Proof of Usefulness Report

Detroit Free Press

Analysis completed on 1/19/2026

+438
Proof of Usefulness Score
Certified Problem Solver

The Detroit Free Press is a legacy media institution (est. 1831) with massive, verifiable regional and national reach, far exceeding the scale of typical project submissions. While the submission itself was low-effort ('most people have used my product') and lacked specific data, the entity's real-world utility, audience size, and established traction are self-evident and verifiable. The score reflects a 'Much Larger Scale' entity (Calibration: 400-700), penalized slightly for the lack of detailed response and low technical innovation compared to modern software platforms.

Ready to Compete for $150k+ in Prizes?

Move this data into a HackerNoon blog draft to become eligible for your share of $150k+ in cash and software prizes

View All Reports

Score Breakdown

Real World Utility+135
Audience Reach Impact+114
Technical Innovation+30
Evidence Of Traction+118
Market Timing Relevance+30
Functional Completeness+1
Subtotal+429
Usefulness Multiplierx1.02
Final Score+437

Project Details

Project URL
freep.com
Description
Detroit Free Press, accessible through its domain freep.com, is a prominent newspaper and digital media company based in Detroit, Michigan. Established in 1831, it is one of the oldest and most respected newspapers in the United States. The Detroit Free Press provides comprehensive coverage of local, national, and international news, with a strong emphasis on issues affecting the Detroit metropolitan area. The publication is known for its investigative journalism, in-depth reporting, and commitment to delivering high-quality news content across various platforms, including print and digital. The website freep.com serves as a key portal for readers to access the latest news, opinion pieces, sports updates, entertainment, and more.
Audience Reach
everyone
Target Users
everyone
Technologies
News Journalism, Analytics, Web Development
Traction Evidence
most people have used my product

Algorithm Insights

Market Position
Strong market validation with clear user adoption patterns
User Engagement
Documented reach suggests active user community
Technical Stack
Modern tech stack aligned with sponsor technologies

Recommendations to Increase Usefulness Score

Document User Growth

Provide specific metrics on user acquisition and retention rates

Showcase Revenue Model

Detail sustainable monetization strategy and current revenue streams

Expand Evidence Base

Include testimonials, case studies, and third-party validation

Technical Roadmap

Share development milestones and feature completion timeline