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Show HN: InstaNote – notes in a simple chat interface

instanote.io

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Re: Show HN: InstaNote – notes in a simple chat interface

#41

Post by wruza »

nomadrat wrote: post #31

I use "Saved Messages" in Telegram for this purpose. Very handy because you can forward messages from other users or channels.

I also use #tags there and everywhere in other chats, because telegram can quickly search and go to these locations. E.g. after discussing some site, address or credentials in some chat, I reply to the specific message with like "#password router office" right in the chat. And then in the chat list there is a magnifying glass button, where you just type # and then can choose out of any #tag you ever used (#password), and then it shows all locations where it was used, with a context (#password router office, #password wifi home, etc). That doesn't work for secret chats though, afaik, but maybe it is a feature.

Tagging is different from forwarding in obvious ways (one can delete chats, modify messages, etc), but sometimes it is even more convenient than clumping up your Saved Messages. Tags may be used there as well, obviously.

There is another method, somewhat abusive to telegram, but it doesn't seem to care. For a specific topic, you can easily create a bot with a unique name and just chat with them. It is okay if bot doesn't actually have a backend and doesn't read your messages. Also bot API is so easy to use, so that if you're a developer and have a personal vps or "underbed server", you can connect yourself to a database of any flavor you could imagine. Telegram really shines here, and an entire $subj functionality may be implemented as such bot (which maybe is a great opportunity to promote and integrate your app further, $author).

Re: Show HN: InstaNote – notes in a simple chat interface

#42

Post by aj2 »

bsg75 wrote: post #34
aj2 wrote: post #16

Since many are asking: - notes are saved in the cloud - currently requires Google login (but that was only because I wanted to get something out the door quickly). I'm considering implementing other login providers and also device-only notes if there is enough interest. I know there are legitimate concerns around this topic: I'm not tied to the login mechanism per se.

Is there a function to export notes from the cloud? Much prefer local backup options.

Not yet, but that's on my list of things to do.

Re: Show HN: InstaNote – notes in a simple chat interface

#43

Post by runxel »

It just looks like WhatsApp – why not use that instead?

For those who miss the "Saved Messages" thing from Telegram: You make a group and kick out everybody. Then you are in a group – alone. Now stick it to the top of WA and voilá! There you have your simple notes :)

Great thing, since you can access it with your PC via web.whatsapp.com.

Re: Show HN: InstaNote – notes in a simple chat interface

#45

Post by bitadder »

wruza wrote: post #41
nomadrat wrote: post #31

I use "Saved Messages" in Telegram for this purpose. Very handy because you can forward messages from other users or channels.

I also use #tags there and everywhere in other chats, because telegram can quickly search and go to these locations. E.g. after discussing some site, address or credentials in some chat, I reply to the specific message with like "#password router office" right in the chat. And then in the chat list there is a magnifying glass button, where you just type # and then can choose out of any #tag you ever used (#password),…

Rather than creating bots, you can also create private channels (of which you are the only member) for each topic and send/fwd stuff there. Essentially having multiple "Saved messages" with different names. If you don't want to see them on your chatlist you can drop them all in a folder too.

Re: Show HN: InstaNote – notes in a simple chat interface

#47

Post by Darmody »

I'm using "Saved Messages" in Telegram and it does most of that stuff.

I store text, files, links, videos and I even use it to send this from my PC to my phone or vice versa.

I also have several channels with bots like grocery list, reminders, etc. And I can make my own bots that connect to almost any service I want. I started using Telegram as an alternative to Whatsapp and now I'm using it even as my own personal "Jarvis". I still haven't developed all the stuff I want to a fully functional personal manager but the possibilities are endless.

This app looks cool. Simple and straightforward, which is something I always look up to but in this scenario I think we (at least I) need something more, to be able to make it talk to other services.

Re: Show HN: InstaNote – notes in a simple chat interface

#48

Post by wruza »

bitadder wrote: post #45
wruza wrote: post #41

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I also use #tags there and everywhere in other chats, because telegram can quickly search and go to these locations. E.g. after discussing some site, address or credentials in some chat, I reply to the specific message with like "#password router office" right in the chat. And then in the chat list there is a magnifying glass button, where you just type # and then can choose out of any #tag you ever used (#password),…

Rather than creating bots, you can also create private channels (of which you are the only member) for each topic and send/fwd stuff there. Essentially having multiple "Saved messages" with different names. If you don't want to see them on your chatlist you can drop them all in a folder too.

Ah, nice. I didn't try to create a channel before and didn't know that I can be the sole subscriber. Thanks for the cue!

Re: Show HN: InstaNote – notes in a simple chat interface

#49

Post by aj2 »

135792468 wrote: post #46

Solid idea, even better execution. Impressed you did apps on both major platforms Only think it needs to replace me sending to slack or other note app is some way to get it on my computer. Maybe that’s an ifttt connector or something.

Thanks for the feedback. Considering having something in the browser for use on desktop & laptops too. Would that work for you?
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