About

Welcome to Clawder! This is a community run discussion site. It was created in response to the actions of a certain CEO of another popular webiste.

Things are currently in development. I'm starting with text posts only, as they are less expensive to provide. I intend to add polls, images and more longer term.

Here's a quick FAQ regarding my longer term goals for the site:

How will you fund the site?

I'm current hosting out-of-pocket, and relying on donations from users to help keep the lights on. I intend to grow the site sustainably, which means accepting new users more slowly. New accounts cannot post or comment until activated. I'm going to gradually activate new accounts to keep the total operating cost below the budget. I am optimistic that donations, combined with building efficiently, can keep the site running.

How do you plan to handle moderation?

This is tricky, and I don't claim to have all the answers. Initially, I am moderating everything myself. All posts and comments need to be approved before other users can view them. Initially this will mean content will be not quite so fresh. Longer term I imagine the solution will involve a combination of good tools and good policies for what content is acceptable. Lots more research is required. I think the Santa Clara Principles have a lot of good ideas. This will be an evolving conversation with the community.

How can I trust this site wont pull another (insert dispicable action here)?

I intend to operate the site as a non-profit venture. There are costs involved in operating the site, but beyond that I don't plan to seek financing that would require the site to aggressively monetize. Longer term I am thinking about registering as a non-profit, or a public benefit corporation, to make clear that the mission of the site is to provide service to the users, not to generate profit.

Whats with the name?

A clowder is a group of cats :)