Ask HN: We've just launched our bug tracker, Purify - what do you think?

19 points by MrMatt 15 years ago | 29 comments

So we've finally pushed Purify live, and I would be grateful if I could get some feedback.

It's bug and feature tracker with Github integration that has been built for speed.

This isn't a MVP, we've spent a while beta testing and polishing, so we're considering this version to be the first full-on release. We're waiting on our merchant account to be set up, so until then, there are no paid accounts - just the free one.

Constructive criticism gratefully requested :D

http://purifyapp.com

generalk 15 years ago |

I looked around, but couldn't find an answer to this question: what sets Purify apart from other issue trackers?

* If I know how to use Trac/Redmine, why use Purify?

* Why choose it over other hosted trackers, specifically Lighthouse?

* If I have Github Issues built-in to Github, why would I choose Purify?

Edit: I'm not saying there's no compelling reason to use Purify, I'd just like to hear the team's take.

exline 15 years ago | |

I agree. I'm currently using RedMine now. Why would I want to switch at this point. I didn't see a compelling reason.

I do like the look and feel of the site, but that alone is not enough to switch.

Jim_Neath 15 years ago | | |

We're still working on the app home page. I'll try and update the site to reflect the things people have mentioned in this thread.

Alas, marketing and copywriting aren't my strong points.

hga 15 years ago |

What about trademark confusion with this well known tool: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_Rational_Purify ?

rpledge 15 years ago | |

I agree, Rationals Purify is quite well known. If you weren't playing in the software development space I wouldn't think it was an issue, but in this case I'd consider a rebrand if I was you

xenoterracide 15 years ago | | |

call it "Pesticide" hehe... something to do with 'bug squashing' or tracking..

joshwa 15 years ago |

My first task when I reach the homepage is to learn about your product. The only two options I see initially are to View Plans or Try It for Free.

The only info I get about your product are a few unexplained screenshots and some content-free bullet points.

Tell me a story. Show me how I and my users would use your product. Show me why your product is "awesome", and why it's better than any of the other 357 bug trackers out there.

Vistico 15 years ago | |

I agree with josh.

Why not explain a little more.. furthermore I would limit the choices between View plans and Try for Free. People don't want to be reminded to out shell out money and work better with fewer options. It is hard to imagine early case scenario of people skiping straight to the paid plans, let alone using it in the first place right? The first priority is building the user base i'd say put the view plans button in the navigation or somewhere else and just have a big fat "try it!" button. If people are interested and like your product they can Evangeline and actually go to a paid plan.

So them why! (I think you can incorporate the plan selection in the "try it" process also if you must have it there. But make it a little more inviting!)

Jim_Neath 15 years ago | | |

Thanks. I'm inclined to agree with removing the plans link and putting more emphasis on the free signup link

rozim 15 years ago |

Purify: formerly the name of an amazing memory access detector so I guess you can claim your name is different enough not to be confused but anyway, FYI, heads up.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purify_(software)

barredo 15 years ago |

First of all. Seems great. Just registered for a free account to try.

teeny tiny feedback: I usually click <label> to activate the checkboxes, and I mistaked the 'I accept TOS' link for a label, had to go back and fill the form again!

gcampbell 15 years ago | |

Actually, it looks like "I have read and agree to the" is a label, and "Terms and Conditions" is a hyperlink, although (at least in my browser) there's no visual distinction there. I'd recommend making that difference clearer.

dord 15 years ago |

Hey there! My first impressions are that Purify looks really professional and well laid out. Like a few others have already posted here, I would recommend some kind of live demo, without which I'm not compelled enough to download the program and tinker with it. However, that being said, I think you have a great looking product and will be happy to read about your updates (and possibly use it after I get a demo!)

uast23 15 years ago |

Whats the differentiator ? Everyone has its own issue tracker, be it bitbucket or github.

Are you planning to give a integrated platform for tracking the issues from everywhere, I mean bitbucket, github et al.? That might be useful for people who are involved in projects hosted at different places.

xenoterracide 15 years ago |

* allow more projects for free accounts I have tons of 'tiny' projects on github. (even if you limit the space) in fact I'd say make space the limiting factor.

* does user limits include people not part of the project? (meaning my foss users that aren't contributers)

* why no demo? (that doesn't require registration)

* why is your support on GetSatisfaction? something to be said about drinking your own Kool-Aid... which it appears you are not. (being able to play with your bugs would be enough of a demo for me )

* can I email patches/replies to your tracker? and attach files? (I'm too lazy to sign up but these are both features in RT for cpan that I wish were on github (because I hate RT for other reasons))

aw3c2 15 years ago |

No open live demo means no further interest from me.

natch 15 years ago |

Why give it a name that is so easily confused with another bug-related software product? Aren't you just asking for trouble?

Jim_Neath 15 years ago | |

When we came up with the name we weren't aware of the use of the name by a somewhat related product.

Currently looking into alternatives.

mellery451 15 years ago |

I would need some sort of bugzilla data importer to actually consider switching (we have about 8 years' worth of bugzilla data we currently rely on). That would be a huge task, I suspect, given the long history and complexity of the bugzilla schema.

MrMatt 15 years ago |

Clicky: http://purifyapp.com

robotblake 15 years ago |

The dashboard reminds me a lot of codebasehq.com, not that that's necessarily a bad thing.

Edit: Is there a way to delete a project? I can see how to archive but not delete.

Jim_Neath 15 years ago |

Also quick link to free signup: https://signup.purifyapp.com

Disclaimer: This a project between myself and MrMatt

ifesdjeen 15 years ago |

Does it just seem to me that it looks alot like http://lighthouseapp.com/ ?

spage 15 years ago | |

Many of the design elements look like lighthouse.

barkmadley 15 years ago |

why does your support page take me to getsatisfaction.com instead of an instance of purify?

technoweenie 15 years ago | |

Bug trackers don't make good support tools. We did this when we launched Lighthouse because it seemed to make sense. What ended up happening is customers used email for important issues anyway. Having something focused on providing good support helps out a lot.

sumeeta 15 years ago |

You spelled GitHub wrong.