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Show HN: I built a Rotten Tomatoes-style platform for durable products

buyforlifeproducts.com

111–120 of 413 posts

Re: Show HN: I built a Rotten Tomatoes-style platform for durable products

#111

You might want to replace the image of the old style Nalgene bottle with a newer Nalgene because the old ones with the whiteish color had BPA whereas the newer ones do not. A lot of people, including myself, replaced the old ones when the media pointed out the BPA danger.

I think this a picture of the soft HDPE Nalgene bottle. I think some of the hard ones had BPA but never the soft one (it’s a plastic hardener after all). Nalgene now says they don’t use BPA in any of their bottles.

Re: Show HN: I built a Rotten Tomatoes-style platform for durable products

#112
I like the concept but since it's open to the public it will suffer from ignorance.

For example, take the Salomon Quest boots that are listed. I own a pair of them. While they're good boots for the price they do not deserve an A- score. They are not BIFL. The soles are glued making them not resoleable. The sole on one of mine has started coming unglued too.

The same can be said for the Victorinox Fibrox knife that has an A+ rating. I also have one of those. It's a great knife for its low price but it does not deserve an A+ since it isn't full tang and is very thin and easy to damage.

This is a common issue with "BIFL" discussions. People overrate something because they don't understand that parts will wear out from use, something isn't repairable, or they don't have experience with a higher quality item.

Do you have any thoughts for dealing with this issue?

Re: Show HN: I built a Rotten Tomatoes-style platform for durable products

#113
post #66

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The batteries absolutely fail before the tools do. As long as you stick to a range (for me, Makita Lxt) you’ll just need a few working batteries between all your tools as a diyer. At least that’s what I’ve found. They slowly fall apart, but you still get fairly good value from them. I started “collecting” tools a year ago and my first batteries are starting to go now. They’re actually still plenty good enough good en…

I mostly stick with corded tools. Over the past 17 years I've managed to collect: - A Milwaukee right angle drill. I don't use it much, but when I need it, it's invaluable - A Porter Cable circular saw. I get a bit more use out of this. Circular saws are so versatile. - A hand-held power planer. I used this a lot fitting doors to irregular door jams. I've loaned it out quite a bit too. Like the right angle drill, I d…

Just bought a lot of yard tools and picked Ego as my battery platform. Same reasons you outlined: I hate dealing with gas engines, cords are annoying and get you stuck. I can now start a job, pause half way do something else and continue again without dealing with starting engines etc.

The blower is fantastic and quiet at that too. Much more relaxing than a gas one making noise all the time. The edger is phenomenal but probably too much for my needs.

Re: Show HN: I built a Rotten Tomatoes-style platform for durable products

#114
I don't like the front page. Sign up button shouldn't be front and center. It should be up at the top next to login. Content should be front and center. The front should be very similar to clicking "discover". Most of what is now on the front should be on a dedicated signup page.

Re: Show HN: I built a Rotten Tomatoes-style platform for durable products

#115
I didn't try to post a review, but is there a way to edit reviews at a later time?

Not only it is essential for reviews that focus on durability but it should be actively encouraged. A review can easily go from "nice, solid-looking all-metal construction" to "the hinge just broke, upon closer inspection, it is actually quite flimsy and impossible to replace".

Re: Show HN: I built a Rotten Tomatoes-style platform for durable products

#116
I quite like this because we all need reliable reviews/ratings.

But, how do we deal with product model or component changes?

A couple examples:

"Earthquake" impact wrench from Harbor Freight. Purchased ten years ago, used a lot--for an amateur (maybe a couple thousand high torque automotive bolts, sunk some cement anchors). This product is currently sold by HF, but is much changed.

The site's example of Lodge cast iron. I cook on cast iron 90% of the time and my older lodge pan is much better than a newish one. The newer one has a more coarse surface, is strangely lighter.

Re: Show HN: I built a Rotten Tomatoes-style platform for durable products

#118

Nice! I'd add dr martens made in UK series

Most shoes made in England will last a lifetime with proper upkeep. Going rate is £400-500 a pair. They'll require new soles from time to time which will cost you £100-200 as well for professional refurbishment. Rubber soled boots will require a new heal every 1-2 years but if you keep on top of that the rest of the sole should last 4-5 years. Shoes will require new laces from time to time. You'll also need quality leather cream polish which you'll apply regularly.

Re: Show HN: I built a Rotten Tomatoes-style platform for durable products

#119
post #74

Looks great. This is probably on your TODO list, but I wanted to make sure you were aware in case it isn't. Your terms of service and privacy policy are: a) Not linked to anywhere except the login screen in very small text. Seems to be part of Google sign in? b) Clicking them goes nowhere. I suspect you setup Google login and didn't provide links to a terms / privacy screen. If you're going to be collecting logins (m…

Really? How much time do you spend reading ToS and privacy policies?

Re: Show HN: I built a Rotten Tomatoes-style platform for durable products

#120

A few months ago, I began developing the Buy For Life platform. It started as a simple list where people could add brands that manufacture durable products. It now evolved into a full platform with aggregated product reviews from all over the web, discussions, and various metrics to calculate a score for each brand and product. I want to help people finding the most durable and sustainable products in the world. It s…

I love the idea, but the site needs some more work. For example, on an iPhone with chrome I’m unable to actually search for anything (there is no “search” button on the keyboard on the search bar. I can enter text but it just sits there. Possibly incorrect annotations on the widget?).

Same here, but using FireFox on MacOS.
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