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.

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.