What it takes to launch a site

You may or may not know that I’m working on two startups right now. The first launched today: EstiMike, a simple and straightforward way for estimating the price of a home.

What’s interesting is how these startups are getting built. I created EstiMike working all alone. I negotiated a contract with my data provider, I hired an artist to develop the mascot, and I coded the website. With just a small investment, I think I have created a pretty useful tool.

Now compare this with other websites that provide real estate information. According to CrunchBase, Zillow received $87 million in funding; Roost recently received $13.5 million.

Now, these sites are far more ambitious than my simple EstiMike site. But my point is that it doesn’t require an large staff and millions of dollars to create a useful website. It can still be created by one guy with an idea.

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Where have all the posts gone?

Greg’s Rants is neither gone nor forgotten. However, most of my writing now goes into our corporate blog – Decidedly. Besides that, I’ve finally taken to Twitter, and you can find me as gglockner on Twitter. But I do have some rants in mind, and I’ll post them when I get a chance. See you in the ‘net.

This news isn’t new

Today, Matier and Ross write that the Bay-to-Breakers race is out of control. It took them this long to realize this?? Over four years ago, I ranted that Bay to Breakers was a terrible race. It is a disgrace both to runners and to the city of San Francisco.

Finite writing capacity

At work this week, I’m writing marketing material. And I have little motivation for blogging. That made me realize that I have a finite capacity for writing. If I’m writing for work, I’m not eager to write for myself. And vice-versa. Work takes precedence, so no great blog posts this week. This also explains what’s happening when I don’t blog much.

Why I’m voting Democratic

Many friends know that I’m a closet Libertarian: I believe that the role of government is to protect my liberties. But I’m also a pragmatist: I know that the Libertarian Party is a fringe element, and so I need to align myself with the Democratic-Republicans. So which to choose? A few months ago, I finally realized that I am better off voting Democratic. The Democrats are better at protecting personal liberty, while the Republicans are better at protecting financial liberty. I can always make more money, but there’s no way I can make more freedom.

We get 37 MPG or better. And you?

Today, my brother joined our Hybrid club. Dad and I have a Camry Hybrid, and my brother now has a Civic Hybrid. With petroleum prices at record highs, it just makes sense. I am averaging 37 MPG in the Camry. Are you? Detroit, are you listening??

I’m not dead … yet

Sorry for the lack of posts. Most of you know that we’re moving in 11 days. I always strive to blog at least once per week, but I may continue to lapse over the next few weeks. Stay tuned.