Wheedle.co.nz: experiences, comments

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#746476 17-Jan-2013 17:06

mattwnz: I think it will be pretty rock solid this time, although wondering who in NZ they have got to fix it up. Or whether they are still using the original developers.

They were asked directly in the Stuff article but refuse to say what work was done exactly or by whom. Unfortunately this approach does not inspire confidence. The comments made were about fixing bugs and not about any kind of audit or review of security.

If that is what you are thinking then they will have to live up to it or else.

What will you be thinking this time around if it does not go as you expect?

freitasm

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#746477 17-Jan-2013 17:06

mattwnz: I think it will be pretty rock solid this time, although wondering who in NZ they have got to fix it up. Or whether they are still using the original developers.

Software developers sends his work to China...

Having said that, "Bob" always got top marks for "his" work it seems.

mattwnz

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#746480 17-Jan-2013 17:15

gzt:
mattwnz: I think it will be pretty rock solid this time, although wondering who in NZ they have got to fix it up. Or whether they are still using the original developers.

They were asked directly in the Stuff article but refuse to say what work was done exactly or by whom. Unfortunately this approach does not inspire confidence. The comments made were about fixing bugs and not about any kind of audit or review of security.

If that is what you are thinking then they will have to live up to it or else.

What will you be thinking this time around if it does not go as you expect?

Probably used the wrong word. I 'hope' it will be pretty rock solid this time. :)

gzt

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#746483 17-Jan-2013 17:16

That's hilarious. Note that 'bob' for certain had the skills and experience to choose good developers and review the quality of their work. That is absolutely essential or he never would have got away with it even without the (unbelievable!) VPN into his workstation.

mattwnz

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#746485 17-Jan-2013 17:23

gzt: That's hilarious. Note that 'bob' for certain had the skills and experience to choose good developers and review the quality of their work. That is absolutely essential or he never would have got away with it even without the (unbelievable!) VPN into his workstation.

But don't many web developers already do this sort of thing. They subcontract out work to third parties that they don't do themselves to places like India. There is still a lot of work to bug test and assess the work that has been done, as ultimately the developer has to take responsibility for the work they carry out.

freitasm

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#746489 17-Jan-2013 17:38

Yes, they do. But none on a personal level like "Bob" in the story.

blair003

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#746502 17-Jan-2013 18:17

Should Bob have been fired, or promoted to management?

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#746506 17-Jan-2013 18:29

It would be funny to see if they replaced Bob or they continued using the outsourced firm for a 5th of the cost!

mattwnz

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#746508 17-Jan-2013 18:32

If Bob was an independent contractor rather than an employee, I don't really see the problem with what he did, as he would be liable for the work done, and would have to do the checking anyway. I pressume he was still doing some work communicating with the chinese company. But I guess as an employee it was a no go.

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#746523 17-Jan-2013 18:42

Most contracts employment or contract have confidentiality and security practice clauses. Bob most certainly busted his all the way down to the ground.

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#1087351 11-Jul-2014 17:42

Just received:

Online auction site to close

CHRISTCHURCH: Online auction site Wheedle, the only significant competitor to Trade Me in New Zealand, is to close after its sole funder Neil Graham decided against further investment in the company.

“I’ve supported the company financially since its inception but, as part of a rationalisation of my investments, I’ve decided it’s time to move on,” Mr Graham says. “Ongoing health issues have also contributed to my decision.

“Our aim was to create a commercially successful site where people could buy and sell online without costing users an arm and a leg. More than 80,000 members backed us and we’re very proud of that achievement.

“I’m sad to see it go but the reality is we’ve taken the idea as far as we can. A managed wind down is the sensible option.”

Graham said all auctions currently in progress will run their course, and all membership fees will be paid in full and are redeemable online.

“We have no trade creditors and we will work through any contract issues with service providers. The Wheedle team today have received paid notice and are assisting in the orderly wind up of the company.”

Mr Graham says the systems developed to deliver the service involve a state-of-the-art, secure e- commerce platform. Specialist transaction advisory firm Ocean Partners is managing the sales process and is in discussion with two parties interested in all or part of the company and its technology. This may hold out some hope for re-employment of existing staff.

“I continue to believe,” says Graham, “that New Zealand should have a choice when it comes to online trading and that listing fees should be fair and reasonable. We also think the Wheedle business model of a paid membership and set fees has potential, but we’ve been unable to make it work within a realistic time frame.”

“This has been a bit of a personal crusade for me – the name Wheedle come from a phrase my grandmother used all the time and I’ve invested millions into the venture. There were doubters from the start, but we’ve given it our best shot, created a large group of satisfied customers and built some very interesting technology. But I’m afraid the business has run its course in its present form,” Mr Graham says.

NOTE: Wheedle members who wish to redeem their outstanding balances should go to www.wheedle.co.nz and a link will be available for you to register for a refund in due course.

mattwnz

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#1087359 11-Jul-2014 17:52

I'm surprised it lasted this long to be honest, as it was only a matter of time, as it never got traction. The initial launch was also a flop when it had to be closed down for many months while it was rebuilt. If that hadn't happened it may have been different.