For the ages
Few things we create last. And so it goes.
Which is to say we are obligated to continue to create. Because the next thing could last forever.
Over the past month I've found myself testing stuff more than usual. It's all just a click or two away -- so easy to sample.
By and large these are useful and thorough and well-considered inventions -- I admire the thinking and their execution. I like these ideas. And yet, I'm surprised how little traction any of them have gained in my life.
Reporter - [An app "for understanding the things you care about."] It's quite beautiful and simple enough. After five days, I gave up. As seamless as this experience is, I realized I don't have the patience. I don't care about the data enough to enter it. The optimized self has great appeal, in theory. But try living there. I suspect this is the reason sustained diets and exercise are difficult.
Basis b1 - [Biofeedback watch and app] I should just admit I am not a watch person. And after 10 days of wearing this, I didn't see any patterns I wasn't already aware of. I don't sleep enough. I don't walk enough. The bluetooth pairing with my iPhone was problematic at best. I haven't a compelling reason to continue.
Secret - [Anonymous testimonials and community] They're not really secrets, are they? I mean, they're public statements meant to be shared and commented on. Doesn't seem very secretive. Maybe it's me -- I didn't find any reason to return past the second login. Once you've seen a smattering, you kind of realize other people's "secrets" aren't any better than your own. The only reason I can imagine this app has a future is if another Snowden or similar person starts using it.
Jelly - [Question and answer with pictures and community] Perhaps I'm not curious or patient enough. If I have a question, I begin with Google. Because even though I might get a few hundred million useless links -- I get them immediately. It beats waiting for someone to answer. Jelly's challenge is starting with nothing. No repository of knowledge. Just the opportunity to ask and hope you get more than a smartass, early-adopter response. The idea seems to be, "What if you could ask your friends with a picture?" Which text and email have covered. But who knows, right? Maybe there's a data play behind all the searching, similar to Google's and Apple's use of voice recognition - what Jelly's founders learn is more important than how the tool is used.
Facebook's Paper - [Content curation] I think this is a much-easier-to-consume version of Facebook. But I haven't opened it in over a week. I'm too engrained in the original app. Habits die hard. Of course, I don't open Flipbook much either. Apps like these have become relegated to elevators and queues in my life. There isn't a "must have" quality to this experience to encourage adoption. Yes, it's sleek and gorgeous and content is easier to consume. But. I wonder if it's just me -- that I spend most days writing, so a content consumption app misses the point.
#Pop - [Image and video creation and community] I like to create with images. Pop certainly makes it easy enough. But I've got my Instagram and Facebook and Tumblr haven't I? As much as I enjoy the ease of Pop, I doubt I'll return. It simply isn't distinct enough, amidst all the other tools on my phone. And the in-app community is too small to warrant the effort.
StumbleUpon's 5by - [Video curation] I opened it once over a week ago. Now, I love this idea. I love curation. This idea should work. I just haven't figured out how to fit in time to peruse bits of video. I don't have a TV either, so this could all be a matter of my overall approach to content. But I waste time on YouTube. It boils down to habits and timing - someone else (YouTube, Facebook) go to me first.
I stopped checking Timehop's historic snapshots about six weeks ago. I was into it for a while, then -- well, the idea didn't matter any longer.
Lulu was interesting for about a day. It's meant for women, of course. The version for men is titillating, and then you remember laundry hasn't been folded. I couldn't muster the curiosity to return.
The other day I downloaded the photo editing app Snapseed. It's up against well-liked and familiar photo apps on my device (VSCOcam, Photogene2, PicLab). We shall see.
And I just got started with Rooster, the book subscription service that slices existing works into 15-minute chunks. My first contemporary read is Rachel Kadish's I Was Here (in 17 installments) and the first classic read is Melville's Billy Budd (in 9 installments). I like the idea...
I'm reminded of music and art. You don't have to like everything, or keep and cherish everything. Apps and services are the new consumables, marketed with all the perils of a new brand of laundry detergent.
But there is hope.