I like services like this, however, the problem I run into is remembering the "command-line-like shortcuts". Was Amazon "amazon book" or "amz book" or "book amzon.com". And "what was the syntax for getting the definition?". Or "Do they have a way to...?" Getting this info from a SMS-only phone might be tough.
Ask HN: Review my startup txtful - get stuff done on the web by sending a text
11–20 of 66 posts
Re: Ask HN: Review my startup txtful - get stuff done on the web by sending a text
#12Earlier quoted context omitted.
Sorry this is just the excited wife of one of the founders. We're looking for real feedback and criticism here. Please feel free to rip it up.
heh, cute :) American only or worldwide?
In terms of text messaging it's US only (right now), but if you're willing to use it from IM, email, or the mobile web site then you could definitely create shortcuts for sites anywhere in the world.
Re: Ask HN: Review my startup txtful - get stuff done on the web by sending a text
#13Weird, I've just in the last few days been playing with SMS to web stuff. I was just today wondering about making a more general system but since in the UK it costs to send messages (i understand the cost is on the receiver in the US) I couldn't think how to make it work.
The exception would seem to be for things that have the potential to make a return, if you're in the UK my amazon price checker will send you an amazon.co.uk price when you text PRICE and the product name to 07786200690.
Re: Ask HN: Review my startup txtful - get stuff done on the web by sending a text
#14instead of emailing passwords to the user, send them a link to a confirmation page where they can enter their own password (twice) to complete the registration process and sign-in.
security might be an issue otherwise when sending passwords around in the clear. do the same thing for password resets when a user forgets their password (or username, for that matter).
Re: Ask HN: Review my startup txtful - get stuff done on the web by sending a text
#15Any way to see the source code for shortcuts that were made by txtful itself? I checked out the developer page and it's all pretty confusing. "Formblock builder"? "Create shortcut" and you have to upload some file? Docs please :)
The shortcuts are subscriptions to templates (this is what a developer creates). The templates are xml files using txtful mark up language. There is some (pretty dry) documentation describing the building blocks of a template on the txtful-developers google group (please follow the link from the developers page). A good start is the getting started article. Please go ahead and ask any questions you might have. We would be very glad to get that group going.
Re: Ask HN: Review my startup txtful - get stuff done on the web by sending a text
#16I like services like this, however, the problem I run into is remembering the "command-line-like shortcuts". Was Amazon "amazon book" or "amz book" or "book amzon.com". And "what was the syntax for getting the definition?". Or "Do they have a way to...?" Getting this info from a SMS-only phone might be tough.
Great point. If you send a message with just the letter h you get a list of your shortcuts. If you send h "shortcut name" you get detailed help.
Re: Ask HN: Review my startup txtful - get stuff done on the web by sending a text
#17instead of emailing passwords to the user, send them a link to a confirmation page where they can enter their own password (twice) to complete the registration process and sign-in. security might be an issue otherwise when sending passwords around in the clear. do the same thing for password resets when a user forgets their password (or username, for that matter).
and yeah, the giving up of passwords to other services is a little tricky. i'm not opposed to it, but you have to prove yourself to be completely trustworthy and honorable.
i mean, paypal?!
also, the 5 number password consisting entirely of numbers that was given to me when i signed on.... so that's 10*5 = 100,000 passwords to check to break into someone's account? it seems a little low. why not a 20-character password consisting of letters, symbols and numbers?
the first page i go to when logging in for the first time should be a "change password" page, not a suggested link. or just get the password from the user when they register! :-)
otherwise, though, i love the idea. command line SMS for the real world. very cool. no need to remember which phone number to call.
Re: Ask HN: Review my startup txtful - get stuff done on the web by sending a text
#18instead of emailing passwords to the user, send them a link to a confirmation page where they can enter their own password (twice) to complete the registration process and sign-in. security might be an issue otherwise when sending passwords around in the clear. do the same thing for password resets when a user forgets their password (or username, for that matter).
Good suggestion, we were just trying to follow others suggestions of making the sign-up form as short as possible.
Re: Ask HN: Review my startup txtful - get stuff done on the web by sending a text
#19I like services like this, however, the problem I run into is remembering the "command-line-like shortcuts". Was Amazon "amazon book" or "amz book" or "book amzon.com". And "what was the syntax for getting the definition?". Or "Do they have a way to...?" Getting this info from a SMS-only phone might be tough.
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Re: Ask HN: Review my startup txtful - get stuff done on the web by sending a text
#20instead of emailing passwords to the user, send them a link to a confirmation page where they can enter their own password (twice) to complete the registration process and sign-in. security might be an issue otherwise when sending passwords around in the clear. do the same thing for password resets when a user forgets their password (or username, for that matter).
and yeah, the giving up of passwords to other services is a little tricky. i'm not opposed to it, but you have to prove yourself to be completely trustworthy and honorable. i mean, paypal?! also, the 5 number password consisting entirely of numbers that was given to me when i signed on.... so that's 10*5 = 100,000 passwords to check to break into someone's account? it seems a little low. why not a 20-character passwo…
We'll beef it up!