Perhaps we differ on our definition of the term value. Twitter had to have some inherent value right from the get go otherwise it wouldn't have had the ability

Perhaps we differ on our definition of the term value. Twitter had to have some inherent value right from the get go otherwise it wouldn't have had the ability to capture users. Why would you sign-up to something if it didn't have some sort of value to you even if it was only entertainment through curiosity? Most Start-ups that grow well focus on creating value for a small user base. acquiring a small user base isn't hard. we're only talking 10-50 people. Even your contact list is probably bigger than that. once you've optimised your value proposition, have some social proof and can readily demonstrate your ability to create value for a larger audience, it gets easier. I saw Buffer go through this firsthand (nr enough)