Answers on Startups (a Stack Exchange site)

May 17, 2011 in 4 out of 5 stars, A community, A website, Business Intel, Business Planning, Expert Advice

What is it?

Answers.OnStartups.com BrightJourney.com: A question and answer site focused on Startups and Entrepreneurship.

Who makes it?

Stack Exchange (with a dash of clout from Dharmesh Shah)

Why is it the killerest?

Stack Exchange (the company behind this) have built a highly effective Question-and-Answer gamification format offering. They started with the absurdly successful Stack Overflow which is focused on answering software development questions, and applied the model to various other topics, including startups.

All of us have questions as we venture into these challenging startup waters, and Answers OnStartups is a productive place ask them. Because of the reward system built into the site, you will typically get high quality, and varied answers from experienced folks who know what they're talking about.

It also skews heavily toward online and software startups, which is where my own passion lies (as it does for many of you).

What could be improved?

I've been watching and participating for a few weeks now and I've had a great time, but two things could be improved:

1) The number of participants. What it has now is great, but I would love it to reach the level of some of the higher volume Stack Exchange sites. I know a bunch of you reading this have valuable insights to share, so get over there.

2) Some repetition in questions. Equity splitting, marketing, and funding questions occupy a large percent of the questions. That said, there are still interesting and helpful questions posted frequently.

How much does it cost?

Free

Rating?

Reviewed by Carson McComas

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Tubetorial

December 20, 2006 in 4 out of 5 stars, A website, Free, Screencasting

What is it?


Tubetorial: A site featuring polished, well-done video/screencast tutorials.

Tubetorial

Who makes it?

Brian Clark and Chris Pearson

Why is it the killerest?

Free videos with excellent instruction focused mostly on online ventures including online marketing, Adsense, blogging and various other money-making stuffs. They even have some beginner HTML tutorial bits.

Check out killer stuff like:

They also offer a handy RSS feed so you can keep up to date on the latest additions. Plus they're looking for suggestions and additional videocasting talent.

What could be improved?

Browsing the content felt a little clunky.

How much does it cost?

Free like fruitcake from Aunt Betty (only much tastier)

Rating?

Reviewed by Carson McComas

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Vitamin

April 18, 2006 in 5 out of 5 stars, A magazine, A website

What is it?


Vitamin: A new online magazine targeting web designers, developers and entrepreneurs, providing expert articles, training, podcasts, interviews are more.

Vitamin

Who makes it?

Ryan Carson

Why is it the killerest?

Because it's a collection of rock stars  providing clear and helpful information, training and advice. They're positioned at the crest of the wave of exciting entrepreneurial developments on the web. (I've subscribed to every feed!).

What could be improved?

It's focused specifically on web-based entrepreneurs. It can't be faulted for that, but that is it's target, so it may not appeal equally to everyone. Much of the training is on nuts and bolts of web design and development, but there are also nuggets of business wisdom and advice that anyone can appreciate.

How much does it cost?

Free baby.

Rating?

Reviewed by Carson McComas

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IVR Cheat Sheet

December 23, 2005 in 3 out of 5 stars, A website

What is it?


IVR Cheat Sheet: Simple to follow instructions that will get you to a human operator at major companies (on their 1 800 numbers).

Who makes it?

Paul English

Why is it the killerest?

Because it tells you exactly what you need to do to get to a human being. No more getting your tail kicked by a robot, and no more wasting your life away trying to find the correct menu item. (Especially when you know you need to talk to a human.) Entrepreneurs don't have time to waste pressing buttons.

See also the hard to find 1800 numbers

What could be improved?

Nothing. More listings would be great - but this is killer as is. I think most people would happily PAY for this resource. But it's totally free.

How much does it cost?

100% Free

Rating?

Reviewed by Michael K. Campbell

(via the excellent Lifehacker.com)
 

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Beginner's Guide to SEO

December 8, 2005 in 4 out of 5 stars, A website, SEO/SEM

What is it?


Beginner's Guide to SEO: SEO stands for "Search Engine Optimization." This is a very comprehensive guide to understanding the process and strategies of optimizing a web site for search engines.

Seomoz_logo

Who makes it?

Rand Fishkin of SEOmoz

Why is it the killerest?

It's very thorough and an excellent resource for learning about SEO - it includes up-to-date information, tips, tricks, and resources. This guide isn't your standard smoke-and-promises SEO claptrap, this is good info. It comes in 3 formats; downloadable MS Word, multi-page online and single page versions.

How much does it cost?

Free

Rating?

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TrueNYC

December 2, 2005 in 2 out of 5 stars, A website

What is it?


TrueNYC : A Website and TV show (Manhattan only) that showcases entrepreneurs and solicits advice, guidance, and inspiration for others who want to start businesses but are not sure how to do it.

Truenyc

Who makes it?

David Schnurman

Why is it the killerest?

I'm not in NY so for me the value is watching the concise interviews with entrepreneurs online and reading through some of the articles David has posted. There are some good ideas and inspiration. Some interviews are better than others but you're bound to find something of interest to you amongst the 17 videos interviews he has.

What could be improved?

The site is full of passion, but skinny yet on content and design. David is a third year law student and at the moment can only do this part-time. (He's hoping in time that the website will grow into a portal for all types of NYC entrepreneurs to exchange advice, ideas and experience.)

How much does it cost?

Free

Rating?

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Reveries Magazine: Cool News of the Day

August 24, 2005 in 5 out of 5 stars, A website, Free

What is it?


Reveries Magazine: Cool News of the Day: A brilliant daily email delivery of well written marketing insights and ideas.

Reveries_1

Who makes it?

Tim Manners

Why is it the killerest?

What's amazing about Reveries is that almost every single day, it's a home run of ideas, thoughts and writing. If you aren't getting and reading this every morning, you're really missing out. This is one bulk email I can't live without. (Note they also have an RSS feed if you prefer).

It has been recognized by Dow Jones, USA Today, Fast Company and The Harvard Business School, among others. It is ranked #1 by Google on the search term "marketing people," #3 for "marketing insights" and #6 for "marketing ideas."

How much does it cost?

Free like samples at Costco

Rating?

Reviewed by Carson McComas

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Springwise

July 7, 2005 in 3 out of 5 stars, A website

What is it?


Springwise: Are you looking for the next big business? Well then get a dose of Springwise, the ultimate source for inspiriation. Its is a network of global trendwatchers who are out and about looking for the next big thing. "Springwise scans the globe for the most promising new business ideas, business opportunities, concepts and ventures ready for regional or international adaptation, expansion, partnering, investments or cooperation." They publish a free and very informative newsletter dedicated to new business ideas. This site is a great read for any entrepreneur.

Springwise

Who makes it?

Reinier Evers

Why is it the killerest?

The craziest thing about Springwise is the ideas that they share are real creative. It just goes to show you how innovative entrepreneurs can be. Trendwatching has to be a one of my newest hobbies, its just so addictive.

What could be improved?

The only sad part is you have to wait a month for the next issue :(

How much does it cost?

Free

Rating?

Reviewed by Rob

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BookPool.com

July 1, 2005 in 4 out of 5 stars, A store, A website

What is it?


BookPool.com: Discount Computer Books. They've got all sorts of computer books, and at excellent prices.

Bookpoollogo

Why is it the killerest?

The prices. They're stellar. For example, I was able to get 4 SQL Server books there for $117 including  2nd Day Air Shipping. At Amazon the same books would have been between $135 and $180 (depending upon shipping options) for 2nd Day Air. Plus, BookPool.com was able to fulfill and ship my order much more quickly than Amazon.com tends to. I've ordered from them a number of times, they're completely worthy of my repeat business

What could be improved?

Not much in my mind. Sure, Amazon.com lets you browse books, see ratings and stuff first (but hey, there's no reason you can't do that, and then go buy your books on BookPool.com). BookPool just sells books, cheap and fast.

Rating?

Reviewed by Michael K. Campbell

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Stock.xchng

June 24, 2005 in 5 out of 5 stars, A website, Design, Free

What is it?


Stock.xchng: Free online stock photo site. It's awesome.

Stock_xchng

Who makes it?

Stock.xchng makes it, everyone contributes.

Why is it the killerest?

This site has great photography, contributed by anyone/everyone. There's excellent quality control so just about every photo is professional quality. And the price is right - free! Think p2p meets Getty. The most any photographer will ever ask of you is that you credit them (and not all of them ask that, plus it's all voluntary).

What could be improved?

Some of the search results could be more relevant. That's a pretty small quibble though.

How much does it cost?

All images are free

Rating?

Reviewed by Carson McComas

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