2014 Clojure Cup Ideas

Clojure Cup 2014 is just around the corner.  If you're excited about entering but don't have a clue what to make, maybe this post will help you.  Below is a small collection of web app ideas I've had recently that I probably won't get to.  I jot these things down whenever they pop into my head regardless of how ridiculous or difficult they seem.  Most of them sit in a text file doing nothing.  Maybe some of them can help someone directly or spark other ideas.  I think the core functionality for most of these could be pulled off in a 48-hour period.  Some may already exist, but attempting to build them might yield useful knowledge, or even win you the cup!

Storytellers

Connect with up to 3 others and collaboratively build a story by taking turns writing in units of paragraph, sentence, or word.  Once the story is finished, publish it to a reading section of the site for others to read.

Version Check

Upload a project.clj file to this web service and you'll be told which libraries you're using that have newer versions.

Destination Helper

Specify a travel destination + dates of travel and get back details about the destination for that time period:  weather, events, the most recent highly-rated restaurant reviews, etc.

Web-based Podcatcher

Log in, subscribe to feeds and listen without the need for a dedicated app.   Is it possible to supplant native apps with a web offering?

Due Today

Yes, this is another TODO list, but it's the only one I've been able to use consistently.  You're only allowed to add items to today's date.  If you don't complete an item, you have the option to move it to today from an earlier date.  The focus is on entering actionable steps that can be achieved today.

Single Subject Search Engine

Indexing the entire internet is impossible for a sole developer with a VPS.  Would it be possible to index a niche subject?  What advantages would you have over a general search engine?

Source Code Recommender

You've learned the basics of a new language.  You've solved some puzzles.  You're still not comfortable writing in the language.  Where do you go to see how advanced users of the language use it?  With Source Code Recommender, reviewers can submit code repos that they think exemplify the best practice patterns and idioms of a language and rate/discuss/review/educate based on the source.

Goodreads Reviewer Suggester

Given your account, this site uses the Goodreads API to find other users that ranked books similarly to you.   Receive suggestions for users to follow, books to read, or discussions to take part in.

Newsletter Aggregator

Email newsletters have taken off in popularity.  This service aggregates all of your newsletters in one place.  Sign up for an account and the service will supply you with an email address to use when signing up for newsletters.  The aggregator then provides you with an interface for reading/managing/tagging/searching your newsletters.

Monument

Memories for locations.  Search for a location on a map and add a memory (anonymously if you want) about that particular place/establishment/location.  Flaco's Tacos, I still miss you.

IT Interview Quiz

A site that quizzes you on those silly puzzles (and/or useful CS theory) that some companies use to filter the hiring pool.  Submit answers to quizzes (anonymously if you want) and have them reviewed/rated by others and learn from other member's submissions.  This is kind of an Exercism.io for theory.

If one of these appeal to you, take it and run with it.  Good luck and see you at Clojure Cup!

P.S.  If you use one of these and anything good comes out of it, you should buy me a burrito!

P.P.S.  If you're interested in making one of these outside of Clojure Cup and want a collaborator, let me know via email or on Twitter.