I know the traditional mantra is "launch early", but I wonder if this is an example of where the words "but not too early" should be added. I don't know anything about the internal workings at TipJoy, but from commentary here a bit over two months ago it sounds like there is more to come (http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=137283) -- but at what point does "release early so that people can become aware that you exist" turn into "if you release early, you'll get a reputation for being a complete flop"?
Note: I don't know if TipJoy did launch too early; but I think it's at least a possibility worth considering.
I don't think TipJoy launched too early. They have a good product and it works.
I think they need to continue focusing on execution as they appear to be - and keep their burn rate low because they may be in for a long haul educating users and creating a new industry.
I don't think we launched too early at all. We launched with enough to get something that blogs could use to get support directly and easily from their readers. We've been building out features since then.
Note: I don't know if TipJoy did launch too early; but I think it's at least a possibility worth considering.