Show HN: I just launched Meta Trails a tool for the self taught developer

I played around with the site, and I like it. I was able to quickly check off skills that I have, and make an assessment of areas that I could potentially focus on learning. I appreciated the fact that I can choose to learn the additional skills using the recommendations provided, or any other platform I desire and still credit myself for the skill achievement. Pretty straight forward interface.

I happened to like the "gamification" of the UI. But mostly because it does not muddy the value prop. It does not detract from what you can, or cannot do to make a quick assessment and checklist. IMO, I do not need another no frills site in my network. I already have a github, evernote, and many others. Bring on the silly funness!

We talk about this alot in my office and there is always a mix of opinions. We talk more about things like the ability for a user to customize the UI. It is hard for me to understand why people spend so much time personalizing their facebook or twitter page, instead of concentrating on posting good content. But there are enough users that spend time doing it, to validate the format.

Keep the fluff, as long as it does not derail content objectives.

I like the UI. Is there any chance of making a free world or free level I can try out before I sign up? I'm not sure if requiring an account generates more sign ups or scares people away. Looks like a cool product.

I wish there was a way to try it out a bit, or at least a video showing how it works without having to sign up.

as a self taught developer ive never understood the point of gamifying the process. building a real world application - dropping in user auth, image upload, etc is far more rewarding than leveling up in some imaginary system.

that being said i welcome more tools for helping people learn to program.

Love this product - join me all space cadets