Okay, so I thought I'd be able to use this as a web app and mobile app. Wrong, and I think that's a mistake. For large purchase decisions I generally use my computer rather than my phone.
I was interested, though, so I downloaded the app. The only option is to use Facebook to login. They say they've done this in order to cut down on the time it takes to launch the site, and will add an alternative later. Unfortunately that's not good enough for me, and I won't be using Facebook to login.
It seems really odd to lock the app behind a login anyway. Why not open it up and ALLOW (not force) people to log in? If you're trying to attract customers, let them use it! Don't require them to download an app and create a login before they even know if it's worth it.
Zillow does this well. You can use the search and see the value of the site right away, but you don't have to log in unless you want to start favoriting homes and saving searches. These features are useful and it makes sense to me. This just seems like poor planning for launch.
Really good points. We're figuring this out as we go along and really didn't anticipate the backlash against Facebook login. As for requiring login at all, we do think personalization is key to the experience and that's the best way to guarantee it. But the Zillow analogy is a good one and we've been working on building out a browse option. This is only the first iteration!
The problem with demanding a login / email address up front is that it has value and is implicit permission to spam away. This is before someone has the opportunity to see if the app/site is what they wanted in the first place. It is a terrible way to start a relationship.
Great to hear you're listening! Keep in mind that HN isn't the world - people here tend to be more skeptical and more careful with privacy. Still I hope you apply the feedback. I'll look forward to the next iteration, because I do love your concept.
I was interested, though, so I downloaded the app. The only option is to use Facebook to login. They say they've done this in order to cut down on the time it takes to launch the site, and will add an alternative later. Unfortunately that's not good enough for me, and I won't be using Facebook to login.
It seems really odd to lock the app behind a login anyway. Why not open it up and ALLOW (not force) people to log in? If you're trying to attract customers, let them use it! Don't require them to download an app and create a login before they even know if it's worth it.
Zillow does this well. You can use the search and see the value of the site right away, but you don't have to log in unless you want to start favoriting homes and saving searches. These features are useful and it makes sense to me. This just seems like poor planning for launch.