socialmedian: It’s time for the geeks to sit down and shut up

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It’s time for the geeks to sit down and shut up

Source: Scobleizer

Dec 23, 2008

Summary

Eight years ago, during the last downturn, I would have supported things like Scrapplet with open arms. If you look at it the geeky way Scrapplet is incredible: it lets you drag and drop pieces of the web over to your canvas and create a new web page. The technology underneath — all developed by one guy, Steve Repetti, is absolutely incredible.

But it is way too unapproachable for normal people.

Here, quick, read Webware’s post on the Scrapplet. Then read TechCrunch’s post. And finally, check out Louis Gray’s post.

Do you have a clue what this thing does yet?

I do, but only because Steve gave me a demo and, even, made me a page to demonstrate some of the key things behind the technology.

The problem is that Steve can’t give everyone in the world a demo.

And the other problem is that the world has changed. We’ve become a nation of Twitterers and Facebookers. Not of people who want to geek around and build mashups of our own. We want to push a button and have it all done for us. Which is why Twitter is the ultimate tool and why so many think the little-bit-more-compl

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Comments (19)

Kadesoto,

Dec 23, 2008

Couldn't figure out myself what this did in 10 minutes. This is a bad sign.

Reaper ,

Dec 23, 2008

Bear in mind though, new technology still finding it's user base. I would imagine the next version will take into account user feedback....either that or it will go the way of the dinosaur ;-)

Sarahcrisman,

Dec 24, 2008

He's right. Not everyone speaks geek. If we want to teach the world how to communicate better with each other, we have to know how to help them "get it". We have to show them these tools in ways they can conceptually understand.

Steverepetti,

Dec 24, 2008

Well, I think we got the technology right -- which makes the user part that much easier. Scrapplet IS a great product for geeks and web developers, but it can be so much more. We appreciate everyone's feedback and we can't wait to show how fast we can turn technology into great product!

Reaper ,

Dec 24, 2008

Don't get me wrong, love what I see so far. Haven't signed up yet but intend to. Just I can see that some people will shy away from a feature rich site such as this and go for something that is to their own current level of expertise. However, that is certainly no reason not to push the envelope with new ideas and ways of doing things. Looking forward to how this site will develop

Steverepetti,

Dec 24, 2008

Appreciate the thoughts, comments, inspirations, and criticisms. Every experience has the potential to influence the next experience -- and if we're really good at what we do (and we certainly hope that we are) then things get better with each iteration.

Solacetech,

Dec 24, 2008

So not easy...Not sure why Techcrunch said it was. Thankfully Steve from Scrapplet commented and said he's aware of the degree of difficulty and plans to fix it http://myphillynetwork.com/archives/165

Nishith,

Dec 24, 2008

@steverepetti I really liked Scrapplet. Its fun to play with. In terms of user experience, you might want to look at tumblr. I like how they show you each of their features not at once, but slowly - one step at a time.

Steverepetti,

Dec 24, 2008

@solacetech: I think whether you think Scrapplet is easy or not hasa lot to do with what you are trying to get out of the product. There is certainly a learning curve that needs to be reduced, but even now if you make it over the hump there's a payoff. Checkout: http://www.scrapplet.com/LouiseCroslin/family/sisters.htm for an multi-page web presence created by a non-professional. That being said -- we sure do have a huge opportunity by making Scrapplet more accessible to the masses! And, guess what we're working on!! More to come. Thanks -- Steve

Solacetech,

Dec 24, 2008

@steverepetti oh that is nice! Trust me you have plenty of early adopters who can't wait to get their hands on this...

Josh Miller,

Dec 24, 2008

This is a problem I've had for years with the Linux community.

You ask a simple question and, while you're likely going to get an answer, that answer will be a quick "just do X" even though 90% of the problem is the person doesn't know HOW to "just do X".

I guess the point is, just because something is obvious to you because you use it constantly, doesn't make it simple to use for everyone. Also suggesting "Obscure Webapp A works like JustAsObscureWebapp B" isn't helpful.

Steverepetti,

Dec 25, 2008

So, I’ve known Robert for a while and he’s been really good to me and the things I done over the years, including Scrapplet. Before he released his review, he sent me a note that he was “kinda throwing me under the bus” cause of the “geekiness” of Scrapplet. He said he was sorry and went on to say for me to not take it personally and that Scrapplet (and me) would be better for it. Well — I just want to say: HE IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! (And, no, I’m not offended at all — I’m thankful!)

If Scrapplet were ONLY a geek product, then he would have been off base…but it’s not (or at least I hope its not eventually!)… He did not throw me under the bus, he sounded the rally call for me to do better. So, this is the part when I encourage and thank all of the early adopters and brave souls, and crawl back into my cave to emerge after the holidays. Robert has invited me to a video interview mid-January. Look for, and expect, lots more goodies — for the masses too! All suggestions are appreciated and did I happen to mention the I LOVE THE SOFTWARE BUSINESS!!!

Jasongoldberg,

Dec 25, 2008

@steverepetti awesome response! Look forward to seeing how you improve it.

Markus Merz,

Dec 25, 2008

Well, I am playing around with & like it a lot. No problems to get it. http://www.scrapplet.com/MarkusMerz

Steverepetti,

Dec 25, 2008

Thanks Jason, Markus, and everyone else! Hope everyone is having a great holiday -- I'm having a blast! And, for the true geeky side of Scrapplet, check out http://tinyurl.com/8v9h2t and http://www.scrapplet.com/Content/developers/tutorials/SlidingPanels.htm ...these are advanced Scrapplet pages that can live inside of Scrapplet, in a blog or wiki. or any other website...

Markus Merz,

Dec 25, 2008

@Steve I can't get the 'new gallery' to work. Dragging pics or links doesn't work (I am logged in).

Steverepetti,

Dec 26, 2008

@Markus, I think you are referring to the "create your own gallery" option from the link mentioned above. If that is the case, it should take you to a mostly blank page with some sliding tool panels on the left side. You should be able to click the tabs and they will open to reveal various options. If you are unable to drag the links themselves, make sure you are using Firefox (windows or mac) or IE. If Firefox, make sure you install the plugin (about 5k) available from the Scrapplet.com home page.

If you're still having problems, feel free to contact me or support AT scrapplet.com

Thanks,

-- Steve.

Reaper ,

Dec 26, 2008

Just signed up for an account. Great site with heaps of cool functionality, but at present I can't see anyone other than very tech-savy signing up. The average user will be a little lost I think. Maybe a quick start wizard type interface for new users would be good for some?