Question
Should startups be transparent about usage metrics? Why or why not?
Answer
No. Usage data is an asset that may be part of your competitive advantage. Like any other cards you hold, you need to think carefully about how you reveal it, to whom, and in return for what.
Investors, users, analysts... they are all stakeholders with different motivations and interests. They will also each have their own estimates for some of the basic ones, which may be over or under-estimates. Whether you choose to correct them is also a tactical decision, not a question of values.
It is often in others' interests to loudly talk about the value of openness as a way to make you reveal something for nothing.
Being strategic with your data means risking being misunderstood. People will automatically assume you have something to hide (embarrassing numbers for example). Equally, they'll be inclined to dismiss anything you do reveal as vanity metrics. Sometimes you may need to reveal more just to manage perceptions, but again, it is a tactical decision, not a value.
Data is your major asset. Often your only asset. Be careful how you use it.
On a cynical note, if you do decide it makes strategic sense to be very open with your data (to intimidate competitors, create social proof effects by using it in the UX, or to flirt with investors), it can make for good PR to tout that as "openness." Be aware though that many (me included) will view the claim as either naïveté or bullshit.
There are very very few business situations where being en with data can be adopted as a genuine value.
Investors, users, analysts... they are all stakeholders with different motivations and interests. They will also each have their own estimates for some of the basic ones, which may be over or under-estimates. Whether you choose to correct them is also a tactical decision, not a question of values.
It is often in others' interests to loudly talk about the value of openness as a way to make you reveal something for nothing.
Being strategic with your data means risking being misunderstood. People will automatically assume you have something to hide (embarrassing numbers for example). Equally, they'll be inclined to dismiss anything you do reveal as vanity metrics. Sometimes you may need to reveal more just to manage perceptions, but again, it is a tactical decision, not a value.
Data is your major asset. Often your only asset. Be careful how you use it.
On a cynical note, if you do decide it makes strategic sense to be very open with your data (to intimidate competitors, create social proof effects by using it in the UX, or to flirt with investors), it can make for good PR to tout that as "openness." Be aware though that many (me included) will view the claim as either naïveté or bullshit.
There are very very few business situations where being en with data can be adopted as a genuine value.