Keeping your data off of somebody else’s server is my favorite common-sense solution to privacy concerns. HELM is a server designed to do just that, and their first iteration is focused on hosting your own email.
Testing.
I am starting to test my first completed build out with friends and trusted acquaintances. There are many of you, and one of me, so I've staggered this phase with a waitlist and three days of access per tester. If you are interested in being a BETA tester, please sign up here and I will gladly add you to the list. Your three day window will, at least for the first handful of testers, be a chance to offer a personalized tour while chatting by phone.
Long Days
A few months ago, a programmer who had helped me in the early stages of this project told me about a developer's conference in late May near Los Gatos, the town where my mother grew up. I looked into it, and the theme, in addition to the technical focus, was art and health, and everything about it seemed like a good fit.
The timing seemed like a reasonable launch date, so I signed myself up and told my friends and family that I was finally going to release my app during this scheduled event.
And here we are, a few days before that date, and I am at my desk, on the tail end of yet another fifteen hour day. I've approached TODAY more like a life purpose than a commercial job but what I've gained in quality, I've paid for in time.
I look forward to sharing my work with you all in a few days.
OPTIMIZING.
I'm writing this in May, trying to remember what I did in April. Reviewing my notes, I just see endless details about identifying problems, experimenting with workarounds and attempting to build out solutions.
Organizing the Process
Having heard the local tech community rave (and sometimes rant) about Slack for team communications, and Asana for project management, I took the plunge to try these tools for myself. Asana gave me an excuse to write down my overall plans, which has been helpful in gauging progress. I've been using Slack similar to the way I've used Apple Messages, and like it just fine. I am going to continue using both.
Hosted, Part Two
File has been re-hosted, at an improved rate and quality. Significant step forward for co-developing with consultant and for backup strategy.
Consulting Help
I've been working alone on this project for a long time, and finding the right fit for continuing help has been a challenge. I'm pleased to announce that I found a fantastic partner to join me for the next leg of development.
Server Delay
Removed hosted version because of some billing problems, but the experience will be valuable once I get it back on a server.
Video Previews
We are starting to make three-minute video introductions of TODAY for individuals with an early interest in our product.
Hosted, Part One
The pace of progress has been given a boost by a new cloud product. I am proud to announce that TODAY is currently online.
Making the Back-End Generic
I am currently reconfiguring the back-end of both mobile and desktop versions to be sharing as much of the data-modeling and scripting as possible.
From iOS Back to Desktop
After several months refining a mobile interface, the necessity for a desktop version reemerged for the loading and editing of sample data. My focus has returned to the desktop version.
Back-End Remodeling
Major shift in back-end design.I combined several tables into one, which has had positive consequences on data-entry, browsing, and related UI elements.
Design
The overall design and navigation of the mobile version is coming into focus.
From Desktop to iOS
Abandoned early focus on a desktop version to focus exclusively on iOS.