20
The most unexpectedly fun feature I've ever added to my side project
r/SideProject
7/13/2025
Content Summary
Developer shares experience adding email notifications to their open-source music platform Jukebox. The feature provides motivational dopamine hits by showing real user engagement. Post discusses growth through HackerNews exposure (7k users) and community feedback, with comments exploring alternative notification methods and discussing motivation sustainability.
Opinion Analysis
Mainstream opinion praises the notification feature's motivational value and open-source approach. Some suggest alternative notification channels (Telegram). Debate exists about long-term motivation sustainability vs immediate benefits. Developer acknowledges potential habituation but emphasizes early-stage value. Community shows interest in AI-enhanced features (TTS) and growth strategies.
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jukebox | https://jukeboxhq.com | Open-source Music Platform | Email alerts for song additions, GitHub repository |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Need for user engagement feedback
- Motivation maintenance for developers
Problems to Solve:
- Tracking real-time user interactions
- Maintaining developer motivation during early stages
Potential Solutions:
- Implementing notification systems (email/Telegram)
- Leveraging community platforms (HackerNews) for user acquisition
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Implementing user activity notifications
- Open-source development approach
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Frontpage exposure on HackerNews
- Community-driven growth through GitHub
Monetization & Product:
- Free open-source model with potential future monetization
- Feature development inspired by user suggestions (e.g. TTS integration)
User Engagement:
- Real-time email notifications for user actions
- Public GitHub repository for community contributions