Finding shared locks from within the app (idea)

Anyone wanting a way to search for shared locks from within the app? My thinking here is that you fill in the form as normal when setting up the lock (or most of the normal settings) and then it will find all shared locks that are very similar.

The keyholder would decide if they want to make their lock available to anyone that's searching for a lock because not every keyholder wants more users, for example those that play privately with their partners only.

I don't know how to decide what's similar when there's so many options to choose from when creating a lock.

Originally I wanted everyone to share the locks publicly to help attract new users and spread the word, but now that it's got a nice following and getting a little established I'm thinking that making it easier in the app will also help new keyholders build a following.

If you've got any other ideas on how to it would be best to search for shared locks then please share below.

1. Have the app auto post the image + details on a special forum section no users can post only the app. save us copying the image manually (enable with a setting on the creation  - Enable AutoShare)   Then all we need to do is look on the forums.
2. If you can search on the app for the locks - then have a Load Lock button on each page. - it could just list the images from each post in the forum section

3. obviously set up an option for private shared locks for keyholders to retain control.

Like the idea of autopost of public shared lock,  would be nice if kh can enter a description of the lock on it's creation.  I.e. special conditions like prerequisites or else...

i was thinking about this a couple days ago actually, i think the main thing it should do is act as a lock registry with all the locks that have been shared (and the owner isn't inactive) with some simple sorting by keyholder, active session count, total session count, and maybe you could add an average duration;. i think that could be useful.

then just a a space for a little description like people already post on the forums then more advanced f features can be added from there

All active locks on one page is a great idea, probably only needs to filter by frequency and display
Key holder, frequency, cumulative, estimated duration, description, star rating.

I like the idea of auto posting to the forum (I'm planning to do the same with the bots eventually) but I can see some problems with this for real users. Once posted from one central account the keyholder won't be able to manage that post in anyway. They couldn't even delete it. It could be programmed that they'd have the option in the app to manage it somehow but that would be a lot simpler if the forum and app accounts were connected.

If it's done in the app I wouldn't need to show the QR code, each one will just need a button to load it. Along with any description, settings, and ratings etc.

What do you think would be easiest when it comes to searching for locks. Go through and pick the settings like you currently do, number of reds, resets, double up, card info hidden etc., press search and get a list of all of the locks that are similar in one way or show all of the locks in the list and have a number of filter options to narrow the list down?

Both option are nice... two different search type...  one being based on sett gs the other allowing to browse through a list with filtering options

At the end both are good... can't define which one appeal me most...

I guess the full list with filtering helps you find locks that you might not have picked or might not have found due to your search criteria. But with the other way, it's already half done as it would pretty much use the same list of lock options when creating a new lock.

Coming up with a decent set of filtering options would require some thought. Thanks for the filter suggestion you've already given @CagedRob

Normally I prefer to see a list and filter it down based on requirements.

The downside to this is how the filters would avoid giving away details for locks with hidden decks. Some locks can also be so variable filtering down may not help much. It would probably be helpful on locks with average, min, max data but this would only exist for locks which have been completed.

Fixed locks would be easy based on a minimum and maximum period.

Variable would probably need a way of calculating an estimated runtime and filter on risk indicators. Although I expect users may want to be really specific with there selection options. Like chance frequency, hidden information, number of various cards, trusted required etc.

I did think maybe having the option to view a list of available locks by a keyholder when tapping on there name in the list.

Thanks @DVDigital58 . I've attempted to do approximate times for locks before, it's not really that easy. Absolute worst-case scenarios are easier but then look scary.

A list of keyholder names with locks in them is an option too. I suspect though those with names beginning Miss, Mistress, Goddess, and Princess are probably going to have more of an advantage over others if it's a list of names.

I didn't think about locks with hidden timers or hidden card info, but those can be excluded from the filters or given their own called "Unknown Duration/Settings" etc.

I can see why estimating lockup time can be a nightmare.

Also understand your point about keyholders although they probably offer the most locks to.

I'm thinking as a user the only thing I should use to filter down a lock is my expected end time. So maybe the search should be for locks which will end by a certain date. The rest could be a mystery although a few things like chance frequency and resets could skew this a lot.

@KevinCross I think filtering is the best option. Of course, Key Holder would be an option. Then, you could do Fixed/Variable, Doubles (Yes/No) and Resets (Yes/No), Freeze(Yes/No), Trust KH(Yes/No), Anything else similar I forgot.. When the selected list comes up have it sorted by Reds, Yellows, Blues, Purples, etc. You can look through the list to see the card counts.