Show HN: I built a system for active note-taking in regular meetings like 1-1s
A new web-based tool for structured note-taking in recurring meetings, especially 1:1s, is drawing praise for its clean, focused design and action-tracking features that go beyond a simple shared text document. Commenters are split on whether a hosted SaaS is appropriate for sensitive corporate information, with many calling for self-hosted or local versions, SSO, and robust export options before they could use it at work. Others compare it to existing tools like Google Docs, Obsidian, Emacs Org mode, and even pen-and-paper notebooks, arguing over whether the specialized workflow meaningfully improves on general-purpose note apps.
Pricing, Launch, and Business Model
- Commenters suggest making the product fully free during HN exposure to maximize adoption, then later charging for “must-have” features.
- In response, everyone signing up during launch is put on a full-feature “business” plan and will be grandfathered into future plans.
- Some push back on the idea of paying users for their “training data,” arguing that paid adoption is a better signal of product–market fit.
- There is debate over whether this can realistically become a viable SaaS given existing incumbents and enterprise requirements.
Positioning vs Existing Tools
- Multiple people ask what this offers over Google Docs, Apple Notes, Notion, Obsidian, Logseq, and Emacs Org mode.
- The stated value prop: structured “entries” per meeting, per-person sections for clarity on who wrote what, first-class action tracking, templates, and quick navigation/search across recurring meetings.
- Some find that compelling; others see it as “just a shareable text file” or extra complexity vs their current workflow.
UX, Features, and Bugs
- Interface is widely praised as clean and simple, with low friction.
- Users request: a mobile app, exports for full local backup, and clearer onboarding for checklists, bullets, and keyboard shortcuts (shortcuts currently mimic lightweight Markdown).
- Issues raised: RTL text rendered incorrectly, a floating formatting toolbar obscuring content on mobile, difficulty pasting into the email field on Android Firefox, and occasional sign-in code/email problems.
Security, Hosting, and Trust
- A major theme: people handling confidential 1:1 content say they cannot use a third-party hosted web app without long security reviews, SSO, or vendor approval.
- Several insist self-hosted/on-prem (ideally with one-time payment) is mandatory; the creator says this is planned and was architected with self-host in mind.
- Some argue that no serious company will trust a one-person SaaS with sensitive data; others counter that not all organizations are that strict and that new tools must start somewhere.
Alternative Practices and Philosophies
- Many describe preferring pen-and-paper or E‑ink tablets for meetings, citing better memory, focus, and eye contact.
- Others stick with existing digital note systems but are curious whether this tool’s simplicity might improve their recurring-meeting workflow.