#35 - But, will strangers pay?
How do we test if anyone will pay for personal recommendations outside of the official beta testing programme? Also: new reading challenge features!
#34 - Not A(nother) Social Site
Why the product is moving away from any more social features for now and upcoming product improvements around reading challenges and design.
#33 - On The Right Track
Results from the December 1:1 check-ins with the paying users and figuring out priorities in the face of good feedback.
#32 - Building Just Enough
Version 1 of 'liking' news feed updates, choosing the next best book to read from those you already own, and upcoming in-app chat and commenting.
#31 - Sooo, how did it go?!
An update on how the beta re-launch went, Rob's exciting, new project, and the fun reading challenge we developed in collaboration with an Editor!
#30 - Ready for Relaunch!
The beta is ready for you to discover new books for next year and track all of your 2020 reading. 🎉
#29 - More Books, Please? Sure!
Machine Learning is now live on the site and we finally reveal the identity of the brain behind it. Reading challenges are now available too.
#28 - It's Great Not To Know Everything
In which we talk about learning to trust and share responsibility when working in a team. Also, you can now set a up a reading goal on The StoryGraph!
#27 - Three Weeks, Three Things
In which I talk about the three main things I want to do on the site before a re-launch of the beta app come 1st January 2020.
#26 - With A Little Help...
In which I share how Andrew and Rob really helped me out this week, and reveal the findings from my 1:1 check-ins with paying users.
#25 - Hey Computer, Can You Help?
The StoryGraph takes its first foray into machine learning and I start to look ahead to a beta re-launch come January 2020.
#24 - Running Out Of Time
In which I talk about how there's not much time until the end of my paid trial, which makes me anxious. Also — new profile and filter menu updates!
#23 - To Add, or Not To Add
In which I ask: Should I add more features or focus on making what I've already got work and look better? Also — some before and after screenshots! 😁
#22 - More Books, Please!
In which I share key learnings from my October check-in calls with The StoryGraph Editors and reveal a new paid feature.
#21 - Checkpoint
In which I update you on an unproductive week and share some high-level product and company updates.
#20 - Editors Assemble!
In which I share updates from my first group call with The StoryGraph Editors and seek feedback from my regular readers.
#19 - The 'Real' Lighthearted Plan
In which I introduce a new lower tier subscription package, announce The StoryGraph Librarian scheme, and show off the updated menu bar!
#18 - Performance Concerns
In which I talk about how the beta site has started to take longer to load. It's something I want to address ASAP. I also share V1 of the news feed.
#17 - To Onboard, Or Not To Onboard
In which I discuss how important it is to import new users' data from other systems, namely Goodreads. Maybe it'd be nice to have a fresh start!
#16 - Upping The Ante
In which I explain why I've decided to hire some help and why this week will be a particularly challenging one.
#15 - From 'Nice-to-have' to Paying Customers!
In which I explain how I went from doubts about the product to paying customers — and how you can get involved with our 3-month discounted paid trial!
#14 - Nice-to-have
In which I share three key insights from last week's user interviews and reflect on whether The StoryGraph will always be a 'nice-to-have' product.
#13 - A Revelation and A Surprise
In which I talk about the revelation I had last week and, as a result, I share a surprise I have for you this week.
#12 - Money, Money, Money...
In which I reflect on what I should do about The StoryGraph's funds as we approach the end of the year.
#11 - Sooo, what did you think?
How I summarise and gain insight from my customer interviews and what I discovered from this week's research.
#10 - Am I Doing This Right?
Do hours of manual entry for the beta make sense at this stage of the product? Also — first round of customer interviews this week!
#9 - The 'Onboard - Listen - Iterate' Cycle
For the beta, we'll be onboarding people in groups of 5-7, listening to their feedback, and iterating on the product. Then we'll do it all again. :-)
#8 - The 'Concierge' Beta Programme
How to apply for our Concierge Beta and why you might be waiting a bit longer before you can use the app...
#7 - A Different Sort Of Review
Because life's too short for a book you're not in the mood for.
#6 - How Am I Doing?
Because life's too short for a book you're not in the mood for.
#5— Talking and Listening
Because life's too short for a book you're not in the mood for.
#4 — Ups and Downs
Because life's too short for a book you're not in the mood for.
#3 - Who's This For (For Now)?
Because life's too short for a book you're not in the mood for.
#2 - What's In A Mood (List)?
Because life's too short for a book you're not in the mood for.
#1 - Building a Beta
Because life's too short for a book you're not in the mood for.