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Show HN: I launched a MIDI controller and IG banned me 48 hours later

7 points by harmonyresearch ↗ HN
The MIDI controller I wanted didn't exist, so I built it.

I: - posted it to reddit, got 50k views, sold a few (including to some big names in the EDM world) - used it in a session with a Wu Tang affiliate (got paid 30 chicken wings, all flats) - got banned from Instagram in 48 hours, right after one of my favorite producers followed my account.

Build Details: - 2.0mm 5052 powder coated aluminum body, modeled in fusion, laser cut and bent by sendcutsend - Solid walnut endcaps - SLA keycaps - gateron switches - custom switch matrix pcb - custom c++ firmware - rp2350 mcu - i2c oled display - ec11 encoders connected to a mcp23017

Do any of y'all have any advice for promoting a new hardware product, without incurring the wrath of Meta's algorithms?

harmonyresearchlabs.com

3 comments

[ 3.2 ms ] story [ 17.6 ms ] thread
dapangzi
Checked the project out, while basic from an engineering perspective, does feel like it meets a niche, and how's that a crime?

I'm inclined to buy once I see others test it (I hate being a beta tester, no offense intended).

$250 for this is *stupid* cheap, given your competitors' *stupid* prices.

Feels like a lot of info is missing here, you getting banned from Instagram.

What was the nature of the post?

edit: Also, have you considered a spring-loaded x-y controller or touchpad x-y controller? I find these indispensable.