Just 1 tip, you should change the color of the login link. It took me a while to find it since the active link color is almost the same as the background.
From the feedback I've got so far it looks like you're not the only one. I'll definitely be addin some better info on the front page to let people know what it's about and how to sign up etc.
And perhaps a Snapfinch sign up for people without other social accounts?
The first sign in is just to sign you into Snapfinch. From here you need to link your Instagram, PicPlz, etc. accounts to be able to comment and like the photos. So if you haven't linked an Instagram account, you won't be able to comment on Instagram photos for example.
But I agree with you, I think I need to make that clearer so people understand exactly how it works.
And maybe allow people to add "snapfinch only" type comments to photos that won't show up in the sharing apps, but only on the website?
I've already got number 1 covered with another website I created, http://badgeplz.com that provides widgets like that. But I think I need to incorporate that into the site as well.
2 - I want to try and aim it at companies organizing events so they can get all photos from the event (taken by real people attending) grouped together easily.
3 - Not yet, not sure if it would make sense though?
4 - Nice! Thanks for the link. I'll definitely be looking into this.
Sounds like a good idea. I was thinking of adding chat functionality similar to Facebook and Gmail with the bar at the bottom. Could be cool if you can chat to the people you follow and follow you on Instagram etc.
It does look like they will be updating the app to try and resolve these issues. Although, one of their planned "fixes" are to stop the app from working at all when no one is around. I really hope they implement that properly because if they think they got backlash now, imagine if people try to open the app and it just closes on them, without a proper explanation of why.
No, you are just limited to one app and instance at a time. But this should be more than enough to host your average website that gets a couple thousand hits a week.
From the FAQ (not sure if you can access it without being logged in though):
"Will you offer a free version of hosting?
Yes. You get one free application with one instance for 6 months. If you have one app that is using the free instance, you can delete it and you'll be able to create another free one to replace it."
Yes, but it only took a day or two for me to get an invite to the Beta after signing up. And I think if you sign up and refer 2 people you get in immediately (although they might have removed this by now).
Since you're going the PHP route, you should have a look at http://phpfog.com for hosting. They offer 6 months free hosting. You'll also get exposure to source control via Git and scaling which they assist you with.
Just 1 tip, you should change the color of the login link. It took me a while to find it since the active link color is almost the same as the background.