How can a founder validate a new platform model that requires creators to move away from established social networks?

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Accepted Answer

Hi,

What you're seeing first hand is that ownership is a great philosophy. But it may not be a compelling enough product.

I’d validate the discovery model the old-fashioned way: by hand. Don’t ask creators, “Would you use this?” Ask them to run an experiment with you. Recruit 10 creators with real audiences and have each invite 25 true fans into a private, scarce experience on Vantage Point. Then measure what matters: did fans show up, return, engage, pay, or share?

(If you can't get 10, get 5. If you can't get 5, get 2. If you can't get 2 ... well then, you've got a very different problem).

By getting real creators to try this out on real followings, you’re not testing “intentional discovery” as simply an idea. You’re testing -- for real - whether scarcity creates more value than lack of reach destroys.

If the answer is yes, you’ll see it in behavior quickly. If not, no amount of storytelling will save it.

My advice: stop selling the platform and start selling one concrete outcome. More revenue per fan. Higher engagement. Better retention. Getting someone to move away from an established practice is difficult - even if they are somewhat frustrated with it. In my experience, creators move for results, not ideals.