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Great work on the app! I haven't used it yet, as I'm reluctant to download an app or even sign up for an app without a clear demo of how it works. The video on

Great work on the app! I haven't used it yet, as I'm reluctant to download an app or even sign up for an app without a clear demo of how it works. The video on the landing page explains the principles of the app (circles, privacy, etc) but it doesn't show how it works in practice. As someone who also abhors social media, how is this different from those experiences? How are the circles managed? How are my posts and feed managed? I used Google+ back in the day, and the circles concept was introduced with that. The circles were somewhat tedious to maintain, and became difficult at scale. How is this easier or better than that? Also, without a web option, it's a no go for me for a social media app.

jstrafy 5y ago
Thanks for all these comments, all noted. You're right, a demo would be nice and also super simple to do. Also a great point, as mentioned in the OP, I've been off social media for some time because I hated them. So bar the standard stuff of onboarding, posting a piece of content etc. We've pushed to do the exact opposite of a normal social media app. Some examples: - You must add someone to a Circle to see them in your feed, and share to them. - Reactions and comments are only shown between mutual contacts. So if you're viewing a post - Names and Posts are encrypted at rest, and we don't ask/take any data we don't need. We want to push this further in time but our intent is that we actively eschew collecting specific data about individuals, so don't have incentive to make the app driven by ads/addictive features. Google+ was interesting but ultimately was just Facebook with more friction (eg. connect with as many things and people as possible). We're using the Circles concept to target the inner parts of your network, rather than everyone. Still a WIP, though! Also good feedback, we focused on mobile because of limited resource but a web option would be great. Is there a specific reason it's a no go for social apps?
- danjac 5y ago
  Honestly if you have limited resources wouldn't a web app/PWA be a better option to give you faster turnaround on bug fixes and features, and a wider platform reach? Personally I'm quite conservative about installing apps due to concerns about security, battery usage etc - the only social media apps I have on my phone are WhatsApp for family stuff and Twitter for casual scrolling. I'm happy to just jump into a web app and try it out though.
  - jstrafy 5y ago
    Yes, in hindsight this is in my mind! First time founder and Circles was the first piece product/code that I wrote on my own accord, evolved quite a lot but still some decisions I would make again. Web-app seems to be the consensus here so will definitely keep that in mind. Thanks for the feedback!
- chrisco255 5y ago
  I avoid downloading apps in general, but in particular social media apps because they make use of many dark UX patterns (notifications, location/data access requests, etc). I'd rather avoid altogether. So I browse reddit, twitter, facebook, instagram, etc from mobile web when I do use them. Your app may promise not to have or add those patterns, but I still won't use it if I don't have it as a fallback. I also spend a great deal of time on my laptop and need the option to use a desktop app or website in order to interact with a social media service.
  - jstrafy 5y ago
    All noted. Thanks!
reaperducer 5y ago
Great work on the app! I haven't used it yet These two statements don't go with one another.

jstrafy 5y ago

Thanks for all these comments, all noted. You're right, a demo would be nice and also super simple to do. Also a great point, as mentioned in the OP, I've been off social media for some time because I hated them. So bar the standard stuff of onboarding, posting a piece of content etc. We've pushed to do the exact opposite of a normal social media app. Some examples: - You must add someone to a Circle to see them in your feed, and share to them. - Reactions and comments are only shown between mutual contacts. So if you're viewing a post - Names and Posts are encrypted at rest, and we don't ask/take any data we don't need. We want to push this further in time but our intent is that we actively eschew collecting specific data about individuals, so don't have incentive to make the app driven by ads/addictive features. Google+ was interesting but ultimately was just Facebook with more friction (eg. connect with as many things and people as possible). We're using the Circles concept to target the inner parts of your network, rather than everyone. Still a WIP, though! Also good feedback, we focused on mobile because of limited resource but a web option would be great. Is there a specific reason it's a no go for social apps?

danjac 5y ago
Honestly if you have limited resources wouldn't a web app/PWA be a better option to give you faster turnaround on bug fixes and features, and a wider platform reach? Personally I'm quite conservative about installing apps due to concerns about security, battery usage etc - the only social media apps I have on my phone are WhatsApp for family stuff and Twitter for casual scrolling. I'm happy to just jump into a web app and try it out though.
- jstrafy 5y ago
  Yes, in hindsight this is in my mind! First time founder and Circles was the first piece product/code that I wrote on my own accord, evolved quite a lot but still some decisions I would make again. Web-app seems to be the consensus here so will definitely keep that in mind. Thanks for the feedback!
chrisco255 5y ago
I avoid downloading apps in general, but in particular social media apps because they make use of many dark UX patterns (notifications, location/data access requests, etc). I'd rather avoid altogether. So I browse reddit, twitter, facebook, instagram, etc from mobile web when I do use them. Your app may promise not to have or add those patterns, but I still won't use it if I don't have it as a fallback. I also spend a great deal of time on my laptop and need the option to use a desktop app or website in order to interact with a social media service.
- jstrafy 5y ago
  All noted. Thanks!

reaperducer 5y ago

Great work on the app! I haven't used it yet These two statements don't go with one another.