Network effects will definitely be the #1 challenge. I considered integrations—I first tried Pony as an email service, actually. I wanted it to be as accessible as possible. This led to a lot of problems, specifically you get this asymmetry and confusion of some people being on Pony and others being in instant real-time. All of our existing platforms come with norms and expectations, and using a non-instant integration was often perceived as anti-social, which was really unfortunate because I was trying to build something pro-social. You also lose this effect of it being a special place.
Anyway, it is hard to get people on, but fortunately the idea seems to be unique enough and resonate enough with that there's already a seemingly dedicated (albeit small) userbase. It suggests that maybe network effects will be possible to overcome. Everything has to start somewhere!
I really like email as a comms platform and think that it could greatly benefit Pony.
Assume, for a moment, that your idea takes off and becomes the next WhatsApp. People, you know, will find ways to return to their normal selves. They'll cram a ton of links and messages into their allotted time slots.
What you're attempting to address is a fundamental flaw in human nature. Many people are aware of the issue and are taking precautions in their daily communication. Many, however, do not.
A wall of text/messages from a relative is more-readily handled in a healthy fashion when it doesn't arrive piecemeal.
Thank you for your support in this. It's a constant exercise in discipline to keep focused in this direction.
> They'll cram a ton of links and messages into their allotted time slots.
I'm not sure people will be inclined to put links and ephemera in here. At least not most people. I do, to some extent, especially when I want to avoid starting a text back-and-forth, but I think instant messaging is a good place for that kind of thing and I suspect it'll stay that way.
It’s a great idea, but without uninstalling other messaging clients the goal of a mindful messaging life seem impossible.
That's what I do anyway :).
And more fundamentally, I'd say there's a difference because Pony changes not just how you personally receive messages but also the kind of messages that people send to you. Having that extra time and structure, and knowing that your correspondent does too, can make a qualitative difference.