Quote from Kevin on 28/06/2025, 22:42

Hello everyone,

Since I want to be as transparent as possible from the very beginning, let me start by saying that I make no secret of wanting to monetize this website (eventually) since it would allow me to invest more resources (both time and money) into the site than I currently can, which I find very unfortunate because this is quickly becoming my passion project.

I’m currently still working full-time as an occupational therapist at a rehabilitation center and would like to quit this job to work on this site full-time. And whether I like it or not, that means that I must find a way to make ends meet before doing so. The only possible option that I see is monetizing this site to sustain myself.

User experience comes first:

You can quote me on this and keep me responsible for the fact that I will do everything I can to keep the user’s experience as optimal as possible.

For instance, if I were to go the way of displaying ads, then I would make sure not to spam and litter the pages with commercials as is so common these days.

Even though I could potentially earn a lot of money this way, I will always refuse to do so because it hurts the user experience far too much, and because I wouldn’t like other people doing it to me either.

Discussion and polls about monetization will take place in the forum (right here):

When (and if) the time comes when it makes sense to start monetizing, then I will (this is a promise) discuss this with my users to find the best, preferred way to do so. This will happen in the forums (right here) through conversation and by holding “polls” where people can make suggestions and vote.

One of the main reasons why I want to chat about this is that I’m certainly open to suggestions! And I believe that many minds together can come to a much more optimal solution than just one can.

Will it be perfect for everyone? No, but I’m going to do my absolute best to satisfy as many people as possible while making it economically viable.

Why should you invest time in this website?

What I believe will differentiate this site from others is two things. I’m honest to a fault, for good and for worse (often for worse, sadly), and I'm looking to get and use as much feedback from the users as possible. It baffles me how often there's a disconnect between both parties that could (in my opinion) be solved by simply communicating and working together.

That’s why I want my reasons for developing this project to be known from day 1, even though you might not agree with all of them.

I’ll list them shortly.

• To help other people with depression.

• To earn enough money to quit my current job for personal reasons and to invest more resources (time and money) into the site.

• To create a safe space where people can come together to talk about life and its problems.

• Because I see this as a group effort, and not just as a solo project where I make all the decisions. This is a website by and for the people, and I want my users to be satisfied and fulfilled with what it offers.

• I’m looking to create a long-lasting community. Something that will stand the test of time instead of “opting out” or making it a “cash grab”. That’s why I’m dedicated to its continuous quality and prosperity.
• I’m an objective, rational person who utilizes evidence-based research instead of solely going by feelings or personal experience (although those are obviously still important since we’re all human and everyone is different).

Again, the reason I'm making this post right now is that I want to be honest and transparent from the start.

I'm very much looking forward to everyone's suggestions and opinions about this matter.

Possible monetization ideas/suggestions are also greatly appreciated!