Applications

Post-mortem thoughts on HouseFix

by Jiyan • October 9, 2012

Rip Empson reported today that HouseFix has officially shut down after launching one year ago at TechCrunch Disrupt.  In their farewell message,  they reiterate their very commendable vision, “to bring the existent relationships between homeowners and contractors online,” before acknowledging they “did not attract a large enough user base to complete [their] vision.” I have to […]


Facebook is a WYSIWYG business

by Jiyan • February 23, 2012

There was a time when Facebook was being heralded as the next Google.  With the most comprehensive and authoritative repository of data on consumer demographics and behavior that the world has ever seen, the company has had the potential to grow in a variety of different areas.  Facebook has expanded their influence through several wins […]


Facebook’s approach to privacy in product releases (aka shoot first and ask questions later)

by Jiyan • October 13, 2011

Personally, I haven’t really cared that much about what Facebook does with their platform.  In general, I would say that they are trend-setters when it comes to design, UX and general social functionality.  People often grumble when they release new features however retrospectively, most of the features they release tend to achieve significant adoption and […]


Comcast Fail

by Jiyan • August 29, 2011

Let me begin by saying that I’m writing from a Starbucks near my house because once again, Comcast (CMCSA) has failed to deliver and I’ve finally made a decision I should have made a long time ago, to cancel my Comcast subscription and use an alternative. That being said, I feel obliged to share some […]


Applications that startups should consider

by Jiyan • February 4, 2011

I’m in my early thirties and it seems like these days all of my friend are getting married, having kids and starting businesses.  Being the Web nerd amongst those who know me (who don’t work in the Web industry), I’m often asked for advice on the topic so I’ve spent a lot of time thinking […]