group discussion
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Should Goodreads build an iphone app?
Goodreads should not only have a iphone app, but also a blackberry app. There are many more blackberry users in the world than iphone users.
I don't see why an iPhone app is necessary given that you can simply go to it through a web browser like every other smart phone which doesn't happen to be made by Apple. Unless you're "app" is simply a bookmark.
Mainly because the website performs horribly with a smart phone browser (well, at least Opera Mobile and the BB browser.
Ok. So wouldn't a better mobile website that supports all users be better than a special app that only supports the subset who happen to have iphones?
Although I hope to get one of these devices some day, I do not use the mobile site now. I do agree with Michael though. Ideally, Goodreads would create a good mobile site that could be accessed with all mobile devices.
This Is Not The Michael You're Looking For wrote: "Ok. So wouldn't a better mobile website that supports all users be better than a special app that only supports the subset who happen to have iphones?"I mentioned this on the poll but may as well do the same here.
I would prefer to focus at the moment on platform and browser compatibility for the existing mobile site first. I run windows mobile and so far the site only really functions acceptably with Opera Mobile. Other browsers I have tested have issues that make it very difficult or impossible to use. Opera Mobile would be ok but it tends to be a memory hog and I really suspect there's a memory leak somewhere in there.
Nothing against Blackberry or iPhones but giving priority the parts which can improve the experience for all users seems to be a better use of time. This also has the benefit of perfecting which features and abilities are really wanted mobily. When its time to work on the various app, you'll have a good feature base to work from.
That's fine. But I would still rather the GR programmers use their time to improve the mobile website than to make a platform-dependent application.This is equivalent to them making a program that interfaces with the database without the use of a browser that runs in Windows only ("normal" computers, not Smartphones). Except that *way* more people use Windows than have iPhones. Would that be a better use of their time?
Maybe you should have looked at how I voted before accusing me of wanting GR to waste their time on the iPhone app :).
There are only two reasons (in my mind) to build an iphone app:1. It gets us listed in the app store so more people can find Goodreads and remember to use the app since you get an icon on your phone. You can get an icon on the phone now by bookmarking the mobile site, but most people don't seem to know that.
2. For the limited (but growing) selection of ebooks we have we can link to a way to read those. This would take advantage of native phone capabilities.
Dear Otis: There's a 3rd reason (in my mind) -- I use Goodreads to track my currently-reading books (in the stead of bookmarks), and my cell network is EDGE (a.k.a., SLOW) -- a native app would perform much better (for people in my boat), provide a GUI for progress bars w/o bandwidth implications, etc., etc. Thanks.
Is this poll closed now? I agree that a Blackberry app would be nice, too. GR Mobile does nothing. I get an email on my Blackberry saying there's been a comment on my review, I follow the link, and then I have to click "switch to nonmobile" in order to view the comment.
yes--i would like to see a native iphone app. but adding features to the mobile page would be a close second!
I didn't vote, sorry, I was thinking and iPod app so you can have a touch too(if iPhone app you mean for everything like that then just ignore the paragraph).
My Vote: YES!!!!!!!!
Results: ??? Please Tell ???
Otis, I noticed on another thread that you were looking for suggestions for an app. I for one would love this, here are my suggestions: Barcode scanner, so you can add books to your shelves with the camera.
Full integration with the social part of the site (ie forum, groups, etc)
Ability to text or email suggestions from the app
Hope this helps!!
The barcode scanner is a great idea. When I go to the bookstore now it's mostly a scouting mission to add books to my to-read list and order from the library later. It would also help with people's to-buy lists, and when we get big bags of books from either the store or library that we want to add all at once.I'm still trying to distinguish between functions that work fine on the mobile site (or could with upgrades to those functions) and things that would be good in an app that can run even when not connected. Reviews falls into this category. We could write reviews and edit shelves, make recommendations of friends who would like to read it, etc ., and then all of that could sync up when we connect to the site next. Access to my library, of course would be useful when shopping or out with friends, and adding books anytime would be great.
As for functions that would theoretically work better on a dedicated app than the mobile site, it still makes me nuts not to be able to add my books to the right shelves when I'm adding a review using my phone. Neither reviews or good shelving are available yet on mobile, allthough we can now see all of our shelves (thanks!). Also, it really bothers me when I read reviews on mobile but can't say that I liked it without going to the main site. Big waste of time and it means that many reviews that I've liked haven't gotten recognition.
But with a standalone app you are still connected all the time. The iPhone is connected via edge or 3g 24/7 so all of these things can be addressed. Cmon Otis, hook us up!!
Dustan wrote: "But with a standalone app you are still connected all the time. The iPhone is connected via edge or 3g 24/7 so all of these things can be addressed."Not on an iPod Touch and any app must take that into consideration. True for the iPhone only under most circumstances. I've always been lucky to have good service in most locations, but not always in big buildings, basements, etc., plus there are places where I have to turn the phone off or it can't work, such as airplanes, hospitals and doctors' offices, or traveling abroad. Which puts me more in favor of an app, as was my point with those statements. In the meantime, it would be great if some additional features could be implemented on the mobile site.
I'm about to get an iphone, but I'd rather Goodreads concentrate on features that will benefit the entire membership. There are many features that have been requested. If goodreads.com/m can be improved easily then I'd vote for that to happen.
I was just browsing around the App Store when I saw an app that supposedly scanned bar codes and ISBNs. It was a total lie, but it got me curious to see if there were other apps that would let me enter my books here more quickly (now that I can copy and paste). When I searched "ISBN" I was surprised to find several apps for cataloging books. Now I'm wondering if we aren't missing an important audience, and advertising, by not doing it. A Goodreads app could be listed in several categories (utilities, entertainment, social networking and books) and might be good for the site overall. I still lean toward focusing on the main site and the mobile site (please let me add books to any of my shelves on mobile!), but I'm torn.
Addendum to above: I just tried SnapTell, which you use to photograph a book, movie or game and it quickly searches for it and shows a bunch of options, like finding it on Amazon or Google, B&N or Yahoo. But at the bottom of each of those results (for books) it has an option to "View In Shelfari"!!! SnapTell has gotten a lot of press, but I hadn't heard that detail. The competition has scooped us! It's actually a very cool feature and the app works really well. Wonder if we can get in on it somehow or do something similar? Too ambitious?
Catherine, You've made me think. I've thought Goodreads should concentrate on improving the site in general to benefit the most members possible, but that's a good point re getting new members. The iPhone certainly is popular and its apps are particularly valued. Hmm.
Tricky, right? Personally, I'm pretty satisfied with the members we have, it's a great crowd. But the more the merrier, plus I'm pretty sure the nice folks who run this site for us would like to have more members/viewers/income, and they deserve it. I guess the good news for me is that I'll be happy either way and I don't have to make the decision!
Catherine: That might be because Snaptell was recently acquired by Amazon, which also owns Shelfari. Amazon is buying everything up!I agree though that half the reason (maybe more) to do the app over the site is the marketing opportunity.
Amazon is buying everything up!I was distressed to hear on the news, that they're trying to buy Netflix. I hope that never happens.
half the reason (maybe more) to do the app over the site is the marketing opportunity
Yes, everyone I know with iPhones, most not Goodreads members, add apps incessantly and some might consider trying Goodreads that way.
I'm kinda surprised no one has mentioned Android here. While I appreciate that iPhone has a larger install base (right now), I'd love to see an Android app for Goodreads.And don't forget, you don't have to wait for approval from Apple to put an app in the Android Market. :-)
An iPhone app definitely would be a good marketing tool. I actually found out about another site because of their app and ended up joining.Of course, all of us existing members with would have to do our part with spreading the word about the app... that way it would be sure to be on the top app lists.
My husband has a I phone and tries to use it with our bookshelves to avoid buying duplicate books. He has said many many times the he wished he had an app because it would work so much faster.
Well, If Goodreads creates an app, I'd certainly use it, and I'd certainly share it with my friends who are Goodreads members and friends who have iPhones but who are not yet Goodreads members. It might convince them to join; some I think it will some it won't. For people who have never heard of Goodreads though (none of them my friends) I think Goodreads would get more members, but I don't know how many.
Today I was in the book store and reading the back cover blurb of a book that sounded interesting. I would have liked to be able to quickly look it up on GR to see what the reviews were like.
Sarah, In the meantime just go to goodreads.com/m for the mobile site and you'll be able see all of the reviews quickly and easily. I did it in the library just yesterday, no problem.
Catherine, From my iPhone I still can't get to most of the site though. If I get an email saying someone has made a comment on a review I'm following, I can get to the review when I click the link, but not to any of the comments. I have to save the email as new and check when I get home. Perhaps it would work if I simply accesses goodreads dot com and not goodreads dot com slash m from my iPhone. Or maybe I'm doing something wrong. An app would be nice and if it could get more members that would be worth it, but I still say Goodreads should concentrate on working on features/improvements that will benefit the greatest number of worldwide members.
Lisa, I was responding to Sarah's specific request to be able to read reviews when at the bookstore, which can be accomplished already without a specific app. Many people are unaware of the mobile site. It is very handy for quickly looking a book up, and I use it a lot for status updates as well. I agree that not being able to see, make, respond to, or vote on comments is one of the mobile site's big limitations. I have the same problem you mentioned when linking from emails. You get shuttled to the mobile site automatically, but comments don't show there. To get around this on your iPhone, scroll to the bottom of the book page or review page and hit the "switch to the non-mobile version of this page" text. You will be able to do everything from there, if somewhat slowly. Also, there is usually a link at the top to switch to non-mobile as well, but it usually takes you Home and you'll have to search for your book again. I'm pretty experienced at using my iPhone on Goodreads at this point, so if my explaination didn't help or if you have any other questions, I'd be happy to try to help.
Thanks Catherine. Yes, I've seen and even used the link to switch to the non-mobile site. I'm going to have to play around some more. It's just thrilling to be able to get on the site at all (and other sites and get to my email, etc.) when I'm out and about. Thanks very much for the offer to help. I might take you up on it if I get stuck.
I have found that with the iPhone, it is easier to just zoom in on whatever link there is to click. I think an iPhone app would be nice, but I also noticed there was a mobile version of goodreads. I decided not to use the mobile version because not everything seemed accesible from the mobile page on the internet.
I"ve pretty miuch figured it out. It is usually better to use the regular, not the mobile version. But, to get to comments on reviews, I have to go to the book. That works if the review is mine or is one of my GR friends' reviews, but if it's a review not by a GR friend, it's usually impossible to find. The direct link from the email I can't get to go to any comments on the reviews. But, I can do most things; the rest I wait until I can get to a computer.
I'd love to see an iPhone app - but at the same time can see the advantge of a universal mobile site. If a lot of the backend is being done from the goodreads site itself, would it even be that difficult creating native apps for each major platform?What I would like to see most is a mobile site thy provides access to just about every function of the regular site :)
