at a pub.

Oh lord...

That would be pretty sweet!

right? instead of 'poking' girls you like, you can buy them a drink.

I think Apple is coming out with it next month, it's called iDrink.

Stock wordpress install? Come on guys

yep, it's a bare-bones design. The purpose if for you to communicate through email with other users. The blog is merely for posting topics.

from the forwards, select those email addresses you wish to communicate with, and ignore the spam email addresses

Actually, I totally applaud these guys for getting their MVP out quickly via WordPress to get to what matters most - finding out what users/customers want!

What problem is this attempting to solve?

None at all. Just communicate via email (per the website instruction) and get tips ($) for interesting discussion.

Wouldn't you get a ton of spam?

It is likely...but we don't want to weed emails in order to preserve the experience. You're still gonna get a lot of insightful discussion. But unfortunately, spam would come with the territory.

I think you underestimate the sheer volume of spam.

If users want us to weed out emails that we feel are spam we would do it.

But hell, no one's used the site or email yet so we can't anticipate anything.

Update: so far no spam.

Additionally, you could choose to just communicate with whomever the sender of the email is if you find their email interesting.

Understandable. Wouldn't that mean that spam will roll very quickly to many email accounts? Wouldn't spam engines start picking up application emails as spam emails(assuming once some discussion goes rogue with spammers the email receivers mark the conversation as spam)? Or am i missing something here.

Thanks for your response. Just select from those email address that hold potential for interesting discussion and communicate with them directly. Forwarding enables you to pick and choose from people dropping in to comment on the topic.

Cool. It does bring a new way of discussion to the table. But was wondering what would normally be an users behaviour? You could selectively reply to it, mute it or mark it as spam. Any trends data you got so far to throw light on this?

Honestly, only a couple people have emailed in so I can't offer you anything concrete. The goal is for users to reply to the forwards so that anyone involved in the topic is updated.

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