Ironspread
Productivity
spreadsheet automation
SHOW HN2012
How HN took it
4 positive, 4 neutral or asking, 0 mixed, 5 critical, out of 13 comments about the project. Thread score -0.03.
Idea: 2 for, 5 againstExecution: 1 for, 0 against
The thread, comment by comment
Each row is a top-level comment and its replies, in HN's order. Select a cell to open that comment on HN.
positive neutral or mixed critical about another commenter or something else the maker
What HN said
What people liked
Python scripting is smoother than VBA for complex spreadsheet operations
From 1 comment
It's not the built in functions they're trying to replace, it's using python instead of VBA to make macros. While Excel functions are relatively robust, doing more complex…
Ganthor on HN
Objections
Excel alone is enough for small contact lists; a dedicated CRM is not needed
From 3 comments
What exactly do you need a CRM for? Right now, I'm using notepad (please don't laugh) to keep track of who I'm talking to, what they've said, and what leads I have to pursue.…
true_religion on HNHow is typing python commands better than using Excel's built in functions to do the same thing? (References, Lookups, Sorting, Filtering)
graup on HNThis looks to be a cool tool for automating spreadsheet work, and Excel is fine for a very small client list, but for a long term solution you can use Insightly CRM for free…
bigtones on HN
Not clearly better than existing free CRM options
From 2 comments
Then you'll need to tell me why use this instead of the other currently available, often free, CRM options :)
jenntoda on HNThis looks to be a cool tool for automating spreadsheet work, and Excel is fine for a very small client list, but for a long term solution you can use Insightly CRM for free…
bigtones on HN
Excel is not structured data and becomes unmanageable as businesses grow
From 2 comments
One of my habitual, long, boring rants is on the theme "Excel is not structured data." In the hands of an analyst who knows what he's doing, Excel is a fine tool. As a database,…
cafard on HN"Excel is a poor man's database." My boss. "It works. Business users and MBAs don't need programmers to make changes." Me. There is a time and a place for using each tool. We use…
ckluis on HN
Requests
Live data integration, such as pulling server logs into Excel graphs
From 1 comment
I would like to see some live data integration into Excel, like pulling server logs into visual graphs in Excel. It shouldn't be too hard with the plugin from…
vj44 on HN
Integration with Unbounce
From 1 comment
We use insightly over here at Namella! Fantastic product. But we reallllly need integration with Unbounce. :)
namellaweb on HN
SBCL support
From 1 comment
I'd love something this based instead on SBCL
sbcluser on HN
Questions
Why use this instead of Excel's built-in functions or existing CRMs?
From 3 comments
How is typing python commands better than using Excel's built in functions to do the same thing? (References, Lookups, Sorting, Filtering)
graup on HNI see a promising start here, but I am puzzled by why all this instead of just maintaining different sheets and use lookup functions myself. From reading your friend's blog it…
jenntoda on HNThen you'll need to tell me why use this instead of the other currently available, often free, CRM options :)
jenntoda on HN
What does a CRM provide for under 100 contacts?
From 1 comment
What exactly do you need a CRM for? Right now, I'm using notepad (please don't laugh) to keep track of who I'm talking to, what they've said, and what leads I have to pursue.…
true_religion on HN
Alternatives named
Insightly CRM
From 1 comment
This looks to be a cool tool for automating spreadsheet work, and Excel is fine for a very small client list, but for a long term solution you can use Insightly CRM for free…
bigtones on HN
Google Docs sharing
From 1 comment
Ctrl-A, Ctrl-C, Crtl-Tab, Ctrl-T, docs.google.com, New Document, Ctrl-V, Share. Done.
mseebach on HN
QueryCell
From 1 comment
Also check out: http://www.querycell.com/
j_s on HN
Salesforce, Freshbooks, Quickbooks
From 1 comment
For better or worse, Excel is still the most widely used general-purpose business application. Even SalesForce, Freshbooks, and the ungodly Quickbooks have failed to put a dent…
rexreed on HN