Show HN: techmadefor.me offers a local solution for people seeking tech support.
1 comments
Honest feedback follows:
I'm not sure if this site is going to make it in its current state.
I feel that your focus is on the Technologist (not sure why it's capitalized throughout the site?) and not the person who needs help.
To this point:
1. The intro video is mainly about setting up an account as a technologist, and not how to use it when you're in need of help
2. There's just a zipcode search box. Non-technologist who have problems cannot often explain or understand their problem, which is why walking into Best Buy with your computer and dumping it on some kid, saying, "fix this," is so appealing. Having to find the "right" person with no pointers is gonna be hard (or a crapshoot at best.)
3. No physical mid-point. Where do you meet, do you invite a stranger over (I guess the same could be said for calling a plumber to fix a toliet...) or do you meet at their place, a coffee shop, etc. I guess a little blurb on best practices to meet up with the technologist would help.
I feel as a non-techie a fair amount of hand-holding should happen, so they feel as comfortable as walking into a large chain and asking, "So, my computer is broke. Can you fix it?"
And finally what about Craigslist. Is there any compelling reason why I should not go there? (As a person looking for help... as they break down to a city-wide area, which often is good enough)
I'm not sure if this site is going to make it in its current state.
I feel that your focus is on the Technologist (not sure why it's capitalized throughout the site?) and not the person who needs help.
To this point:
1. The intro video is mainly about setting up an account as a technologist, and not how to use it when you're in need of help
2. There's just a zipcode search box. Non-technologist who have problems cannot often explain or understand their problem, which is why walking into Best Buy with your computer and dumping it on some kid, saying, "fix this," is so appealing. Having to find the "right" person with no pointers is gonna be hard (or a crapshoot at best.)
3. No physical mid-point. Where do you meet, do you invite a stranger over (I guess the same could be said for calling a plumber to fix a toliet...) or do you meet at their place, a coffee shop, etc. I guess a little blurb on best practices to meet up with the technologist would help.
I feel as a non-techie a fair amount of hand-holding should happen, so they feel as comfortable as walking into a large chain and asking, "So, my computer is broke. Can you fix it?"
And finally what about Craigslist. Is there any compelling reason why I should not go there? (As a person looking for help... as they break down to a city-wide area, which often is good enough)
We tried making the site as painless and easy to use as possible; the process to sign up and create a profile as a technologist is quick and free. Once completed, the technologist simply fills their profile with a bio, their skills/education, their rates and the zip codes that they do business in.
Those seeking technologists may search and connect with a technologist without any registration whatsoever in around 4 clicks.
We'd love any feedback and criticism that HN has to offer on the site. We'd also love tips on how we can get the word out about the service.