![\"user-pic\"](\"/css/images/default.gif\")
It would be useful to have a pop-up that says \"This was not a cost-effective purchase!\"
(just kidding, I'm not a hater)
It would be useful to have a pop-up that says \"This was not a cost-effective purchase!\"
(just kidding, I'm not a hater)
How about a quick way to search for executive customer service phone numbers?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-812528-100x100.png\")
@DanglinModifiers: Umpteenthed!
And a place for members to enter their reviews about the product/service.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-27359-100x100.png\")
@DanglinModifiers: Yup - that's exactly what I was going to suggest.
I'd like an app that gives access to executive customer service phone numbers and email addresses with a howto for an EECB.
@Tamar Weinberg: If you need exec phone numbers and EECB instructions this often you are doing something wrong. And I am not that guy that blames the OP.
I just picture someone calling customer service, going screw this I've been on hold 2 min, busting out the exec cust service number and then making that number worthless.
Don't shoot yourself (and the rest of us) in the foot.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-171069-100x100.png\")
How about an iPhone app that lets us know why your iPhone app was rejected?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-470935-100x100.png\")
I second the EECB Tools..
A quick way to send Tips with Photos would be nice.
A shortcut to the \"Daily Deals\" would be great.
A shortcut to the bill of rights to show the walmart door greeter would also be a boon.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-357874-100x100.png\")
@thebluepill: That last part may have been in jest, but similarly, the relevant portions of CC merchant agreements, e.g.,
Always honor valid Visa cards in your acceptance category, regardless of the dollar amount of the purchase. Imposing minimum or maximum purchase amounts is a violation of the Visa rules.would be useful. Bonus points for including actual scans of the documents so they look more authentic.
Along those lines, if 2.0 included a way to snap a picture of the offending sign and send it and the location info directly to the CC's complaint page, that would be incredible.
How about a G1 app too?
Honestly, this site is perfect as is on the iphone. With the long thin pages, it's very easy to read by just turning the phone to the side. Even the comments are easy to check out. I think there's not really a need for a full blown consumerist app, but a mobile site would probably make checking for updates easier on the eyes.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-543146-100x100.png\")
@wheresmysamuraii: I like reading it on the iPhone, but expanding comments always gives me fits. Doesn't seem to work.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-537475-100x100.png\")
@wheresmysamuraii: I disagree. This site is a nightmare on the iPhone, with the need to constantly zoom in and out to read text at a decent size, and the inability to type properly in the text box as the iPhone zooms in on the blank.
It's manageable most days, but sometimes I'd rather just wait the hour until I get home.
Make it free and I'm happy
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-16563-100x100.png\")
@catastrophegirl - sometimes makes typos and doesn't care: Kitties have the cute factor, but cats have such superb dignity and grace that I'll have to say: BOTH!!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-321716-100x100.png\")
I disagree...
If they charged a small fee for the app in order to help pay for the cost of development of the app and helped to keep this site running, I'd gladly pay...
How about Blackberry comparability.
Or, better yet, just make a mobile version of the site. That way all mobile users can access it.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-53212-100x100.png\")
@Daniel Dlugos: \"Blackberry comparability\"
Indeed, the ability to COMPARE the iPhone to a Blackberry would be useful, albeit totally unrelated to TheConsumerist. :-p
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-551073-100x100.png\")
Yes--BlackBerry's need love, too! Everyone does not own an iphone. A mobile version is a good idea.
How about a big \"Blame the OP Button\"? It woulda come in handy in that hotel discount story Laura posted last night.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-436259-100x100.png\")
@Trai_Dep: Or more importantly, intellisense of some sort that will scan your comment for:
A] flame words (\"free market\",\"socialist\", \"second amendment\", \"gun control\"),
B] blacklisted words (\"retarded\",\"sheeple\", \"left wing\", \"right wing\",>4 swear words),
C] prohibited phrases (\"why is this on consumerist\", \"OP's fault\",\"more government control\", quotes by Ben Franklin, quotes by Yoda, lines from 'Airplane!')
or
D] a post in a thread with multiple comments from Trai_dep, MostlyHarmless, HiPwr, GitEmSteveDave, Con_Seannery, I Love New Jersey and Katestermonster...
and automatically changes the preview to the disemvowelment look, with a message:
\"Your post will quite likely end up looking like this. Are you sure you want to get Roz's attention?\"
It might also throw in a link to Th NR ncdnt, for a good measure.
@MostlyHarmless: Don't forget \"Just show the damn receipt!\" and \"If they ask for your receipt now, tomorrow it will be the firstborn son of every family in Egypt!\" or similar hyperbole.
What was the NR ncdnt? Something involving the NRA?
@RecordStoreToughGuy:
Yup, it is something involving the NRA.
Where people went on a 60 comment flame war despite being warned not to do so.
What was funny was the number of people who were site regulars that got gutted by Roz.
Probably holds the record for the most disemvowelled thread ever.
@MostlyHarmless: Ah, I remember that story. Didn't read the flame war, but I bet it was entertaining.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-17616-100x100.png\")
@BuddyGuyMontag: Actually, why aren't there Consumerist t-shirts that say \"Blame the OP\" or \"Why is this on Consumerist?\" Or even better...a t-shirt that says \"Why s ths n Cnsmrst?\"
When can I expect my royalties check?
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-545239-100x100.png\")
@Smashville: Aww. :( I was just going to say they should make macros for posting comments blaming the OP or asking why X is even on this site.
(I want those shirts.)
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-129735-100x100.png\")
For an App, I think that the following would be useful:
1) Links to Air Passenger Bill of Rights (Once Finalized)
2) Listing of EECB Contacts/executive customer service phone numbers that Consumerist has collected over the years, searchable by company name and/or category for easy access.
3) Quick link to diall 911 so the next time I am in McDonalds and it takes longer than 30 seconds to get my order I can call the police (OK, Just kidding on this one).
4) Tips on what to immediately do if your wallet is stolen, possibly with direct phone numbers to major credit card companies phone numbers so you can report the theft.
5) A feature where you can snap a photo on your phone, and provide a short caption and submit directly to Consumerist (if say for example you are on a plane looking out the window and see baggage handlers breaking guitars or stealing underware).
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-298926-100x100.png\")
@Rachacha: Yes a mobile site with all these features would be great and I think m.consumerist.com would be easier but also have a way to goto the main site if you want instead of forcing to use the mobile site.
@Smashville: No, thats the software that runs in the background, or as an underlying platform. Like JVM and the like.
@Rachacha: Sweet list.
A lot of those could also be put into a desktop gadget. Maybe I will see if I can hack up a prototype.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-487473-100x100.png\")
While I like the idea of quickly being able to find the information for EECB's, I don't know if it's something I would be keen on everybody having.
The idea of the EECB has been to be a tool of last resort, and I get the feeling that if there were a quick and easy way to access e-mails, people would stop using any form of normal customer service and go straight to the EECB, resulting in it being ineffective for those that need to use it the most.
However, I would like to see in 2.0 the ability to snap a picture of a bar code, and pull up any stories on consumerist about that product or its manufacturer.
@tgrwillki: Perhaps they could put in a test similar to Googles Drunk E-mail app where you have to correctly answer a few questions, and look at 10 photos of cute kittens to help calm yourself down before you are able to see the EECB list.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-103034-100x100.png\")
So this will have an off-line cached mode? would be cool if it could cache the linked-to-articles from the posts as well.
What do I want in a Consumerist iPhone app?
I don't.
I want a *really* great mobile version of the site, one that will be as functional as the web version I see on my computer. I think an app is overkill.
I'm not a hater; I'm just disagreeing with your decision and I hope you'll respect that just like I respect the fact that you want to build an app.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-930037-100x100.png\")
Useless without the ability to comment.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-346324-100x100.png\")
@Trai_Dep: He's referring to the App that they're thinking of making. It says in the article that version 1.0 would lack the ability to comment.
@Esquire99: or even read the comments. I had to download Opera Mini for my blackberry in order to read the comments on this site. I say forget the whole \"apple\" thing and just make it mobile friendly (sidekick, Blackberry, G1, Palm, etc)
With all of the negative posts you make about Apple and the iPhone, why would you want to put effort into offering free content on their phone?
@Cant_stop_the_rock: Truthfully, most of the negative posts are regarding AT&T's business practices, and any kind of mixups incurred by Apple and AT&T's transition with the 3GS. There's not actually a lot of negativity when it comes to the functionality and convenience of the actual phone itself. It's a great phone.
@pecan 3.14159265: There is a ton of negativity about the actual phone, most people just ignore it because it's so trendy.
@lulfas: Darn trendy people with their trendy real web browsing and their trendy music-listening and their trendy visual voice mail and their trendy millions of apps and their trendy preference for clean, powerful, elegant design and their trendy other usefulness. Darn their trendy trendiness!
@Trai_Dep: Sorry to tell you mate, but Apple didn't come up with a single one of those things. There is many, MANY other phones that beat Apple in any specific area. There are even several that beat it in ALL those areas. But they aren't pretty, so people pretend they don't exist.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-123714-100x100.png\")
An \"Email This Article\" button.
@tailstoo: I agree. I have an iPod touch...so I may as well just be on my laptop if I have a WiFi connection. However, an iPhone app isn't going to work on my LG Dare.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-68654-100x100.png\")
i think a quick link to morning deals would be cool. also, a tipline form so you can email the editors with tips on the go. bonus points for picture attachment support (can iphones do that yet?).
@mac-phisto: You could bookmark ht tp://consumerist .com/search/morning+deals/bydate/?timerange=all to your home screen, or add a link to your home screen, if you're using an iPhone.
@BeefSupreme: i don't have an iphone. i just figured if they were building an app, that would be a good feature.
@pecan 3.14159265: i wasn't sure w/ the whole MMS hullabaloo going around.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-21970-100x100.png\")
@mac-phisto: There's some sort of hook to let you access the camera hardware from within an app. I'm not sure you can access email functionality, though, for security reasons.
I am not a programmer, so I like to use \"hook\" and \"API\" and \"hardware\" verrrry loosely.
@mac-phisto: I think the MMS hullabaloo only applied to sending photos via text message. I was all pooh pooh about it because most of my friends are still on dumbphones and couldn't (and wouldn't pay to) receive photos in their texts anyway. But for those with smartphones, I could send the photo in an email and it would bypass any text messaging limit any of them had (unless they had unlimited).
Pretty please put your effort into a mobile web site. That way you can hit more phones. Remember the Jesus phone isn't the only smartphone out there. Blackberry and Windows Mobile need love too!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-500755-100x100.png\")
@ATTSlave: Agreed. I sometimes browse consumerist on my ATT Tilt and it's definitely painstaking and the lack of comments are sad. That being a browser issue, I'm not sure if m.consumerist.com would help, but it'd still be nice to have a more text based site.
Satisfaction! Thats what *I* want in a Consumerist app! SAT-IS-FAC-TION!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-483565-100x100.png\")
I want it to come with a free iPhone.
the two things most desired from an app for consumerist.
1. The ability to search by store name. If I go into traget I should be able to look up all artivles in the last year about traget and be up to date on common issues or successes.
2. The ability to take a photo on the iphone and have it sent directly to the flickr pool or to the tip line. Imagine the awesome consumerist stock photos, grocery skrink ray pics, and epic two for one price fails.
I too am in favor of a mobile friendly site. There are a lot of us out here with Blackberrys and Windows Mobile devices that would get a lot of use from it.
Mobile site or equivalent BB app.
Also, why is it everyone feels the need to talk about the one thing that was NOT asked for? Things you DON'T want included in a Consumerist app. The question was legit, and it deserves a response, not heckling.
@OprahBabb: Because the majority of us don't have iPhones, but would like a site that works properly on a mobile phone?
@OprahBabb: thats because from the comments not everyone has an iPhone so we cant give our input on something that wouldnt do us any good. I think what the editors will take from this is a way to make consumerist more mobile friendly for all phones, not just iphones.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-810318-100x100.png\")
-def fb connect support.
-browse by tags.
-push notifications for tags of users choosing.
-in app browsing (so we dont have to open the link in safari just to read a story.)
-ability to save stories for offline/fast viewing (say you want to save articles on airline tips, credit card rights, etc.
What do I want in an iPhone app? Why, what I most want in an iPhone app is a blackberry application, TYVM!
I don't use these site specific apps, not when I can get the content in my RSS reader or from a mobile site.
Instead of duplicating functionality that you can pretty much get in an RSS reader app, why not do something uniquely Consumerist... like an EECB app... You could compile all of those corporate contacts you've got into a massive directory, let the user select as many of those emails as possible, and give the user a few different EECB templates to work with... you could send it from within the app.
or something like that
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-232165-100x100.png\")
can the comments section have some updates please first?
1. Easy Voting system for worst company in america
2. Access to a \"deals\" database, much like the posts, except searchable, persistent, etc
3. Access to a database of phone numbers and emails for better customer support
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-117826-100x100.png\")
either make a mobile consumerist page or an iPhone app that is easily searchable/customizable in the way that google reader can be to read specific posts or topics.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-291935-100x100.png\")
Kittens. Lots and lots of pictures of kittens.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-1189516-100x100.png\")
Morning Deals category would be nice. 2.0 Dream version of it: highlight categories of areas the user is interested in (computers, franchise giveaways, fuzzy booties for pet giraffes, typical stuff) and have them push the badge onto the app icon for notification when something triggers in that category.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-451700-100x100.png\")
The ability to search morning deals for a specific keyword or company.
I want to be able to search consumerist posts by company. A searchable, navigable directory of the different bracketed subheadings of the posts would be helpful. Integration with GetHuman (because, let's face it, I'd rather get the info from Consumerist than GetHuman), etc.
I'd also love it if someone told me which stores, companies, corporations, etc, are evil and which ones are good.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-472231-100x100.png\")
The problem with the Consumerist site is that it's just a straight-up blog. This site is a valuable resource, and having absolute every bit of information as a blog post isn't the right way to organize it. A lot of the information would be better presented as static pages instead of blog posts, with inside sections to guide readers to the best information.
A site search function doesn't cut it for finding evergreen content. I can search for what I want all day long, but only the Consumerist can tell me what I don't even realize I want to read. The site needs organized sections, and an iPhone app needs them too. How-to guides, EECB information, etc. should all be better organized with the best content featured.
Seriously. I say this because I care.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-534521-100x100.png\")
How about you fix the comments system on this site first before investing in an iPhone app?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-552321-100x100.png\")
For it to work on android.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-60345-100x100.png\")
How about a windows mobile app too? Not everyone wants an Iphone....
I would like offline caching of articles. So I can open the app, hit sync (and sync the latest 10 or so articles) so when I take my ipod out of wifi, I have something to read.
@shockwaver: You, my friend, need Read It Later or InstaPaper:
[readitlaterlist.com]
[www.instapaper.com]
Both let you quickly save things you see online and want to read later. In both cases, you'll have to launch the iPhone app and sync with the server to pull the articles down, but then they're cached for offline reading.
Best of all, it works anywhere on the web, not just on this site. I'm constantly saving articles from NYT, Wired, Slate, New Yorker, etc this way.
if you're intent on making an iphone app then how about something more interactive then just a mobile site? how about a pull down list of company names (alphabetical order) with contact information and any pertinent consumerist posts about them? A database is way better when standing in an airport looking for some nogoodnik-airline's exec. customer service number than just a mobile site.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-76462-100x100.png\")
To be made available for Android.
1. Lower taxes
2. Free healthcare
3. A job
4. Free house
5. Free money
The app should have the same functionality provided in the top menu bar on the site:
- The ability to sort via sub categories (All, Top, Scams, Economy)
- Search
- Most recent/popular/discussed
- Profile view & edit
- Login/Logout
Additional functionality that would make the app worthwhile (and set it apart from other iPhone apps) would be the ability to subscribe to PUSH ALERTS for updates for certain categories.
- Replies to your comments
- New stories (or new stories from specific categories)
- Story updates (or updates from specific categories)
@Coop: Actually, I take back my \"Additional\" comment. The push functionality should be a main feature, rather than just additional. :-)
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-267279-100x100.png\")
Something that works on Android (or Windows Mobile or Symbian or ...)
@tailstoo: What they said, just make a proper mobile site. If you're gung-ho on making an app, be sure it includes morning deals!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-326654-100x100.png\")
Here's the idea: make an app where a baby cries, and the only way to shut it up is to shake the iPhone! It'll sell like hotcakes!
I think info on how to do an EECB would be great, and maybe a searchable list of the number of good/bad times a company has been featured in a post. You could also do a list of good companies with good customer service.
Or a pic of the 'trophy' for the worst company so the user can 'give' it to someone providing poor service.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-350835-100x100.png\")
How about an app that reads the barcode and returns details of the company, recalls, where manufactured, food safety (i.e. how many killed this week by the salmonella in this product), considerations that an intelligent consumer should take into account prior to buying.
Barcode reader tied in with built in camera.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-841594-100x100.png\")
Make sure the thing does NOT work in a moving car, assuming that the user is also driving the car. Same thing should be done for cellphones & blackberries.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-498964-100x100.png\")
@Harry Pothead: I don't drive, so all of my time in the car is as a passenger. This would annoy me VERY much.
How about have it check GPS to make sure you don't accidentally walk into a Bank of America or U-Haul. Maybe pop up your state's laws about receipt-checking every time you head for the exit of walmart. I can't think of a way for it to warn you about using debit cards or begin service with Comcast, except if it has voice recognition, that would be great. Any time it hears \"Hello, Comcast?\" or \"Credit or Debit?\" followed by \"Debit.\", it could sound an alarm.
Why would you plan on scrapping the whole project for a ground up re-write by your 2nd release? Why not design the program modular from the very beginning?
I don't want an iPhone app. Instead, Go Open. Go Android.
_Am
Personally, I think it'd be pretty cool to be able to snap a photo of a product's UPC code, and be automatically given a list of Consumerist-posted issues related to that product or manufacturer. But that's just me.
![\"user-pic\"](\"/mt-static/support/assets_c/userpics/userpic-469349-100x100.png\")
I'm a big fan of sound effects. Put in lots of sound effects, please.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-414437-100x100.png\")
The only thing I really want in a Consumerist iPhone app is Windows Mobile 6.1 support.
I second the opinions that the first Consumerist foray into mobile should just be a well-done, carefully constructed mobile site that works on many different platforms to satisfy ALL mobile users. No need to venture into an iPhone app until you have the \"version 2.0\" ready that you've described...seems like a waste of time otherwise.
I have an iPhone, and if you make a mobile site, it will get its own spot via bookmark on my launcher screens. I suspect most Consumerist fans with iPhones would do the same.
Dream feature for 2.0...
A 3 point list of the good/decent/bad companies sorted by consumer goods. For instance, I want to buy a dishwasher. I can sort what manufacturers have received the best scores from Consumer Reports, as well as which retailers have scored in customer satisfaction. I can then say \"Buy a Kenmore from ABT\" and live worry free with my high end purchases. This would require quite a bit of work with Consumer Reports and might not be entirely feasible, I hope the concept pans out though. Thanks!
executive phone numbers and emails in one tidy place
Lots of good ideas here, but remember that the iPhone isn't just a web browser. There's no need for an \"app\" that's really just a collection of bookmarks.
Consider, for example, using the GPS & google maps to determine which store the user is standing in, and then showing all of the Consumerist articles which mention that store. Suddenly, that's something useful and different!
I have an Android phone, you insensitive clod!
No ads-- I'll gladly pay accordingly. Pls include ability to tweet an article, with a comment and preview, using bit.ly shortener
I agree a mobile site - maybe like Gawker mobile - would be better than an app. Consumer Reports could totally benefit from an iPhone app though (if there already isn't one).
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-872073-100x100.png\")
something like Gawker hybrid.. and you can pick the tags you prefer VS most viewed story VS New kinda thing
Don't forget to beta the mobile site on blackberries. Despite what people may believe, there are more BBerry users than iPhone users out there.
Quick References would be nice...
Lady at store makes ID condition of sale? Well I have my trusty Consumerist quick reference to Visa/Mastercard's merchant rules on the subject, etc. Things like that. Those are the things I think about when I'm on the go. It's truly difficult to explain merchant rules to people that are 'just doing their jobs'...
The old way of thinking of mobile sites used to be \"many short pages\" because phones couldn't handle pages too long.
My Blackberry and most smartphones load long pages quite well. But if I have to keep clicking \"Next page\" on comments, it takes forever. Consider at least an option so that I can view everything in \"long page\" mode. It would mean a lot less waiting-for-pages-to-load-in-between-reading-articles and more time just reading. Makes me more likely to spend time on the site mobile-wise.
Thanks for putting the thought into this guys!
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-277413-100x100.png\")
the regular site works just fine on my touch pro using opera mini, but how about just making a mobile site? or a windows mobile/blackberry/java version? why make an iphone app while ignoring everyone else???
not everyone has a damn iphone.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-394655-100x100.png\")
How about an indexed list of company contact info?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-1713-100x100.png\")
I want it to work on my iPod Touch.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-116400-100x100.png\")
How about an Android version? You don't even have to pay to have it published, just pop it on one of the many non-Google Markets.
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-716547-100x100.png\")
How about a free iPhone and service plan?
Really, these überphones are just wastes of money.
I would enjoy an entire Gawker Hybrid app. Which reminds me; why aren't you guys associated with any of the other sites anymore?
![\"user-pic\"](\"http://consumerist.com/assets_c/userpics/userpic-508006-100x100.png\")
A Blackberry app!! Or a mobile site. Not everyone has an iPhone!
a mobile website would be fine, with information on customer service numbers for when you need one in the middle of a dispute at a store.
FARTS! Lots and lots of fart noises!
Seriously, I am fairly new to the iPhone and have been spending a lot of time trudging through the interface-challenged app store. There's a lot to like in terms of apps. But if you got rid of all the Fart apps, the app count would probably be 1/2 what it is now.
And is it just me? Or is the app store a mess in terms of trying to find things and browsing. I thought Apple was supposed to be the king of interfaces and usability?
Daily pictures of Meg Marco.
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I'd like it to emit a squeal that, played through the phone to a telemarketer will cause them to poop their pants.
Yeah, that's about it. Anything else would be a nice bonus.
How about a, \"Mobile Tipper\" app for when we see something objectionable, and want to send the tip with a push of a button. You could allow for Picture/Audio upload to catch offenders red handed?
Twitter integration could push out reports to user's followers.
Search for B&M Deals nearby, etc
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I have a bitter/sweet relationship with mobile sites. I like Apps more than anything. Why not do both? Have the best of both worlds!
I want an alphabetical list of major US chain stores, restaurants, etc.
When I tap on the name of one of those companies, I want to see a list of stories on that companies good and bad behaviour towards consumers. I also want to see a list of current deals and coupons that apply to that company.
scan bar code = get review of product
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I am one of those truly old-fashioned folks, and I am not even that old (\"only\" forty-something\"). My cel phone and laptop are really all I need. I must be one of the very FEW business people left on the planet who does NOT even have a blackberry. Too many gadgets give me a \"gadget overload\". And then, there is the added work of having to learn how to use them! Sigh...
I most likely would not buy this Consumerist app. for myself, but with all the bells and whistles mentioned above, it would make a great gift for some of my gadget-loving colleagues.
As long as the app is smooth and isnt graphics loaded it should be great.
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I would like for it to resemble the facebook application. It is simple and easy to use.
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I've been to mobile.consumerist.com a couple times on my (not iPhone) mobile phone, and it seems to be a full-size page and difficult to navigate. Is it going to get trimmed down, like some other m.* sites, for reading on a small screen? I'd love that.
My favorite part of the site is all the promotion listings, morning deals and freebies. Can you make a category that combines all of these? or seperate categories such as:
Morning Deals (or deals in general)
Promotions
Free (or freebies)
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I own a Pre. So I would prefer a good mobile site to an iPhone app.
Well, an android version of the same app would be nice.
I know it's been said about a million times already, but screw the iPhone app idea, make a mobile site that's fully cross-compatible. Saves you from having to write a story too, if Apple denies your request to publish an app ;)
As I iphone owner I say just work on a clean easy to use mobile site.
Hell most of the apps on itunes are just little apps that make links and a cute little icon to the mobile site and nothing more.
Something that works on my blackberry.
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I want the app to be available for the Pre.
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A way to search for a company by name and have the Consumerist articles on that company displayed. So when you are in a store you can see if there are a lot of issues with that particular retailer.
Searchable Customer Service / Corporate Office numbers so that you can call the higher ups if you have an issue with a retailer.
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I would like to see something like the Huff Po app. It's much easier to use on iphone than the site is, because its optimized for the smaller screen, plus you can access the linked articles through the app. Comments would be necessary, as well.
As an iPod Touch user, I'd like to be able to save stories to read later like the NY Times App lets you do.
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Just make a mobile site - there's really no reason for an App.
@tailstoo: To be useful, the app would have to provide significantly different functionality than the website. Some thoughts:
Searchable databases of consumer / renter / leaser rights.
Price comparison engine that connects to your GPS to find stores nearby with deals.
Discount code storage / find. Input your own discount memberships (AAA, club cards, etc), and search for additional ones from Consumerist
Store ratings. How does THIS store you're at rate compared to others in a similar vein in Prices, Service, Quality, and Returns?
@tailstoo: yea, i agree. i have a g1 and would rather see a mobile site than an iphone app
@tailstoo: Another vote for a mobile site.
If you want to look into an iPhone app later, have at it. But I find it ironic that a consumer site would choose to create an app for one kind of phone before putting out a mobile site which would serve far more makes of phones than just the iPhone. Be consumer friendly! Don't knowingly serve the iPhone folks at the expense of everyone else.
@tailstoo: Ditto on the mobile website!
@tailstoo:
Mobile site ftw, not everyone buys into the iPhone frenzy.. you can reach a broader audience by catering to all smartphones rather than singling out one manufacturer.
@tailstoo: Agree. Just make it mobile friendly.
@tailstoo: Count me in. I hate special apps to display websites. I'll take a clean, well designed mobile site any day.
@tailstoo: +1 for just a mobile site. There is no need for a consumerist app.
@tailstoo: Another vote for mobile, Blackberry user!!
@tailstoo: I agree. A specially formatted version of the site for iphone seems like a better fit. I often find myself following stories that are linked from consumerist (and then returning back to my consumerist tab).
Consider that scenario in the context of a consumerist \"app\". It would be quite cumbersome to follow links. Doing so would essentially \"quit\" the consumerist app and then firing up safari. Switching back to consumerist app would be a pain.
@tailstoo: Yes, mobile site. The iPhone, despite the attitudes of most of the people who own one, is not the only smartphone, nor is it even the best one for most people.
Or, go ahead and make an iPhone app just like everyone else and ignore everyone who bought a better phone, and we'll try not to hold it against you.
@tailstoo:
agree
@tailstoo: Actually, if you have an iPhone, you don't NEED a mobile version. Everything works, including logging in and commenting.
It just works.
What kind of hideous mobile monstrosity do you have that requires a separate version for it? Anyone asking for this \"feature\" clearly needs to buy an iPhone, since their stuck w/ crippled pseudo mobile web browsing.
@tailstoo: I guess I'm the only one who would like an iphone app....
@tailstoo:
Could not agree more. Everyone deciding their company/website/blog/whatever needs their own app is just a rampant case of \"me too\" 'ism.
What can an app do for a website that a mobile browser window cannot? Answer that and you will have your feature list and I suspect it will be pretty short.
@tailstoo: 99% of my interaction with Consumerist is through Google Reader, so I'd never use an app or the mobile site.
@tailstoo: Like most of the others are saying on here, I really don't want another app cluttering up my screen, and I know friends with Blackberries and Palm Pres would rather just have a good mobile site!
@tailstoo: Agreed. No need for an app, mobile site if fine. Make one optimized for iPhone and the other for other mobile browsers, if you have the itch to cater to the iPhone crowd.
@tailstoo: Add me to the list of agree-ers. Separate iPhone app is a waste -- people will never find/use it.
I read Consumerist on my iPhone using Google Reader. I rarely, if ever, navigate to the Consumerist site. Generally I do so only to read/add comments. I find that the Consumerist's site is flaky when I use the \"Show Original\" link in the iPhone Google Reader.
@tailstoo: Yes. We're talking about viewing a website on a web-enabled handset. We have an app for this: The Browser! Please don't contribute to the app glut and instead make a clean, fast cross-compatible mobile website.
@tailstoo: Yes, mobile site. Android does not play well with iPhone apps.
@tailstoo: A mobile site would make things load much faster on my iPhone. And you'd still be able to comment.
@tailstoo: I agree. I don't want a separate app (that's going to be yet another icon for me to click on), I just want a site that displays better on the iPhone.
@tailstoo: I actually find that most of the \"mobile\" sites are hard to navigate on my iPod touch. Usually I go to the regular site- gizmodo, wikipedia, etc. When I jailbroke it, I used an app to hide the fact I was using an ipod touch, simply because I hated the mobile sites.
@tailstoo: I agree as well. mobile.consumerist.com.
@tailstoo: Completely agree. Iphone app is not exactly going to work on my Blackberry...