We have been working on building this site and just launched it a few days ago to meet the YC deadline. We are now looking for constructive criticism and suggestions on how to improve the usability of the site and advance the concept of bringing social networking to the legislative process. Thanks and we look forward to your feedback!
- Kris Neuharth (krisneuharth) and Ryan Manley (ryanmnly)
Not necessarily a critique of the site, just some questions YC or investors will certainly ask during the application process.
Aside from ad revenue, the plan for monetization is to charge for the data we collect. On a subscription basis, we want government officials, interest groups and lobbyists to pay for the data we collect. We give anonymous and accurate data that identifies earmarks, demographic trends, hot button items, etc. The catch is that the people receiving the data need to agree to a minimum amount of interaction with the users on the site (social networking). We also charge them monthly.
I have no doubt that if just a couple reps/groups find this useful, everyone will jump on board so they aren't left behind. Not to mention, most are spending other people's money, not their own. :)
As for exit plan, this is not completely established. We expect that the application continues to evolve and automate on the back end, leaving us free to hand off to new management without a significant learning curve. Right now, we envision our target buyers to be large news sources, especially if they are political and intend to take advantage of social networking. CNN maybe? FOX? MSNBC? Washington Post? Since newspapers are going by the wayside, there are plenty of companies out there who need a new niche fast.
Thoughts?
i can't really tell just looking at the first page, so, you're probably going to have a high bounce rate (especially since its such a crowded-with-information, not-aesthetically-appealing page). you want that first page to explain and draw people in. you have more leeway for ugliness and untidiness once people understand whats happening.