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I am seeing a number of messages on the Empire Avenue site and on Twitter about people debating the future of Empire Avenue or their future on the site.  Some people wonder if it has enough in it to keep them engaged over a longer-term or if it requires too much effort for what is gained.  Certainly, I think it can be disheartening if you put a lot of work into raising your share price only to watch it slip away because you had to go out of town or you had family obligations.  Plus, there is not that many people using the site.  This limited audience reduces the value of social networking.

Next, the challenge ahead…
While I believe that Empire Avenue is going to get better every week, I think it is going to be some time before it reaches even half of its potential.  The Empire Avenue team have come up with a great concept, and they have been working night and day to realize it.  However, they are creating both a major game site with the stock simulation and a social networking medium.  Two major tasks.  I could develop a long list of features I want to see here, but I know my list would only be a fraction of what the founders have already put on their wish lists.  Building the Empire Avenue platform is going to take time.  As (e)Dups and others like to remind us — ‘That’s why it’s still in beta.’

So, what does all this mean for us?  The short answer is we will have to be patient.  As I said, it will get better.   Most importantly, don’t let it get you down or frustrate you.  It’s not the perfect networking platform yet.  Nor is it the perfect gaming platform.  I have invested time into developing this blog site, but I realize that Empire Avenue may never realize its potential.  It is because of that incredible potential though, that I was prepared to take this chance.  So, find the level of activity that is right for you, and remember despite any challenges you might have with the site, you are miles ahead of the people that will join in the coming months.  Don’t let it get you down.  It’s only fake money.  What’s cool is at some point, there may be real money at stake.  Imagine the place then?

What do you think?  Are you prepared to stick with it while Empire Avenue develops?  Has your opinion changed over time?