The Perpetual Beta Pioneer
"Launching soon since 2019"
This archetype has been "about to launch" for years. Their product exists only in mockups and Notion docs. Every delay is reframed as "perfectionism" or "pivoting based on feedback from early users" (who also don't exist).
Also exhibits
Launch delayed again - want to make sure it's PERFECT. Waitlist hit 10K though!
— Typical The Perpetual Beta Pioneer claim
// Higher score = more creative fabrication
Red Flags
Documented warning signs to watch for with this archetype.
Eternal Waitlist
HighWaitlist has been "growing" for years but product never ships.
Mockup-Only Progress
MediumAll updates are Figma screenshots, never working software.
Feedback-Based Delays
MediumEvery delay blamed on "listening to users" but users never identified.
Tech Stack Obsession
LowMore tweets about choosing frameworks than building features.
Timeline Analysis
Track the evolution of claims over time. Watch for contradictions and suspicious patterns.
Product announced: "Launching Q3 2021"
Delay announced: "Pivoting based on beta feedback"
No beta users were ever identified or shown
"Waitlist hit 5,000!" - no launch date mentioned
Another pivot: "Rebuilding from scratch in [new framework]"
"Launching for real this time! Waitlist at 10K!"
Three years later, still no shipped product
Pattern Detection
Observable patterns with educational protection tips.
The Perfection Excuse
What to watch for
Constant delays justified as "quality focus"
Why it's suspicious
Real products ship MVPs and iterate - shipping is learning
Protection tip
Ask to see ANY working version, even a rough prototype
The Moving Launch Date
What to watch for
Launch dates that slip every few months
Why it's suspicious
Pattern suggests product may never materialize
Protection tip
Use Wayback Machine to check how many "launch dates" they've announced
The Phantom Waitlist
What to watch for
Large waitlist numbers with no conversion metrics
Why it's suspicious
Waitlists are easy to inflate - signups are cheap engagement
Protection tip
Ask what % of waitlist converted to paying customers (they can't answer)
How to Protect Yourself
Practical steps to verify claims and avoid being deceived by this archetype.
Check the Wayback Machine for historical launch dates
Ask for a video demo - not screenshots, working software
Look for ANYONE who has actually used the product
Calculate how many "launches" have been announced vs. shipped
See More Patterns
Explore our database of fake entrepreneur archetypes and learn to recognize the patterns.
Disclaimer: This archetype is a fictional composite based on observable patterns in the entrepreneurial space. No real individual is depicted. This is educational satire for entertainment purposes only.
// "Understanding the pattern is the first step to protection."