Three weeks ago I began learning PHP/MySQL, and to keep it interesting I started developing a writing productivity tool for someone very close to me. And so far it’s been the most fulfilling thing I’ve done in years. I’m letting it grow and evolve into something that helps people develop better habits. I call it twords: becoming a better writer. You can check it out here, but be warned. This is a super, super early product. There be bugs.
Essentially the project is a simple tracking tool for people who want to write things they’re proud of. In order to be a skilled writer, you need to practice regularly. My little web app helps you do that by making it easier to self-track and be accountable.
I’m breaking more things than I’m fixing, I haven’t even had the mental space to think about a logo (and I say I’m an identity designer!), I have a to-do list of a million fixes and features I want to and need to release, and an even longer list of things I still need to learn in order to make this work.
Above all, though, I’m thankful and humbled by all the people who have offered their help and suggestions when it comes to making twords better. From voicing major usability suggestions to pointing out little fixes I wasn’t aware of, you guys are the absolute best. Thank you!! I couldn’t do it without you guys.
Things I’ve learned in the last few weeks:
- Working with the Unsemantic CSS framework
- PHP/MySQL basics (duh)
- How to quickly develop a workable ToS and Privacy Policy
- All the loops! Fixing code loops that weren’t working for one reason or another has taken up like…80% of development time
- Building simple reporting systems and calculators
What’s in the pipeline:
- Implementing all the fixes the early adopters have suggested in the last few days
- Actually, ahem, being a designer and working on the design elements. I need to make a logo one of these days…
- Making sure registrants are aware of password security best practices
- Working out social components and the accountability system
- Considering a PHP framework, paying dues to RoR before it’s too late just to make sure that I should stick with PHP
- Figuring out dynamic email with Mandrill’s API, getting up to speed with JSON in the process
- Coming up with useful content on setting up writing challenges, habit formation, and famous writers’ work habits
- Working out better data management/increasing settings control
- Working out the ability to separate reporting/tracking/accountability by project
- Adding little “detail” tools, such as a “to-do” list for keeping a list of your active projects on your dashboard, and the ability to participate in a system-wide/community writing challenge
- Coffee. Drinking all the coffee in the world.