Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

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Bill Clanton
http://www.quickbridgesolutions.com

Facebook
http://www.shoutlife.com/billyclanton My Music site.

http://www.mymobiminder.com

http://www.allpetsradio.com

I can see it now with Hallmark, 1-800-flowers, Godiva...

First off, just my opinions.

The site is hard to look at for long. The colors are hard on the eyes when trying to read the text on the colored backgrounds. There are too many colors that don`t blend and compliment each other.

The large changing banner is distracting; if you had one stationary banner, and a list of some of the possibilities, I think it would be more effective. Granted the changing banner gets the viewers attention, but distracts from the other areas of the page. And the "Next/Play" button thing with the drop down doesn`t really serve any purpose that I can see. It`s like picking which banner you want to watch.

I`m guessing you made this in Internet Explorer; in Firefox, it doesn`t look the same.

As far as usability, for myself, I have a terrible memory, so this might be beneficial for me. The inherent problem, though, is that if I can`t remember dates or appointments or whatever, there`s a good chance I`m not going to remember to use your service either. Not that it`s a bad idea, because it sounds great to me, I just might not remember to use it, and if I do, I may not be near a computer to put in a reminder, and then I`ll forget it later. So, what about access from a cell phone to put in a reminder?

What is the success rate, so to speak, of messages being sent? In other words, does every single message get sent, do some get dropped or lost, or not sent? Basically, how reliable is it? I put in a "test message" for 12:30 today; it`s now 12:36, and I don`t see it yet. It may be my phone, who knows; sometimes I get voice mails because I don`t get a ring, sometimes texts I`m expecting from people show up late, etc. Maybe time difference in my phone and your server. Just saying. ( EDIT: received at 12:45 )

Also, like emails, people may want to know that their phone number won`t be sold on a list or given out to marketers, etc.

Basically, try to step back, forget that you know this system, and view it from a brand new visitors point of view. Would this site sell the concept to you then? I think you need a really good design and more simplified, textual content to sell the concept. It`s like an "Easy as 1-2-3"
explanation.

1. Register for free!
2. Add an event!
   
3. Get reminded!

Understood you`re showing it as beta, just some things to think about.



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M Hall
Website Critique Community
International Society of Curmudgeons

Webline and Petunia,

Thank you for your comments.  This is so helpful for me, I often find it difficult to see it from the user`s point of view.  Sure I know what it does, but I can assume they do. 

As far as taking this product mobile, we have been looking in to making that possible.  We are very close to releasing the mobile version, as well as an iPhone optimized version.

I appreciate all your insights on this.

Thanks,

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Bill Clanton
http://www.quickbridgesolutions.com

Facebook
http://www.shoutlife.com/billyclanton My Music site.

http://www.mymobiminder.com

http://www.allpetsradio.com

I`m with Webline....I took a look at the site and pretty much ran away. It`s jarring on the nerves.

Here`s what I want, based on what you`ve posted here and in a couple of previous topics:

1. Arrive at the site
2. See that it offers reminders via phone
3. Click a "Step 1" button, seeing maybe three steps in all.
4. Enter my phone number, maybe as UserID.
5. Type a date and description
6. Type how many days (weeks) ahead I want a reminder
7. Define how many times to be reminded (once a day, an hour, each week, every two minutes)
8. Click done.

I then expect to go about my life. At some point, the phone will ring, and having totally forgotten my wife`s birthday, get a message: Your wife`s birthday is in 5 days.

Does your site work that way? :-)

I only looked at the home page, and it screamed *amateur*, or worse, possible scam.  The fact that you are here asking advice greatly minimizes that in my mind, but you have to convert that confidence to the first time visitor.  The screaming large font, the gross colors, the changing cartoon-like banners deliver the subliminal message that your site is not to be trusted.

Nothing is free so I have to guess that you plan to monetize the site with ads.  If I were to receive even one ad via text to my cellphone as a result of using the service, your site would be blacklisted ASAP.




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Steve Mann
Internet Videographer
MannMade Digital Video
My Email

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Bill Clanton
http://www.quickbridgesolutions.com

Facebook
http://www.shoutlife.com/billyclanton My Music site.

http://www.mymobiminder.com

http://www.allpetsradio.com

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Bill Clanton
http://www.quickbridgesolutions.com

Facebook
http://www.shoutlife.com/billyclanton My Music site.

http://www.mymobiminder.com

http://www.allpetsradio.com

I looked at your site. The concept is a very good one: we all need a "brain extention" or an "e-assistant". That is exactly what my PC is.  (I love her dearly.)What if you wanted the messages to go to your desk top?(like, "pingme", but a little less annoying). Could your service serve as an electronic mother`s helper? (keep aware of the kitchen while at the computer with a timer; medicine reminder; meetings-appointments-podcasts-TV shows to catch...)I`m still looking for this kind of reminder service in the form of a widget downloadable to my desktop.

Good concept.

I don`t think the theme you`ve chosen will be very helpful if you want to expand it`s uses. Presently, it looks like Valentine`s day, pink. Not that I don`t like pink, it just aesthetically limits its uses despite it`s potential. Also the themes for the FAQs and blog are not consistent, vastly different in my opinion.

My suggestions, choose a theme that is consistent throughout as well one that doesn`t distract from it`s intentions(present and future). It`s uses are expansive, but it`s current theme doesn`t portray it`s other applications. Let`s imagine I want a reminder for an upcoming car show, it`s a little off-putting to sign up with a service that has a pink, Valentine`s day theme. Something, bold, modern yet broad enough to work with all uses would be best.

Also, the log-in-signup is a little too prominent. I`d suggest making more information about why people should use your service the main feature. The first thing I saw was the login, I didn`t even know what it was for. First sell them the idea, then provide a way to join. Not the otherway round.

You`re on to something good. Now just make your intentions/purpose clearer. Don`t unintentionally limit yourself.