Their UI is very difficult to use, we tried, but give up eventually. That's part of the reason we created phdtree.org. We believe we have a much better user experience and "wiki" support. Try phdtree.org, and let us know what you think.
Thanks for the encouraging word. Yes, you're absolutely right, initial data were generated by data mining several other websites, but our goal is to build this database as a wiki such that anyone can correct errors, add more profiles, add more connections, etc.
We're working on this side project which allows users to create & edit their academic genealogy. Essentially it is a wiki site powered by Django/Python. So far all the basic wiki functions like CRUD, tracking edit history, diff different versions, reverting back to previous version, search, etc are completed.
Would appreciate it if HN community can provide some feedback/comments/suggestions. Many thanks!
Interesting read: "However, the source of our funding is much more interesting: We are funded exclusively by the best high-stakes heads-up poker players in the world. Several of them grouped together and invested in Paint Bottle. This is their first investment in a startup. We met them through Craig, who opened their Canadian bank accounts when Black Friday happened to poker, resulting in a mini-exodus in which many top players moved to Montreal.”
Title could be renamed "High-stakes poker players crowdfunding next generation porn site"
Don't get me wrong, I like the idea a lot, and I firmly believe web technology should be introduced to academia. It is just I don't see how you differentiate yourself from other service. For instance, the frontpage of PubUp seems strikingly similar to the "papers" page at Mendeley.
I'm completely open to an alternative service (or even a complementary one). So... I guess what I'm trying to say: Give me, one of your intended customers, a compelling use scenario or value-add proposition that might compel me to switch.