Customers know their problems - not necessarily the solutions required to solve their problems. They may have a solution in mind for their problems. It is the job of the founder is boil down problems to their core and find solutions.

edit: grammar

Also important for founders not to leave the customer with the impression that the customer's solution will be the one implemented

I think you definitely need to play around (AB test) with your pricing model. People have thrown out options already, another one to consider is one which gives the product away for free for donations under $100 (users still pay the 3.5%) in order really strip away barriers to sign ups. Once they go over $100 a month and your site has proven its value perhaps they won't mind the fees as much since your product has already demonstrated its value.

Unfortunately, most big corporations still judge progress by scheduling and budgeting performance. Did we meet the schedule? Yes! Did we stay under budget? Yes! This is a paper victory.

Nobody asks "is the product ready to ship to customers?".

could also do something about www.house.gov

I'm going through this myself right now and am using a multi pronged approach.

1. Trying to recruit friends who have also said they would be interested

2. Watching videos from lynda, killerphp, etc.

3. I have an idea of something I want to build and so am learning with a goal in mind

4. Hiring a tutor via e-lance to answer quick questions on an hourly basis

One thought I have is when clicking to create a list you ask me to sign up... I haven't used your product yet and am not sure if I want to sign up yet. Is there anyway you could allow people to create the list first and thus be committed and then get their email?

How about trying things like giving startups tax breaks and making the incorporation process less painful?

What's New York's laws like for non-competes? I've always thought that California's laws on non-competes are better for startups.

www.builditwith.me is a place I've seen and liked.

Getting involved in open source projects is another way.

I don't think early adopters are necessarily rich. I think they set aside a portion of their income for early technology exploration in the same way some might for vacations or clothes.

Perhaps use a psd to html shop?