I guess it's a social network, but since this is hacker news — I'd love if your front page would not be just a login screen.
The front page should say something about specific books, something that draws you in! Something from the site itself. And put that book recommendations button higher up (it's not visible on first view for me). :-)
Something that makes you begin browsing and using the site to get recommendations. Then in standard style, somewhere down the line you'll hit a snag where you have to register to use certain features, like commenting, liking, etc.
But I think your right, should open it up a bit on the main page. You don’t need to log in but I think your right, it could be more appealing on the home page. If enough interest, we may fire up the development again and see where it goes now that we know people other than us are also frustratedly with Goodreads.
I didn't intend to say the site should be inspired by HN, and that's not what I mean. I just wanted to say, since this is HN, here comes the drive by well intentioned but shallow critique. Good luck with the site. I hope it gets a more engaging first experience, and I don't hope it ends up looking like HN ;)
The front page should say something about specific books, something that draws you in! Something from the site itself. And put that book recommendations button higher up (it's not visible on first view for me). :-)
Something that makes you begin browsing and using the site to get recommendations. Then in standard style, somewhere down the line you'll hit a snag where you have to register to use certain features, like commenting, liking, etc.