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Show HN: Serendipity – rediscover the web one interesting page at a time

serendipity.surf

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Show HN: Serendipity – rediscover the web one interesting page at a time

#1

Post by RaCaS123 »

Random URLs are easy. Useful serendipity is hard.

I've built a free (no ads) app for both Android and iOS for users who want to swipe/surf between websites they otherwise would never have thought to find, both with some randomness and some light personalisation to keep the experience satiating. Users can also search the live web for uncovered topics - the results of which are then (subject to moderation) added to the corpus. It's a bit like StumbleUpon was but for the modern user.

Curious if any of you have any thoughts on how much personalisation you can add before serendipity becomes just another recommendation bubble?

Please do try it out and let me know your thoughts!

Show HN: Serendipity – rediscover the web one interesting page at a time
serendipity.surf

Re: Show HN: Serendipity – rediscover the web one interesting page at a time

#6

Post by RaCaS123 »

Glitcher255 wrote: post #4

It's like tiktok but for websites? looks fun if its well curated but most of the web is not worth visiting, please make a web version!

That's a good way of putting it albeit hopefully it provides for a more mentally healthy experience than TikTok. Developing the web version atm! Doing a bunch of work behind the scenes to improve the corpus to make sure it feels well curated - watch this space.

Re: Show HN: Serendipity – rediscover the web one interesting page at a time

#7

Post by RaCaS123 »

goatydev wrote: post #5

It feels like a "TikTok-ified" version of a directory site. Since it’s a novel concept, I think it could attract a significant number of users—provided it’s fun and goes viral.

Thanks very much - how are you finding it?

Re: Show HN: Serendipity – rediscover the web one interesting page at a time

#8

Post by goatydev »

RaCaS123 wrote: post #7
goatydev wrote: post #5

It feels like a "TikTok-ified" version of a directory site. Since it’s a novel concept, I think it could attract a significant number of users—provided it’s fun and goes viral.

Thanks very much - how are you finding it?

To be honest, I haven't used it. I didn't want to install an app. I’d recommend launching a web version quickly. The biggest barrier to this service is likely the fact that it requires installation.

Re: Show HN: Serendipity – rediscover the web one interesting page at a time

#9

Post by RaCaS123 »

goatydev wrote: post #8
RaCaS123 wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Thanks very much - how are you finding it?

To be honest, I haven't used it. I didn't want to install an app. I’d recommend launching a web version quickly. The biggest barrier to this service is likely the fact that it requires installation.

Fair play - I've submitted a Chrome extension for review so it should be published as soon as it's approved. I appreciate that's not a shell but for Serendipity's functions, I felt an extension was better suited and was not a massive imposition on a user. Do please let me know your thoughts though!
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