I really don't have to say it. The industry for showcasing designs in galleries is heavily crowded — much like web hosting...if not worse. Amongst the crowed are key galleries that you may consider the best for showcasing websites. For example, I may consider CSSBeauty.com for only showcasing top notch designs. However, another person's opinion may consider CSSMania.com for showcasing just about anything.
No matter the difference, there are still two similarities that every gallery in existence has in common. 1) They showcase websites. 2) They (indirectly or directly) market themselves as the best gallery. For the latter reason, is why I have launched Another-Gallery.com, which is just as it sounds...another website gallery added to the overcrowded market.
Two types of users.
There are two types of users who participate in galleries. The first is the user whom knows that the industry is crowded and has an "Oh gosh, another gallery I have to subscribe to" attitude. The next are users whom do not know better (no offense to those) and simply accept the gallery and continue on their pretty way.
Either way, if you launch a new gallery — assuming it gets adopted by the masses — you are more than likely only going to get the latter half of the user base to participate. The first set of users is going to (maybe) laugh at you for even attempting to launch a gallery in this overcrowded market. Then, the second set of users is going to do what I mentioned a minute ago and adopt it without knowing any better.
Same design showcased everywhere.
Another reason why you are probably going to have problems getting users to adopt your site is the fact that if you follow two or three galleries these days, it's a very small chance that a "trend changing design" is going to slip through your fingers , simply because every gallery showcases the same designs.
Maybe you're marketing scheme is that your new gallery is going to only showcase unique designs. But, let's think about this...it's going to be a bit tricky trying to hide your designs from other galleries.
Too much bulk to "Get Real?"
There are some galleries that I have seen around the web which really take browsing a gallery to the next level. They have integrated some of the coolest features that I would have never thought of. But, the point is...are they needed? Are all these added features just too much?
Anyone who follows my work knows that I am all about Getting Real. So, let's get real. There's no need for comments. No need for votes. No need for the ability to switch screenshot views. There's just no need for any of that stuff.
Is it cool? Sure. But, let's get real...strip it all away and just get the job done. Users just want the ability to browse through the sites to get enough of a glimpse to be able to decide whether it's worth clicking or not.
Do something different.
Sure, Another-Gallery.com is just another gallery...but the main catch is how I have decided to market it. Instead of the typical "Oh, we have the best showcase!" — I decided to go at it from a different angle, such as, "Yea, get over it...it's another gallery...subscribe to it and move on."
Unlike newer galleries that have been popping up, I haven't developed a mind blowing feature that is going to make your browsing experience any easier. I went ahead and did away with all the bulk that you think you need.
An idea is one thing, innovation is another.
Entering an overcrowded market is one thing, but it to innovate is another. I haven't seen such an attitude in this industry yet, so I thought that there was room for change. Whether it's big enough to be called "Innovating a Market" or not, I could care less. The fact of the matter is that I saw an opportunity for change and executed it.
Regardless of the outcome for Another-Gallery.com, it's going to be my place to showcase designs that have inspired me in one way or another.
Until next time, follow me on twitter, @michaeldick