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Ask HN: Review my startup, LitLift.com

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Ask HN: Review my startup, LitLift.com

#1

Post by dottertrotter »

A few weeks ago I launched my side project; a novel writing application I call http://LitLift.com

So far over 370 users have registered to use the software, most of which are participating in NaNoWrimo. The response has been incredibly positive. The enjoy the simple user interface and the ability to create their ideas in any particular order.

Already I have managed to make the site profitable through a pair of partnerships that will be kicking off soon.

I know the design needs work, but I'm a programmer.

Any feedback on usability, interface and site structure are more than welcome.

Thanks.

Re: Ask HN: Review my startup, LitLift.com

#4

Post by justlearning »

haven't logged in. few things that didn't make me login: no screenshots/preview. Although there is a demo video, I won't be able to watch this at work.

No Privacy policy listed - how safe is my data? how secure is my data?

Also, you could connect using facebook and twitter, but you have your blog link just beside - confusing me that you could connect thru posterous (send emails?)

ps: could you tell us what stack/framework are you using? Is it on a VPS or shared host?

Re: Ask HN: Review my startup, LitLift.com

#5

Post by Naomi »

I signed up and I love it. It seems to be geared towards fiction though. Is there a way to use it to help organize ideological themes and subtopics, so you could switch them around and put them in different orders? Maybe a place to set down main ideas so they could be elaborated on at a later time?

Re: Ask HN: Review my startup, LitLift.com

#7

Post by dottertrotter »

Naomi wrote: post #5

I signed up and I love it. It seems to be geared towards fiction though. Is there a way to use it to help organize ideological themes and subtopics, so you could switch them around and put them in different orders? Maybe a place to set down main ideas so they could be elaborated on at a later time?

for the main ideas, I just use a new book. As for subtopics and switching them around, I would use the chapters section, which is completely sortable.

Re: Ask HN: Review my startup, LitLift.com

#8

Post by dottertrotter »

justlearning wrote: post #4

haven't logged in. few things that didn't make me login: no screenshots/preview. Although there is a demo video, I won't be able to watch this at work. No Privacy policy listed - how safe is my data? how secure is my data? Also, you could connect using facebook and twitter, but you have your blog link just beside - confusing me that you could connect thru posterous (send emails?) ps: could you tell us what stack/fram…

I built it RoR on the heroku system.

As for the privacy policy, I've been meaning to put that together. On the site, nothing is shared. Your information is entirely private.

Understandable about the posterous link. It's just a link to my blog.

Thanks for the feedback.

Re: Ask HN: Review my startup, LitLift.com

#10

Post by bryanh »

Rather impressive, and congrats on the partnerships!

I would really try to showcase the features through a user narrative (this is a novel writing app after all!) and lots of screenshots of novels in progress with the app.

Also, photos of the people in the testimonials lend credibility. Faces sell after all...

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