how does this play with the thought that if an idea doesn't find enough traction in 3 months you should move on? i get the impression from investors and startup bootcamps that they want fast results seemingly more than commitment. how many times have we been reminded that startups completely change their ideas? how do we balance flightiness with steadfastness?
"how does this play with the thought that if an idea doesn't find enough traction in 3 months you should move on?"
Depends entirely of your definition of "enough". If anyone pays you only 1$ within 3 months of putting up a "Buy Now" button somewhere, you're onto something --- now grow it if and only if that "something" is what you can bear doing for the next few years to come.
I would say that you need startup metrics from day one. How do you define success?
I feel that most great ideas revolve around a very simple idea. If this simple idea proves itself in a microcosm and this microcosm is a good example of what goes on all around the world, then that's a good sign.
On the other hand, if you're building feature after feature after feature and just not seeing the core idea catch on, then perhaps it's time to pivot.
