I’ve used Product Hunt for years and all the time believed it was once a spot the place actual group give a boost to mattered. However our fresh release made me query whether or not the platform nonetheless displays authentic engagement.
We introduced greater than 4,000 actual customers, gained over 150 considerate feedback, and added masses of recent fans. But just a small fraction of that confirmed up within the ultimate rating. Lots of our customers instructed us their feedback or opinions by no means seemed publicly, even supposing they may see their posts when logged in. That was once discouraging for individuals who took the time to sign up and provides actual comments.
It increasingly more looks like Product Hunt closely weights long-time PH accounts whilst discounting 1000’s of actual supporters who sign up for for the primary time. The result’s {that a} smaller team of insiders can outweigh a miles higher exterior group. That doesn’t really feel like discovery anymore.
Fortify responses had been generic and didn’t provide an explanation for what in truth came about. I even attempted elevating this within the discussion board, however the publish by no means handed overview in spite of being factual and non-abusive.
I nonetheless consider Product Hunt may well be a very powerful platform for makers, nevertheless it wishes way more transparency about how votes, feedback, and accept as true with weighting paintings. Actual customers shouldn’t really feel invisible. And founders shouldn’t depart release day feeling perplexed about why authentic engagement doesn’t depend.
Presently, it’s onerous to inform whether or not Product Hunt remains to be serving makers — or slowly drifting clear of what made it precious.
