My story so far

[AndrewG]

Update: 227 installs. If anyone else in the fastlane has a facebook account, send a friend request and try Super Inbox: my profile link and Super Inbox.

 

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[ryanpal]

Very exciting stuff AndrewG.

I have a few questions for you out of curiousity.

Did you setup an agreement with facebook to have them advertise your application "add on" or is this something you setup completely seperate that they can add on? If the former, how is something like that setup?

Great work.

Ryan

 

[AndrewG]

The facebook platform allows anyone to create an application to work within the website. I think theres about 10,000 applications available. Check out this if you're really interested: http://developers.facebook.com/

Update: 433 installs

-Andrew

 

[dhuang]

Viral is the keyword. Great work Andrew!

I'm going to be dumping a lot of time this Christmas to build my latest computer, and get straight to coding my Facebook App!

 

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[AndrewG]

Good luck! Send me a message when you launch it.

 

[AndrewG]

Just wanted to let everyone know that we updated Super Inbox. Now we have a much easier editor to user. Check it out here

Update: 634 installs in a week. Not bad at all.

-Andrew

 

[rico]

Just wanted to let everyone know that we updated Super Inbox. Now we have a much easier editor to user. Check it out here

Update: 634 installs in a week. Not bad at all.

-Andrew

Thats excellent! Nice work.

Do you know how that compares with other applications?

 

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[AndrewG]

Now it's at 832 installs. Compared to other apps it's not amazing but most have been out longer and have spent money on advertising. Our growth is all viral.

Here's some of the most popular applications:

Super Wall: 19.5 million installs - has been around since the platform started and run by large company.
Top friends: 23.4 million installs - " "
FunWall: 18.1 million installs - " "
Free Gifts: 7.9 millions installs - been around since beginning but run by one developer
Graffiti: 9 million installs - been around since beginning run by 3 developers.

 

[rico]

Cool. It would be interesting to see graphs of time vs installs for some of the other applications.

Are you planning on releasing other applications? Or concentrate purely on Super Inbox and develop it over time?

 

[AndrewG]

Probably just concentrate on Super Inbox. I've thought of many ideas and this one is the first that hasn't been created yet and has the most potential.

If you'd like to check out some graphs on facebook apps visit Adonomics.com it's a great site. They have all different charts for thousands of facebook apps.

-Andrew

 

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[AndrewG]

Well, things were going good with the app we had about 925 installs in 2 weeks. But disaster struck. Someone hacked into the server that the application was hosted on and deleted everything. So the application no longer exists and it probably won't be coming back.

I'm a little depressed right now and not sure where to go from here. I know everything happens for a reason but it's still hard.

 

[AroundTheWorld]

Oh no! I am sorry to hear that.

You know... I have noticed a trend.

Often times, a bad situation or setback occurs JUST BEFORE a HUGE breakthrough and launch forward.

You have a choice... quit - or push through the tough time. It could be the resistance just before a big move.

Don't say, "it can't come back" - say "how can it come back?"

And... lessons learned?

 

[AndrewG]

Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it. The reason that I say it can't come back is because the programmer/business partner I was working with said it would be too hard. I don't blame him because he'd have to restructure everything, create new databases, all while he's working part time, going to school, and doing some freelance stuff. But he's a great guy, great programmer, and still interested if launching other ideas. So I just need to think of another idea for an application.

But I've learned a lot about facebook and it's users.

 

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[AroundTheWorld]

If it were me....

I would agree to look for something new with biz. partner...

then get a new programmer/partner for this one.

You had impressive response in a short period of time. There is obviously a demand.

In my old business... a received bad news or a setback - and even considered quitting about 3 times over a period of 7 years. Each time - I decided not to quit - and saw explosive growth just after that decision not to quit.

 

[Yankees338]

I agree. There's definitely a demand for this. One thing I don't understand is why doesn't he want to try and salvage this idea but he's willing to try a new one?

Sorry about this by the way...you had a great idea and I really think it would've been something good for you. However, it's just another learning experience. Live and learn...

 

[AndrewG]

It's very difficult to restructure an application when it was coded specifically using the databases and technology he was/is using. It was a learning experience and I'm not giving up.

 

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[dhuang]

I'm sure your hosting company could provide backups.

What about the coding application you and your developer use? I'm sure there's some local content somewhere.

But if you have expired all your options, just remember that this is one of the minor roadblocks to the fastlane. I know some people that would have a meltdown if they were in your position. Look forward to tomorrow, because it's going to be brighter than today.

Best of luck with whatever you stir up next!

 

[AndrewG]

Thanks for everyone's support. I feel that another great idea will be coming soon. I just need a simple but brilliant idea.

 

[MJ DeMarco]

I'm afraid I don't understand why you need to start over in a new direction ... wasn't there a copy of the application locally?

It seems like there was plenty of interest in the application. It looks to me you are in the red zone, close to scoring a touchdown and bam, decide to take a knee and go home.

For those of us involved in IT, we don't understand how an entire application is suddenly missing. I was really looking forward to having this story unfold.

 

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[Analyzer]

Agreed, you've done it once so you are sure that it is possible and that there's demand for it.

I can imagine how frustrating it must be but this is when perseverance will make the difference. Over 800 people using it on such a short period seems a clear indication you should go for it.

 

[AroundTheWorld]

Exactly...

One indicator of success is the language you use.

"I can't" verses "How Can I?"

You and your partner need to change your language.

 

[Yankees338]

Also, now that you have the experience under your belt, you can fix this little "mistakes" from the first time around and get it going even better than before...

 

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[AndrewG]

Trust me, I'd love to bring it back! He has all the php code but he thinks it's too hard to start over. I'm going to talk to him some more and get more information out of him.

 

[MJ DeMarco]

Trust me, I'd love to bring it back! He has all the php code but he thinks it's too hard to start over. I'm going to talk to him some more and get more information out of him.

No one ever said success was "easy" -- if it was, everyone would be rich. This mindset is a problem. "Hard" is a precursor to success so to be blunt, get on his a$$!:coco:

 

[rico]

Betcha whoever did this was jealous of the application! Maybe a competitor or similar? Whatever, thats a huge compliment to your business. I'd definitely find the code and relaunch it. tighten up the security and come back bigger and better!!!!

Good luck

 

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[AndrewG]

Well I have learned a little more about what happened with Super Inbox. No one hacked into the server, the server simply crashed. My business partner in the application failed to tell me this. I wanted to relaunch the application but he is too lazy and doesn't feel like configuring the code to work with a new database.

So I have moved away from laziness like that and decided to strike out on my own again. I decided to create a blog where I can empower people and myself at the same time. My blog is called Lyved. I was having trouble coming up with a name that was short and that related to the blog. I came up with a new way to spell lived. Lyved will cover many topics about life, business, entrepreneurs, goals, dreams, inspiration, motivation, determination, life stories, and more. This blog is for those who want to change their lives and get the most out of it.

So please visit Lyved.com and read some of the articles I have posted. I just launched on Decemeber 31st so there isn't much content yet. If anyone is interested in exchanging links please let me know here: life{at}lyved{dot}.com

Thanks for all your support!

Andrew

 

[Yankees338]

Well I have learned a little more about what happened with Super Inbox. No one hacked into the server, the server simply crashed. My business partner in the application failed to tell me this. I wanted to relaunch the application but he is too lazy and doesn't feel like configuring the code to work with a new database.

So I have moved away from laziness like that and decided to strike out on my own again. I decided to create a blog where I can empower people and myself at the same time. My blog is called Lyved. I was having trouble coming up with a name that was short and that related to the blog. I came up with a new way to spell lived. Lyved will cover many topics about life, business, entrepreneurs, goals, dreams, inspiration, motivation, determination, life stories, and more. This blog is for those who want to change their lives and get the most out of it.

So please visit Lyved.com and read some of the articles I have posted. I just launched on Decemeber 31st so there isn't much content yet. If anyone is interested in exchanging links please let me know here: life{at}lyved{dot}.com

Thanks for all your support!

Andrew

First of all, you definitely deserve some rep points for not giving up after all you've gone through. Secondly, just bookmarked it! Can never have enough reading material! Good luck with it! Looks like you have some great content on there, and I look forward to following it. Keep up the hard work and determination!

 

[AndrewG]

Thanks Yankees. I'm definitely not giving up! Usually when a business venture of mine fails I fall into a depressive sort of state. But this time was totally different, I just dusted myself off and within days I was working on Lyved.com.

 

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[dhuang]

Thanks Yankees. I'm definitely not giving up! Usually when a business venture of mine fails I fall into a depressive sort of state. But this time was totally different, I just dusted myself off and within days I was working on Lyved.com.

Consider me subscribed!

 

[AndrewG]

Thanks! I really appreciate it. My content and writing style will continue to improve so stay tuned.