In the startup world, payment is validation. If someone is willing to pay you for your service, you’re onto something. If no one will pay you, then you’ve got an issue with your message, your offer, product/market fit, something.

But payment can be misleading.

If you’re not selling at all, it’s clear that there is a problem. If you’re selling a ton, it’s clear that you’re validated.

But what if you’re just getting some orders?

I had a startup that provided feedback on online dating profiles that limped along for a couple years, never having great market fit. It was hard to market, and the model itself made it hard for customers to need to come back.

I should have taken it down it after a year. I eventually killed it after 2.5 years, after p...