Ask HN: How can I improve my note-taking web app?

http://scrib.in

by drjake • 12 years ago

15 21 12 years ago

scrib.in

yoha5• 12 years ago

Don't use a static layout. I hate unnecessary scrollbars (like most users).

Remove as much third party JS as possible (use direct links instead). Seven different domains is way too much.

Do you use (client-side) encryption for ensuring privacy?

Otherwise, I like the almost (share buttons) minimal design.

obblekk• 12 years ago

I'm curious, how do you securely implement client side encryption?

yoha5• 12 years ago

Just like ZeroBin [1] does: verifiable Javascript file uploaded to client. It is far from perfect, but at least some control of what is sent to the server is given to the client.

[1] http://sebsauvage.net/wiki/doku.php?id=php:zerobin

altero2• 12 years ago

Add encryption key to URL after hash tag. This is not send to webserver, but can be decripted by js. You can not read text without full URL

drjake6• 12 years ago

Currently, this isn't implemented.

drjake6• 12 years ago

Thanks! Could you explain what you mean by using direct links?

yoha5• 12 years ago

Look at [1]. They suggest using this:

<a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-lang="en">Tweet</a>

I guess it relies on the HTTP referer field. You can do more resilient by adding parameters to the query string (look at the table at the third of the webpage).

It means that the user gets redirected to the website with pre-filled forms. It avoids loading additional Javascript.

[1] https://dev.twitter.com/docs/tweet-button

altero2• 12 years ago

I have a few ideas:

- should work offline

- realtime updates visible to other parties, so it would be usable as chat

- history

- align editor size to browser window size, so there are no two vertical scrolbars

- even better is to grow editor window as documents grow, use only browser vertical scrolab

- https, useless for me otherwise

drjake6• 12 years ago

Love the idea of realtime updates. Thanks!

yoha5• 12 years ago

I second https and history (I already commented on dynamic layout).

Offline would require some work I guess but it is still a good idea. However, I tend to dislike realtime webapp as they are always trying to sync sending HTTP/WebSocket and throwing errors around whenever one packet is lost.

EpicEng• 12 years ago

Well, TCP certainly doesn't throw a fit if a single packet is lost, and this is a note taking app, right? Well, if I need a constant internet connection just to take notes then your app is far less useful to me and I probably won't use it.

imwhimsical• 12 years ago

How does realtime actually work? Can you shed light on that, please?

gburt• 12 years ago

Buy better hosting.

drjake6• 12 years ago

Agreed.

yoha5• 12 years ago

“CPU Limit Reached” :(

HN effect once more!

drjake6• 12 years ago

Damn right? Should have moved to my other server - lesson learned.

pocketstar• 12 years ago

"Text Messaging Communications Suite for Businesses." tell me something more than this

lukasm• 12 years ago

doesn't work

master-ruse-man• 12 years ago

i dont get it. nothing but "deskrove We're building cool things."

drjake6• 12 years ago

Sorry - hosting messed up.

Ask HN: How can I improve my note-taking web app?

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