You should know, it looks like that error page actually serves a 200 status code (which means you run the risk of Google crawling and indexing your error pages).
So I've also been building web apps for 10+ years, and I forgot to put one on my site - for creating error pages. People are different, I'm obviously trying to solve a problem that affects me, but maybe not you.
Yup, the idea is you create a page on 404engine, and then drop a script tag on your static error page. When the error page is called, it loads the page you created on 404engine dynamically. Tracks requests etc. And it alerts you if the page has over X requests in a day.
The point is just that, creating good error pages is the last thing anyone wants to spend time thinking about or doing. So this streamlines that.
the site is meant to be beyond easy to try out and register for, with the lowest barrier to entry possible. But I understand the problem with not highlighting features initially.
That said, if you do register, you can click your email account to modify how many request a page must receive for you to be alerted.
I tried to trigger a 404 on your site hoping I could see one in action (and maybe see an example of the scripting) but you don't appear to be using it yourself?
You probably should offer a bit more information. After all, you're targeting this at technical users, the barrier for entry doesn't have to be that low. Particularly since the service you're offering is "trust me to redirect your users with javascript whenever your site messes up."
Agreed - I can't believe I forgot to make one for myself (embarrassing) - will be adding one later this evening.
I also agree I need to add more information. The javascript isn't redirecting at all though - just dynamically loading the page in the static error page.
I really don't understand why you would submit the site to hackernews then. You only have one shot at a first impression especially if your service is a paid one and you're trying to make a sale. By not having an explanation of what the site's purpose, functionality and benefits are, you frustrate visitors that initially go to the site and risk them just writing it off.
It's a shame because after reading the explanation you give for your service, this is something that IS extremely useful with a low bar of entry. Please update the site as I would hate to see you lose revenue.
Thanks for your comments! I agree, I need to add some educational info to the site ASAP. I actually posted a show hn earlier that got about no response, even though it had a lengthy explanation. I obviously assumed some elements were obvious that were not. Lesson learned, hopefully it doesn't affect the launch too much.
The idea is, you'd double click to start creating elements, and design your error page, then save. It'll give you a script tag to insert on your static error page et voila.
On one hand I'm very embarrassed that I forgot that. On the other hand its kind of like the proof in the pudding for me. I never have time for those damn things. I'll have a page up tonight.
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[ 3.1 ms ] story [ 89.7 ms ] threadIt looks nice, and it works, don't get me wrong. I like jQuery. Just seems unnecessary here.
1. Create file 2. Write "404: Page not found" 3. Launch 4. Make your 404 page not suck ("Go home, search, etc")
Other than an online webpage editor that works in Chrome.
Edit: I'm asking this because I only see a web editor and a save button that ask you to register and two "sign in" "register" buttons.
Other than that i can't relly tell what this is suppose to be other than what I can guess by the Website Title.
The point is just that, creating good error pages is the last thing anyone wants to spend time thinking about or doing. So this streamlines that.
That's the (for me) interesting part but there are no signs of any of that on the website.
Probably if I register everything will be explained to me, but let me know what I'm registering for before I do it out of blind faith.
That said, if you do register, you can click your email account to modify how many request a page must receive for you to be alerted.
You probably should offer a bit more information. After all, you're targeting this at technical users, the barrier for entry doesn't have to be that low. Particularly since the service you're offering is "trust me to redirect your users with javascript whenever your site messes up."
I also agree I need to add more information. The javascript isn't redirecting at all though - just dynamically loading the page in the static error page.
I need to have a valid reason to register to a website and usually "to find out what the website does" is not one of them.
I'm just saying that an explanation on what this service does and how it works before the need to register for it would be nice.
It's a shame because after reading the explanation you give for your service, this is something that IS extremely useful with a low bar of entry. Please update the site as I would hate to see you lose revenue.