Skimling
Learning and science
writing feedback for students
SHOW HN2012
44points
44comments
#538of 1,677 in 2012
Top 33%of 2012 by points
How HN took it
MixedNo clear lean
2 positive, 5 neutral or asking, 6 mixed, 6 critical, out of 19 comments about the project. Thread score -0.13.
Idea: 2 for, 3 againstDesign: 0 for, 2 againstPricing: 0 for, 1 against
The thread, comment by comment
Each row is a top-level comment and its replies, in HN's order. Select a cell to open that comment on HN.
positive neutral or mixed critical about another commenter or something else the maker
What HN said
What people liked
Good idea with potential, including upsell to tutoring
From 3 comments
Fully support the criticism on the name. But it is a nice idea with quite a lot of potential. Many options to upsell your customer base into tutoring/coaching services etc.
stfu on HNLove the concept. Getting graded early is so important for students. It shows they really want to know what they are doing right or wrong before they hand in their assignments.…
sb1752 on HNI think an idea that could really push this over the top would be, for the teacher registration allow anyone with a .edu to register, let them identify their expertise (history,…
caublestone on HN
Teacher-matched feedback model is simple
From 1 comment
I like the simplicity of the model. $12 seems a little high for input from only one reviewer. Perhaps I'm thinking of shorter papers than you are?
iNate2000 on HN
Objections
Students may not pay when teachers and university tutors are free
From 3 comments
I just sent an e-mail to you. There might be other people contemplating starting a service like this, so as somebody who also considered it, I'll post the important parts here:…
dvdhsu on HNMost universities have free tutor services, including for writing. Also, most professors are willing to take a look at your work ahead of time and give you advice. Given those…
mukyu on HNDo teachers not provide feedback if you go to them with your work (during their office hours) prior to the hand-in anymore?
highace on HN
Teacher pay and fees leave very little profit per essay
From 2 comments
I don't think the math works out well for you. The cost is 12 dollars per essay. If I understand stripe's fees, you will pay 65 cents per transaction. You are paying teachers via…
thejteam on HNThanks for your kind words about http://www.essayjudge.com While it's true that our service is free, it does come at the cost of the publication of one's essay. I had several…
pigbucket on HN
Name suggests skimming, a poor message for students
From 2 comments
This is a nice idea. However, I would suggest a better name. Skimling is derived from the word "skim", and "skim over" means to READ SUPERFICIALLY. This is not a good message to…
HardyLeung on HNFully support the criticism on the name. But it is a nice idea with quite a lot of potential. Many options to upsell your customer base into tutoring/coaching services etc.
stfu on HN
Could be seen as cheating and encourage ghostwriting
From 2 comments
Informal poll: is it within a teacher's rights to forbid the use of such a service on their assignments? You know, "I want to see YOUR work, not an underemployed English major's…
sequoia on HNDoing well on essays is part of doing well in school, and doing well in school leads to a better life! That line is particularly appalling and represents one of the many things…
dmbass on HN
Copy is dense and uses too many exclamation points
From 2 comments
I like the concept. I would work on improving the copy, especially because this is a writing-related startup. Fewer exclamation points and fewer words will help.
smalter on HNLess exclamation marks!
atroche on HN
Requests
Add a teacher rating system
From 3 comments
This is a nice idea. However, I would suggest a better name. Skimling is derived from the word "skim", and "skim over" means to READ SUPERFICIALLY. This is not a good message to…
HardyLeung on HNImproving quality control is probably the most important feature I'd like to add for the next iteration of the product. Each teacher that signs up is approved by me individually;…
jjets718 on HNI think an idea that could really push this over the top would be, for the teacher registration allow anyone with a .edu to register, let them identify their expertise (history,…
caublestone on HN
Add contact information to the site
From 1 comment
Bah! I've had this idea for a long time; I just never took the time to build it. Anyways, I would love to talk to you about some ideas I think would be helpful. It doesn't seem…
dvdhsu on HN
Offer scholarships or pro bono reviews for poor students
From 1 comment
I understand that everyone does what they can to get ahead in school and as a parent I know everyone wants their child to succeed, but I can't help but feel that a service like…
sequoia on HN
Allow skilled non-teacher writers to apply
From 1 comment
You might consider adding a "skilled writer" option for non-teachers to apply. This would allow people like grad students and retired teachers to participate. Just have an…
epikur on HN
Match teachers by subject and let students choose
From 1 comment
I think an idea that could really push this over the top would be, for the teacher registration allow anyone with a .edu to register, let them identify their expertise (history,…
caublestone on HN
Questions
Why would a student pay when teachers help for free?
From 2 comments
I just sent an e-mail to you. There might be other people contemplating starting a service like this, so as somebody who also considered it, I'll post the important parts here:…
dvdhsu on HNMost universities have free tutor services, including for writing. Also, most professors are willing to take a look at your work ahead of time and give you advice. Given those…
mukyu on HN
How will quality of teachers be vetted?
From 1 comment
I just sent an e-mail to you. There might be other people contemplating starting a service like this, so as somebody who also considered it, I'll post the important parts here:…
dvdhsu on HN
How does it compare to competitors?
From 1 comment
Great idea. Copy is dense. Price seems off. Maybe $12 per semester or something. How does it compare to the competition?
djb_hackernews on HN
Alternatives named
EssayJudge, a free essay review service
From 3 comments
I just sent an e-mail to you. There might be other people contemplating starting a service like this, so as somebody who also considered it, I'll post the important parts here:…
dvdhsu on HNI mentioned EssayJudge above. Basically, it's the same service, but free. The founder is also the one who goes over the essays. His comments are amazing, and his price can't be…
dvdhsu on HNThanks for your kind words about http://www.essayjudge.com While it's true that our service is free, it does come at the cost of the publication of one's essay. I had several…
pigbucket on HN
University writing tutors and professor office hours
From 2 comments
Most universities have free tutor services, including for writing. Also, most professors are willing to take a look at your work ahead of time and give you advice. Given those…
mukyu on HNDo teachers not provide feedback if you go to them with your work (during their office hours) prior to the hand-in anymore?
highace on HN