#4 – Updating Partial Progress On a Book

Summary

In this conversation, Adam and Ste discuss the challenges of implementing native subscriptions in their app. They also talk about their approaches to problem-solving and how they handle technical issues. They then discuss the exciting growth of Hard Cover and the importance of book progress tracking for readers. They explore different features and designs for tracking progress, including the ability to share thoughts and notes on specific parts of a book. They also discuss the advantages of tracking progress within the app and the potential for social note-taking. Finally, they touch on different reading habits and the potential use of the feature for book clubs. The conversation explores the idea of creating a global book club where readers from all over the world can connect and share their progress and thoughts on the same book. This concept is seen as a way to create spontaneous book clubs and foster connections between strangers who are reading the same book. The potential for authors to see real-time reactions and discussions about their books is also discussed. The conversation concludes with plans for next steps and the possibility of interviewing guests on the show to discuss features and delve deeper into topics.

Takeaways

Implementing native subscriptions can be challenging, especially without expertise in the specific development area.
Book progress tracking is an important feature for readers, allowing them to update their progress, share thoughts, and engage in discussions.
Different readers have different habits when it comes to tracking progress, such as setting reminders, taking notes, or using timers.
The ability to share thoughts and notes on specific parts of a book can enhance the reading experience and foster discussions.
Social note-taking and the ability to see popular notes from other readers can provide valuable insights and recommendations. The concept of a global book club where readers can connect and share their progress and thoughts on the same book is an exciting idea.
Creating a platform that allows for spontaneous book clubs and connections between strangers who are reading the same book could enhance the reading experience.
Authors could benefit from real-time reactions and discussions about their books, providing valuable insights and feedback.
Interviewing guests on the show to discuss features and delve deeper into topics could be a valuable addition to the podcast.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
02:59 Challenges with Implementing Native Subscriptions
06:45 Approaches to Problem Solving
10:52 Exciting Times for Hard Cover
12:59 Book Progress Tracking
16:46 Designing the Book Tracking Feature
23:14 Different Approaches to Note Taking
28:21 Sharing Book Progress and Thoughts
36:17 Setting Reminders and Streaks
39:51 Advantages of Tracking in Hard Cover
43:24 Taking Notes and Sharing Quotes
46:54 Exploring Social Note Taking
50:22 Different Reading Habits and Book Clubs
51:22 Creating a Global Book Club
52:30 Expanding Book Discussions
53:53 Spontaneous Book Clubs
55:21 Connecting with Other Readers
56:02 Next Steps and Feedback
57:12 The Excitement of Shared Reading
57:53 Interviewing Guests on Features