md1515

I can't say I understand the feeling as I haven't been yet battered by the corporate machine.

My advice is to try and find something you can do by yourself that you will enjoy. Obviously, it would be better/more profitable to stay within your field, but who knows - lots of successful people change from field to field and remain successful (see James Altucher who has had many career changes). I would suggest you put some serious thought into what this special thing is, though. Do not quit your job before you do.

Some people might tell you to quit immediately for your own health, but I think putting some serious thought into your options will go a long way into keeping you happy. Sure, you're working in some corporate gig, but you've got some consulting business you're planning...something like that. Good luck, whatever you decide.

A few things to think about:

1) You are still growing quite rapidly, so you need to be wary of killing off that growth. I think your method of giving ~3 months usage free will go a long way in retaining that growth

2) I don't think it is too expensive on a yearly basis, but maybe give them a discount if they pay by the year? Even if it is a couple bucks. They will already be inclined to pay for the full year because it isn't that expensive and $2.40 is a hassle to pay every month. Give them an additional reason to stay with you the entire year.

Good luck

Very cool add-on. Congratulations and thanks for sharing.

I have never used Disqus so I do not know. I do know that blogs with many readers and large numbers of comments (James Altucher, Mark Suster) all use Disqus. I have read from them on a number of occasions that it is the best. Good luck

Seems like you already know this, but speak to a professional even if it costs a little bit. You don't want your company closed down, clients stripped, and you at the top of some U.S tax fraud list.

Best of luck

EDIT: Looks like Mr. Hodgen IS a professional. That's why we love HN!

Few comments for you and I'll try not to be harsh (because it isn't all that bad)

First, cut off the "As seen on..." bit. To be honest, that doesn't matter unless it is like TechCrunch or something - and even then it isn't a big deal. Press is useful to get customers to your site. If they're on your site, the job is done. Don't send them elsewhere to read about what your site does...

Second, you don't need the pricing and product tour on the homepage. You have tabs for them. I wouldn't have anything on the landing page besides the very first thing you see without scrolling. Explanation, video, done. That's it - nothing else is needed.

good luck

No one will hire unless you have something to show them. I assume you like to design so maybe you should do a couple for your friends and family pro bono. You'll get something for the portfolio that you can show to others.

I like Shawn's idea to get new customers - follow that. Try to make some connections with a major industry. James Altucher founded Reset, which made websites for movie releases at extremely high prices. You know why? First of all, he worked at HBO so he had contacts with all of them. Second, they were huge companies with even bigger budgets - he cleaned up on them. Granted he did it in the mid-90's when the internet was new and exciting, but nonetheless - if you have the right contacts you can create a great business (he eventually sold Reset for low 8 figures).

best of luck

It has been said before: bad blood between co-founders spells disaster for a startup.

Patch things over for the sake of your baby, end things amicably, or take your baby and run baby run.

What would you sell if traffic died? It seems like you were truly interested in entrepreneurship so why not help the community and open door number 1.

I can't use it, but maybe someone can revive it.

I'm a first time entrepreneur right now and the answer is "yes". I feel the same thing.

I've spent so long getting things designed and prepped and ready to go yet no matter what I do it feels like my expectations are not met. I guess I am optimistic by nature and I try to bring down my estimates to fit, but they still end up failing.

Oh well...I need to really start focusing more on learning. That is a good attitude. The more you learn now, the more you make at a future startup

Why not work at home? :\

Moscow is one of the most expensive cities and living there for 6 months will take out a hefty chunk. The mentors don't seem of the highest calibur, but are fine I guess.

I would agree - for Russian based startups, this might be a good option. Otherwise...no

Depends on what you are doing. If you are doing sales with brick and mortar establishments then I believe the answer is "yes".

They are pretty cheap. Hell, you can even make your own..

I feel like I am a jack-of-all trades type of person too. Many people say that is a disadvantage, but I recently read an article on entrepreneur.com about some famous guru saying a CEO of a startup needs to be good at a lot of things instead of great at one thing. Made me feel a lot better....

think of an idea from your area of expertise. ex: a restaurant owner develops software to helps his/her restaurant

my co-founder in my current startup has one. he is an australian and was making 150k/year out of college, but hated it. moved to eastern europe, made a staff management system and makes 1k/month now (like 6-8 months into it), but that is enough to live and travel all around europe and the U.S with a few hours a month of work.

My experiences with my own startup have told me this: There is no right way to go about anything. There may be some "norms", but just be creative to get the job done.

Hell, just show up to some tech companies and badger them. If you're THAT dedicated to getting an UNPAID internship, they will take notice.

I've heard NYC startups are more interested in making money/generating revenue while SV startups are more disruptive.

I imagine the public transport will be better in any case....good luck

Another tip - combine your office and apartment unless you need a brick and mortar place for sales. Just because you have funding doesn't mean you need to spend it.

I would agree with a lot of HN posts here, but I have a few additions.

You say your job is in such a niche market - is there something missing from this market? Maybe use your specialty knowledge in your favor by coming up with a good startup idea.

A lot of people don't like him, but maybe read a little bit of James Altucher - he has large sections about happiness and quiting if you are not happy. Now, this job might not be the cause of your sadness/depression/burnout, but I doubt it is helping.

If you want to email me to bounce some ideas off - feel free. Whatever you decide to do, best of luck. I hope you find what you're looking for.

I don't know about CPT/OPT, but I would suggest at least contacting an immigration attorney.

I would suggest doing what curt said: find some startups you are interested in and send the CEO an email. Most startups are small enough that they will love to speak to you via email - if not to hire immediately, then at least to build a relationship with you for the future (when that funding comes through!)

Maybe spend some time trying to find a job before you visit, during your visit, and after you go back. That way you will hopefully have a job lined up when your house sells (might be a while :P)

Good luck kirbman - feel free to email me too if you'd like (though I'm not in SF)

Some 14 year olds can design pretty well. Plus - logo matters, but not that much. Look at Hacker News...it looks like someone taking beginner programming made it. Nonetheless, the content is fabulous - that's the point