To add on to this convo, I think a big part of the problem is that most whales on the platform (whom votes you need to really get your product above the return proposal) are super busy working on their own projects or on the chain. This is great, but it means it might be harder to get them to take a look into your product, definitely if it's not in niche that speaks to them and /or you don't know them. Just want to say that building a great MVP and being a known dev often isn't enough. I've been in the community for a long time with Pinmapple (previously known as Steemitworldmap) and like to think I have a reputable name. I have also built an MVP for Haveyoubeenhere (which was showcased on Steemfest in Thailand). After that, without my proposal being funded by the DAO, I kept working away and improving the app. Now it's in a pretty good spot going by feedback I've received from users. As a small note for myself, I would say that for me I could have probably spend more time writing update posts, but those take a fair amount of time that could be spend developing the app instead! 😄
Either way, just my 2 cents! For those who stumbled upon this comment and are curious to see what this Haveyoubeenhere app is all about, here is some info:
I am also always looking for feedback from the community to see how I can improve this baby even more, so definitely feel free to get in touch with me! 😄