Some thoughts after week 1 of the Public Beta

So we’ve been live in the public beta for about a week and it’s been one heck of a whirlwind. I know our team is thrilled to see people on the platform finally using the features they’ve worked so hard to stand up, and we’re truly excited to get more out the door for all of you. The remote team has returned home and have hopefully resumed a somewhat normal sleep schedule again—though we all know we’re only just beginning the very public journey of being in the arena.

We appreciate all of you for taking a chance to create something here with us. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime to get to do this and it’s one we don’t take lightly.

The truth of it is, community isn’t built overnight. It’s built over time, with the trust of the people who become foundational to its growth. They do it by showing up day after day. At first, it can feel a bit like setting the table for a dinner you’re not sure anyone will show up to. But we’re so glad so many of you showed up. Because we’ve got a big meal planned.

Thank you for posting into these niche communities, speaking to strangers to find commonality amongst the things you care about. For commenting, answering questions, and sharing stories on others’ content. You all play a critical part in kickstarting a community from the ground up. And it’s no small task! There’s a reason there aren’t a lot of alternatives out here in this space.

But this game isn’t winner take all. We don’t need to win by comparing ourself to another platform and asking when is “enough”. We win by building a better, more human-first space for people to gather, to feel safer, and to finally see a product that reflects a more human-centered approach to the very core of how it’s built. I don’t need Digg to be bigger than another network, I need it to be better than what’s come before—built for the actual people who make this space what it is.

We don’t have all the answers, but we’re committed to ruthless exploration and experimentation. We’ve got a slew of updates and features you’ll see rolling out here on the platform, and we’re excited to have you all tinker, build, and share your experience.

We have the core established. Now the fun really begins.

Thanks for being in the trenches here with us. For building with us while we build for you.