I want to start out by saying I already liked Hive Tracks for the most part and I kind of want to like it.
There's a lot to like about the site. The presentation is great. The method of data entry is good.
Out of 5 stars, I will give it 3.5 though because where they go wrong, I think they really need to improve.
By default, they allow free users only the option of using conventional 10 frame Langstroth hives and equipment. They allow Pro users, that is paid users, to select from alternative hive equipment such as horizontal top bar hives, nucs, 8 frame equipment, etc.
So, if you use any of that equipment and want to use Hive Tracks, be prepared to fork over 60 bucks a year. My suggestion to them would be to allow free users to choose at signup from one of those types of hives and have only access to the one type they chose for their free membership and have to upgrade to a paid membership to use the others. Otherwise, it seems like they're saying use 10 frame Langs or too bad for you.
Another issue I have with the free version is that queen management could be done better. Currently, it seems that your only option when you replace a queen is to delete the old queen and create a new one and the process to do so isn't very intuitive.
Honestly, I have no problem with the fact that they charge for "full access" or how much they charge. For all the options they claim to provide for the cost, it seems a great value. I just think that they could do better than to leave all free users at 10 frame Langstroth only.
I personally don't use Langstroth 10 frame or 8 frame and I most certainly don't use conventional hive management methods or techniques either. It would be nice to limit me to the single option that best meets my use. I'm sure I'm not alone in this.
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