I deleted my original post because I want to be clear that I don't believe Josh's reputation was hurt in any way. If it came across that way, I want it gone.
I think his app and business look very interesting, and I LOVE what you are doing to promote solo-entrepreneurs.
All I'm saying is that the picture he submitted, and you posted, has set the "tone" for your site, and by doing this, you've kind-of defined your marketing strategy to match his by default, and I question whether this is the direction you really want to go with your site. Which - maybe it is, I'm getting older after all, and I'm not as silly and fun anymore.
Josh is setting the tone for his business by submitting that picture. That's how he wants to paint the picture of his business, and that's what works for him, and that's how HE will become successful, but does it help your business? I have no idea.
Anyway, no big deal, sorry for yet another confusing post on Hacker News.
I see what you're saying the tone of site, but I hope the readers are able to distinguish what the site is trying to do and the personality of the solo-entrepreneurs that are featured.
And in the worst case, the picture will be replaced in a little while with another one! :)
Yes, but, for example, I wouldn't want to be the next entrepreneur on your site at this point.
I would wait until there were more people on the site, because at this point, if I were to send you a picture of myself in a tie, but then every other picture that showed up on the site was developers making faces - "I" would look like the sore thumb.
This conversation is going to be pointless :) I have a feeling you are going to do really well.
Some people might like a silly photo, other people might be offended by it.
Some potential app users might not care, but some might be more conservative and want to see a more serious image. Certainly a person who may be looking for investment in the future (even somebody who's bootstrapping today) is going to be concerned about the image they project.
I think his app and business look very interesting, and I LOVE what you are doing to promote solo-entrepreneurs.
All I'm saying is that the picture he submitted, and you posted, has set the "tone" for your site, and by doing this, you've kind-of defined your marketing strategy to match his by default, and I question whether this is the direction you really want to go with your site. Which - maybe it is, I'm getting older after all, and I'm not as silly and fun anymore.
Josh is setting the tone for his business by submitting that picture. That's how he wants to paint the picture of his business, and that's what works for him, and that's how HE will become successful, but does it help your business? I have no idea.
Anyway, no big deal, sorry for yet another confusing post on Hacker News.