We're just starting out (in beta) but we'd be happy to help. Our site focuses on providing simple game mechanics for any site. Visit our site http://www.uplaude.com and feel free to send me an email frank at uplaude.com if you have any questions.
I try to stay away from the term "gamification" because of the stigma associated with it and you're right, it's the new buzz word. But as an avid gamer, I think the achievement/rewards portion of a game can be used across other mediums, like websites, to incentivize visitors and foster discovery of content. I agree that just slapping a badge on a site is a massive FAIL, but providing achievements that drive others to discover interesting content on your site or acknowledge their participation may have some merit.
Although you'll need to spend 100% of your time on your startup, at some point, you don't have to start that way. Just make sure that you do whatever you can to fully switch context when working at your job or on your startup. Trying to do both, switching back and forth during the day, will drive you crazy. So in short, yes it can be done.
BTW: if you haven't read it already, read "REWORK" by the guys from 37signals. They talk about this misconception.
Also, starting your startup this way is incredibly hard. But, if you are really serious, you'll find a way and all of the sudden you'll find yourself spending more time on your startup that at your job. Good luck.
Most job descriptions are over shooting their needs. You don't need to be a "world class" programmer to land those jobs. You just need to be motivated and show that you are competent. People take for granted that the ability to get things done is paramount for companies that higher developers. Many developers get so stuck on the minutia that they never progress. With that said, try to get any position at a company that exposes you to more development, even if it is a QA position. Then, show that you can get the job done. That will speak volumes about you and your potential abilities. It will also open doors into more senior roles. Work hard and hustle and you will be rewarded. Just don't give up. Good luck.
There's always room for competition. You just need to find the right audience and pricing structure. BTW there is an iPad based app for mockups that does iPad/iPhone mockups - iMockups.
I like the idea but when I first read your description and went to the site, I expected the equivalent of a cork board in an office lunchroom, which it does do with "gatherings", but the rest feels like Foursquare tips or Yelp's reviews. Basically, I thought it was something your going to read while you wait for the coffee to brew that has targeted information about the office "community" or "neighborhood". "I'm selling my car" or "Employee meeting on Friday the 13th". I'm using the office as an analogy like you used the flyer on the tree. But the true question here is why would I go to your site to find this information? When I walk down the street I have no choice but to run into the tree with the flyer. Then I might tell my neighbor that Cindy lost her kitten and that she should look out for it. Maybe it's easier to start spreading the local info on your site via word of mouth (existing social networks) so that people hear about your tree (your site) and at some point they'll get used to looking for the flyer on the tree.
Ok, sorry for the analogies and generalities.
I think it's going to be a challenge to get people to use it since most people feel saturated by status updates / check-ins / review apps. I'd suggest trying to leverage other social network api's in order to automatically group people by location and also facilitate posting to your site. Maybe create a light weight Facebook app that looks like a tree with flyers on it?
thanks for your thoughts. we'd like to have more gatherings/marketplace type stuff on the site but that takes a certain critical mass - people know that on craigslist their ad will be seen. our site is still trying to build traffic.
that's an interesting idea about trying to use facebook and then group by location. but are facebook apps really the ticket anymore? it seems to me that most facebook users are extremely hesitant to use apps anymore - especially apps that post content automatically to walls, etc. and since our site only collects an email address from each registered user, we just felt the integration wasn't worthwhile.
I'd also add that just a good monitor isn't enough, make sure you calibrate the brightness, contrast, and colors. It makes a big difference to your eyes. You'll have less eye strain and see more details at the same time.
I think you misunderstood the point of the post, it's not that G+ will change everything today. It won't. It can't. It just started and most of my friends aren't on it either, but the technology and the UI they have come up with is quite enviable and we may be seeing the future of electronic communication. G+ is very well positioned to change email given the popularity of Gmail. Forgive my seemingly impetuous post, but I think we may be seeing the future.
Except for the obviously flaw where Gmails isn't as popular as you suggest. Having a lot less users than either Yahoo mail or Hotmail. Heres two links to verify that statement (second from google itself):
I'm not saying change isn't coming. I just don't think a Google social network will be it. Hell even there 18 million user announcement is quite average... thats under 10% of gmail users.
Considering MS has been spotted toying with implementing Social networks directly in Windows 8 (and with their share of FaceBook + Windows Live + Desktop OS we are talking massive users base).
A decent implementation could destroy all competition. The only ray of light there is MS history of failure.
