Proof of Usefulness Report

Slug Magazine

Analysis completed on 2/16/2026

+41
Proof of Usefulness Score
You're In Business

SLUG Magazine is a verifiable, long-standing (est. 1989) local media brand in Salt Lake City, providing genuine cultural utility to a niche audience. However, the PoU score is significantly constrained by a low-quality submission that employs hyperbolic claims (reach: 'everyone', traction: 'most people have used my product') and confusing financial metrics ('marketcap'). As a traditional print/web media business with standard technology and local-only scale, it falls into the lower calibration tier compared to high-growth global technology platforms.

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Score Breakdown

Real World Utility+16.0
Audience Reach Impact+2.5
Technical Innovation+1.5
Evidence Of Traction+12.25
Market Timing Relevance+4.0
Functional Completeness+0.25
Subtotal+36.5
Usefulness Multiplierx1.12
Final Score+41

Project Details

Project URL
Description
An acronym for Salt Lake UnderGround, SLUG Magazine's mission is to amplify Salt Lake City’s thriving alternative and underrepresented music, arts, events and community subcultures with thoughtful media coverage and event curation.

Algorithm Insights

Market Position
Growing utility with room for optimization
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