The social features of start pages haven’t worked mainly because their user base is dramatically inferior to that of the big social networks, and as long as they’re unable to interact with those networks, most people will stay wherever their friends are. Opening the lines of communication in this field would change things completely, but as it never happened for instant messaging, I’m not holding my breath.

Once Facebook had tens of millions of users, they launched an open developer widget platform. This was basically a personal widget homepage added to the product. That’s been really succesful. So, if you think about it, it’s really smart to add widget aggregation and personalization to social networks, which is exactly what LiveUniverse is doing. I don’t think it makes sense to add a social network to a start page, though, which both Pageflakes and Netvibes have done, apparently with little success.

Once had tens of millions of users, they launched an open developer widget platform. This was basically a personal widget homepage added to the product. That’s been really succesful. So, if you think about it, it’s really smart to add widget aggregation and personalization to social networks, which is exactly what LiveUniverse is doing. I don’t think it makes sense to add a social network to a start page, though, which both Pageflakes and Netvibes have done, apparently with little success.

I don’t want to have to choose just widgets, or just feeds, or a to do list that does nothing else (unless it’s gorgeous and extremely usable like http://www.gubb.net)

My start page is http://www.symbaloo.com - I’ve had a look at most of the others and none give me the range of options that Symbaloo does. I don’t think I’ve heard it praised on TechCrunch yet but maybe I missed it…?

And for what it’s worth I wish people would get away from talking just about stats. These explosions in traffic and user figures usually mean one thing - they’re not here to stay. Far better to build a smaller audience/userbase of people that love your site rather than millions of ignorant people that don’t know how to look around for something better.

Rant over. Go and sign up to Symbaloo [and no I'm not affiliated, just very much in love :)]

I wonder who “* Miss Universe” might be? Hmmm…

Any idea what is the cash amount they got paid ?

thnx.

So, of course, that will be their primary focus.

Still, that doesn’t change the fact that we(myself, you, and I imagine others) would be interested in articles about lesser known companies(anyone can find info about Pageflakes) that are profitable. Especially those companies that aren’t venture funded. Anybody can generate revenue if they are given $4M.

Thats why a lot of people have simply set google as their start page. Personally my start page is set to officialhomepage.org (which i found thro a ad in techcruch btb)

I’m hopeful that this deal will ensure that Pageflakes is able to expand and increase the user base and add even more use and functionality.

http://www.pageflakes.com/insider/?p=56#comment-74

No wonder why people leave.

I agree with some of the criticism in the comments above regarding numbers not necessarily being the best measure of success. It is all relative to the site and what it is you are doing. I spent a month developing quick.as off the smell of an oily rag so I’d be rapt with 191,000 uniques a month!

At the same time, I appreciate hearing about the numbers of uniques start-up are doing as while it is not the best measure of success, it is a pretty important one!

Another point. From a users point of view (and hence business viability) I question the value of these highly customizable, cluttered, slow loading start pages. I have tried them all in the past and become too frustrated with how slow they can become. Obviously it depends what you put on there, but I found it was easier just going to the source site to find whatever content you were after. That was part of the rationale for quick.as. Don’t people want a a start page that allows you to quickly go to a site that gives you content, rather than trying to deliver content like Pageflakes, Netvives, et al.?