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February 22, 2005
Mining data - Weightwatchers
In the past there has been plenty of talk about how many of the new Web based applications rely on the users to fill the system with data and basically then own that data. Many of the systems in question also provide some form of API that allows you to integrate the data you entered into your own application or weblog.
I haven't seen the Weightwatchers Online application (here is the German version) talked about anywhere - so as I started on their online program at the beginning of the year I felt it worth a mention. The actual application with its Web GUI is pretty good really. Some quirks but in general it is pretty simple to find what you ate and keep your points tallied in the online diary.
But the only way to get at your data is through the Web interface. No API. I mean wouldn't it be cool if you could see a chart of my weight-loss (5 Kilos since beginning of January) on my blog? Ok, perhaps not. But what about a "foodroll" of what I ate today (with points) in the sidebar? No?
On a more serious note - I wonder what else happens with the data you enter there? I mean the program is available in several countries and I can just imagine various parties being very interested in near real-time information on what you are eating....
Posted by Matthew at February 22, 2005 01:07 PM
Comments
That'd be really cool to integrate such an API into a blog. Can you imagine being able to pull down your weight history (say for last 10 days) and display it in a side-bar of your blog?! Instant gratification (or incentive) and bragging rights for you.
Posted by: Lance Lavandowska at February 23, 2005 12:39 AM