Endless Conceptions Of A Sleepless Mind My mind rarely sleeps. I'm constantly thinking of new things to build or design. New web site concepts, product ideas, service ideas... you name it, I'm probably churning on it. It drives Niki crazy I'm sure. In fact, we're still piecing together my most recent idea, Recycled Nest. I'm not sure what exactly motivates me, I'm not dying to strike it rich or anything. I just enjoy creating things I guess. Humzoo was a result so it's not such a bad trait.
That said, I have a new idea. I bounced it off Niki via email and a ran it by a co-worker this morning over breakfast. Overall the feedback was good. I figured I'd run it by my visitors and friends on Humzoo as well. Keep in mind the idea is less than 12 hours old. It just came to me last night but I think I'm onto something.
The Idea
A super cheap web-based private chat room service. $1 per chat room, which expires in one day. Hold meetings or chat in a group, no IM client required, upload/share files, etc. Chat from a computer or a mobile device. Chat room passes could be purchased in bulk as well instead of al a carte. For example you could buy 10 chats for $10 and start a new chat room whenever you like, very simple and easy.
The Target Market
I'm still trying to figure this out. Any feedback here would be great.
- Designed for quick, one-off meetings (or possibly extendable for $1 per day).
- For use by anyone that needs to quickly organize a discussion; such as small businesses, organizations or personal use.
- Invite friends, family or colleagues by email or hold a public chat quickly by sharing a public link to your chat room (no login would be required, just a screen name).
There are plently of chat services out there but most of what I've found either requires you to; install software on your computer, set up a formal screen name or to pay for a long-term agreement for a chatroom service. My idea comes with far less overhead and no commitment.
Just set up a chat room when you need for a very affordable price. No contracts, no obligation, no software to install... nothing formal about it. Just chat.
Outstanding Questions
While I've outlined the potential target market, I still don't know if a need exists for such a service. Would you or someone you know use this? If so, in what capacity? At work, with your family, with friends maybe? Are there other uses I haven't considered?
Feedback is greatly appreciated! Let me have it, be honest what you think about the idea. Should I move on or keep exploring the idea? I'm I on to something or just crazy?
In my mind this service could co-exist with the current full-featured conference/chat services such as the ones you mentioned(eg. LiveMeeting). Those are typically expensive and loaded/bloated with features. Their designed for large businesses only. My idea is geared towards people who don't want to deal with the expense and overhead of something like LiveMeeting, and furthermore a contract. Maybe small businesses, software developers, mommy groups, friends, families... and the list goes on...
I think it could be done for $1 a day. The data would not be stored long-term. Chat dialog and small files (10MB max) don't take up a ton of room so server storage wouldn't be a huge concern. Mainly just hosting costs.
If I am just needing to chat with someone, I usually just use Live Messenger or Googletalk. Live Messenger is already installed on any Windows pc and Googletalk I can use from inside my browser.
The LiveMeeting and GotoMeetings are expensive and it seems you always have to make a test run before your actual conference call to see if it is set up correctly or not.
My point is that I personally dont see the huge need for the Chat only service. I think a combination of some kind has to be there.
But you might be on to something.
Good luck
I checked out DimDim. The free version does look similar to what I'm after, but with a few more features like an audio bridge and webcam support. Thanks for sharing that.
The GoogleTalk and Live Messenger services both require a log in for all chat users. With my idea you could invite people to chat even if they don't have an account on the site (using the public share method). Would this be a huge advantage or is it safe to assume that everyone has a Google or MSN account these days?
I think that if people do not have an account with a messenger type app they usually don't balk when they have to sign up for something. Especially if it's free.
I think you're onto a pretty good idea and you're doing the right thing in identifying a potential market before taking the plunge. I can't offer much feedback but I do think that the simplicity part is the real draw and I see there would be some situations where people would want an impromptu/spontaneous facility to converse.
Here are some things you can do to feed your restless mind/body:
1. Get up with the 4 dogs and Dylan in the morning. Dylan has amazing thoughts on computers in general and Annie likes cinnamon rolls.
2. Do the laundry. Believe it or not laundry takes a lot of thinking. Sorting colors is no easy task.
3. Fix the hose out back. This is going to require a power tool! Yea!
I could go on, but giving you too much to do sometimes creates the effect of you thinking of new things to build and design...