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Comment by nathan_long | Hacker News Reader

Other than amusement value, wouldn't any TODO app work better?

I can think of two reasons: (1) Because he has others commenting on his issues and suggesting fixes, and probably more importantly (2) because github is already part of his workflow.

The main reason I never stick with TODO applications is because I can't get into the habit of using it. I often think this is why so many persist with email as a todo list.

There is a third reason. If he wanted to, he could store associated files with his issues. That use case makes more sense with a private repo, but it is something I plan to do with the repo I just created for my house.

Also, in a case where a piece of equipment needs to be replaced (like a range hood, or even a coffee maker)one can store digital copies of the user manuals in the repo and not worry about having to hunt the damn things down when the power goes out and you have to remember how to reset the clock.

Not that I've ever done that..

I find I need more complicated notes than I could store in a TODO application.

For example, see here where I had a general bug, took notes, got quotes, and (as someone above mentions) attached photos of fireplaces.

https://github.com/frabcus/house/issues/15

Bugtracking isn't simple task tracking. You're looking at issues and detailing the history of both identifying the root issue and its resolution.

Doing so on a publicly accessible (and modifiable) bugtracker means you get a social / collective intelligence (and collective stupidity / vandal) effect. More useful for community projects than home ownership, but still.

I've seen workplaces where non-software issues (often facilities / maintenance) were tracked and managed through bugtracking tools.

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