Better Reader (by Paul‪)‬ 4+

Very rough around the edges

If I already provided an API key, why do I need to login? Or if I can login to my account, why do I need to provide an API key? These two things don’t make sense together. Seems like only one should be required.

On the subject of logging in, that feature is very confusingly designed. Why is the form on Sign Up by default? No ones going to sign up for Omnivore through this app. This form should only support logging in. At the very least it should default to login.

Once I’ve entered my credentials, there’s no login button. Instead there’s a blank gold color button at the bottom of the screen which I assume must be a login button. However, when tapped it does nothing. No error message or loading indicator. This problems makes the Discovery tab unusable.

Back on the login form for a moment, it’s real confusing to see both the Remember Me and Save login Data options. Further, why is the phrase “Save login Data” capitalized like that? It looks like your shift key is broken.

When I tap to view an article for the first time, I’m asked to login. Why? If this app can already see my articles using an API key, why do I need to login? Why is this login different than the login for the Discovery tab? None of this design makes sense.

When I tap an article, it simply loads the Omnivore mobile website. Why would I use this app instead of the Omnivore website?

Developer Response ,

Hi, sorry for the late response I just figured out how to use the developer portal. First of all I apologise for your subpar experience with Better Reader. Allow me to address your issues:

The discovery view is not affiliated with Omnivore. Meaning it requires a separate account. Which is also why it defaults to signup, since most people who signed up once will be logged in for the foreseeable future.

Okay the reason for the “remember” as well as “save login Data” option, is that they offer different functionality. The “remember” function just saves the session ID meaning that that person will have to authenticate again eventually, while the other option actually saves the password and email on device. This option is also supposed to be for people who require multiple accounts as it simplifies account switching (extremely niche use case I know). Since I agree that having two options is a lot, I am considering scrapping or hiding one of them. Which one would you prefer?

The Signup sheet is still very buggy, as you’ve pointed out. I am working on fixing that, but since I am a sole developer and have a lot of other things on my plate, you’re going to have to bear with me.

As I have not yet figured out how to get the articles full content through the api, I’ve settled for constructing the link with the slug as well as the api key. While that works, it does require a user to login to their omnivore account within the web view. The app itself doesn’t store your actual omnivore login details in any way.

I understand that your are not happy with my app, but I would still appreciate if you could take the time to tell me, whether I have answered your questions and any other suggestions you might have:

developerpaul1@gmail.com

Thank you