@myunderpants obviously there's a little more friction associated with the RSVP process if the user has to download an app. Do you have plans to build out a web product as well, or are you thinking this stays mobile only?
@WillieLit we do actually have a thin web client. It natively renders the invite stationery exactly as it's seen in the app, and allows RSVPs and comments. So as far as the guest can tell, there's not a lot of penalty until they want to do deeper interactions--group photo sharing, seeing who else is coming. They'll miss out on things that aren't obvious too, like reminders and travel time. We definitely want to encourage everyone to use the app, because it allows us to do a lot more interesting stuff, but it's important for hosts to know that everyone they invite can RSVP frictionlessly. We've been spending some time lately working out this balance; it's a subtle messaging challenge.
@myunderpants This is the probably the third event planning tool I've ever used. The other two were Evite (yes, I'm old) and Facebook. How do you want to differentiate yourself from them?
@joelandren the idea of Evite being for the olds is appropriate--their product hasn't changed much in the last decade. We offer a more pleasant experience for guests and hosts, and whereas their iPhone app hasn't been updated for almost three years, our mobile focus means we meet people where they are. Because we're on mobile, we can offer more value than a website ever can: everything from driving directions for the guests, to attendance infographics for the host.
@joelandren Facebook events, on the other hand, are great at what they do. They're like a flyer at the laundromat. If you want everyone you know to come out to your open mic night, that's the way to go. But with the same "wall" UI metaphor of every other Facebook page, and with how hard it is to know exactly who can see what you're posting, you wouldn't want to use Facebook events for anything less casual. It's just not the right tool for your toddler's birthday party.
Pretty cool! I like the simple interface and easy invitation creation. Missing the commerce pieces of a traditional ticketing/event management platform. I've never used Paperless Post's app, but I wonder how their mobile experience stacks up here.
@WillieLit We're avoiding commerce for now--we think that space is fairly well handled, and our focus is much more on personal events.
I'd recommend taking a look at Paperless Post's app. It's decent looking, but functionally pretty lacking.
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@myunderpants totally makes sense, and I would tend to agree :) Really like the shared gallery. Think the concept of engagement between event attendees is the next step in the space. Something we are working on defining in our products as well.
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