Hi guys, I always wondered why you preferred to build a completely custom app rather than go with a WordPress site connected to the blockchain through SteemPress (soon to be ported to Hive, as I understand). I guess SteemPress or WordPress doesn't seem like it has the features you need? I'm not saying it does, just asking whether you investigated that pathway.
Hi! Sorry for the delayed answer. I have just noticed this comment today ;)
The SteemPress plugin for WordPress has a different goal. It allows any blogger to publish his/her content on Hive, in addition to his/her personal blog. Here, we are after a front-end that filters the chain to only show what we consider as high-quality material. Moreover, we also have a more long-term vision that includes a merchandise shop, other activities (such as visits in great STEM places), reviving the STEMart initiative, etc. To do so, we really need to control how the content is shown so that people don't laugh in checking the app. For instance, we do not want to allow pseudoscience or false information to be visible. We have checked the existing front-ends, and none of them is exactly what we need. For that reason, we started 18 months ago to do that our way.
I hope this clarifies. In any case, feel free to come back to me if you have any further comment or question.