#indiecreator — Public Fediverse posts

Quiet evenings in the cottage bedroom. ✨

Outside, the twilight turns to dusk over the woods, but inside, the hearth keeps the room warm and safe. Just the sound of crackling logs, turning pages, and a quiet moment to rest.

Grab your tea and let the world slow down for a few minutes. 🌿☕

##cozyfantasy #Cottagecore #BookAesthetic #SlowLiving #RelaxingSounds #ASMr #BedtimeStories #CozyCorner #IndieCreator #Blackmere #Bookstodon

Quiet evenings in the cottage bedroom. ✨

Outside, the twilight turns to dusk over the woods, but inside, the hearth keeps the room warm and safe. Just the sound of crackling logs, turning pages, and a quiet moment to rest.

Grab your tea and let the world slow down for a few minutes. 🌿☕

##cozyfantasy #Cottagecore #BookAesthetic #SlowLiving #RelaxingSounds #ASMr #BedtimeStories #CozyCorner #IndieCreator #Blackmere #Bookstodon

Another brand partnership payment landed today via Substack.

This isn't my first one, which is exactly why I'm sharing it.

Consistently showing up, writing, and building an audience has created opportunities I never had when I was only focused on pageviews.

Newsletters can become much more than a traffic source.

Still learning. Still experimenting. Still growing.

#Substack #Newsletter #CreatorEconomy #BuildInPublic #ContentCreator #WritingCommunity #Solopreneur #OnlineBusiness #DigitalCreator #IndieCreator #Blogging #AffiliateMarketing #CreatorLife

🌙✨ Exciting news for the fediverse! Our Summer & Eid 2026 Shop Clear Sale is live with a massive digital Mega Bundle: • 15,000+ art images • 1,500+ book PDFs • 40+ audiobooks (adult + children) • 300+ business card templates • 300+ vintage games All for just $26.26! One-time purchase, instant download, no tracking. Perfect for creators, educators, and families.

👉 https://ko-fi.com/s/a2018e4c0b

#DigitalArt #OpenResources #Eid2026 #SummerSale #CreatorCommunity #IndieCreator

📦 MEGA BUNDLE: Shop Clear Sale 2026
Fellow creators and foss enthusiasts—massive digital clearance live now. 15,000+ art images, 1,500+ PDFs, 40+ audiobooks, 300+ business cards, 300+ vine games. Summer & Eid collection, -priced at $26.26. No DRM nonsense. Instant download. Support indie creators.
https://aifam8.gumroad.com/l/bpdji

#DigitalBundle #Sale #CreativeCommonsFriendly #IndieCreator #ShopClearance #Gumroad #OpenWeb

Nouvelle vidéo Youtube 🎬

Découvrez l'interview de Jessie Chica (créatrice de Pick'n Craft).

➡️ https://youtu.be/blWtvPHRz1Q

Bon visionnage !

N'hésitez pas à mettre un commentaire et un pouce bleu 😉

#interview #indiegame #gamedev #indiecreator #youtube

Atmospheric Anomaly Log Sigma-7:
The Presence effect isn't fear. It's the specific discomfort of being evaluated by something that doesn't need to speak to reach a conclusion.

Encouragement doesn't work in its range. Neither does morale.

Some weights you just have to carry alone.

#Bestiary52 #PsychologicalDread #SensoryDesign #GameDesign #IndieCreator

Atmospheric Anomaly Log Sigma-7:
The Presence effect isn't fear. It's the specific discomfort of being evaluated by something that doesn't need to speak to reach a conclusion.

Encouragement doesn't work in its range. Neither does morale.

Some weights you just have to carry alone.

#Bestiary52 #PsychologicalDread #SensoryDesign #GameDesign #IndieCreator

Phenomenological Report M-012
No face. No flesh. Just layers of ancient cloth that move like the storm is coming from inside them.

The veils aren't decoration. Scholars believe they're woven from forgotten rites and the despair of every pilgrim who didn't make it.

The Veil Ascetics aren't wearing their history. They are it.

#ForbiddenSummits #LoreSecrets ##WorldBuilding #Lore #TTRPG #IndieCreator

Phenomenological Report M-012
No face. No flesh. Just layers of ancient cloth that move like the storm is coming from inside them.

The veils aren't decoration. Scholars believe they're woven from forgotten rites and the despair of every pilgrim who didn't make it.

The Veil Ascetics aren't wearing their history. They are it.

#ForbiddenSummits #LoreSecrets ##WorldBuilding #Lore #TTRPG #IndieCreator

LIVE ON 🔴

Ça part sur la suite de la découverte du moteur de jeu Defold et ensuite découverte d'un jeu vidéo durant le lunch code !

➡️ https://www.twitch.tv/formamac

@defold #gamedev #indiedevs #indiegame #gamecreator #indiecreator #stream #twitch

Design Principles M-3: The Shelf-Stalker has no tell. No growl. No posture shift. Nothing that says "this one is different."
That's not an oversight in the design. That's the design.
The most dangerous thing in the room is the one that looks like it belongs there.

#Bestiary #Lore #Lexicon #TTRPG #TabletopRPG #GameDesign #WorldBuilding #IndieCreator

Design Principles M-3: The Shelf-Stalker has no tell. No growl. No posture shift. Nothing that says "this one is different."
That's not an oversight in the design. That's the design.
The most dangerous thing in the room is the one that looks like it belongs there.

#Bestiary #Lore #Lexicon #TTRPG #TabletopRPG #GameDesign #WorldBuilding #IndieCreator

https://www.hodgepocalypse.com/2026/04/terrosaur-badlands-part-3-dinosaurs.html
They didn’t come back in amber.
They broke through the world.

Terrorsaur Badlands – Part 03 explores paleo + cosmic horror + Alberta Badlands

#TTRPG #Worldbuilding #Hodgepocalypse #DnD5e #IndieCreator

https://www.hodgepocalypse.com/2026/04/terrosaur-badlands-part-3-dinosaurs.html
They didn’t come back in amber.
They broke through the world.

Terrorsaur Badlands – Part 03 explores paleo + cosmic horror + Alberta Badlands

#TTRPG #Worldbuilding #Hodgepocalypse #DnD5e #IndieCreator

If you grew up in Canada, you might remember the House Hippo.

This is my take on that idea.

Meet the Book Bison — a teacup-sized creature that lives in bookshelves, eats chip crumbs, and quietly unplugs the noise at night.

Made the long way. Frame by frame.

https://youtu.be/Msdxlrw4260

#BookSky #Reading #MediaLiteracy #IndieCreator #Books #SlowMedia

If you grew up in Canada, you might remember the House Hippo.

This is my take on that idea.

Meet the Book Bison — a teacup-sized creature that lives in bookshelves, eats chip crumbs, and quietly unplugs the noise at night.

Made the long way. Frame by frame.

https://youtu.be/Msdxlrw4260

#BookSky #Reading #MediaLiteracy #IndieCreator #Books #SlowMedia

Anti-AI / No AI UK Road Sign Sticker (35mm x 40mm). Me and @Emily designed a Anti-AI road sign, these will be up to order soon, but here’s your first glimpse.

What do you think?

#Stickers #StickerDesign #StickerArt #CustomStickers #IndieCreator #SmallBusiness #CreativeCommunity #ArtDrop #ComingSoon #NewRelease #AntiAI #NoAI

Anti-AI / No AI UK Road Sign Sticker (35mm x 40mm). Me and @Emily designed a Anti-AI road sign, these will be up to order soon, but here’s your first glimpse.

What do you think?

#Stickers #StickerDesign #StickerArt #CustomStickers #IndieCreator #SmallBusiness #CreativeCommunity #ArtDrop #ComingSoon #NewRelease #AntiAI #NoAI

New Superstar Sticker all designed and tested ~60mm x 30mm. Easy Peal for Accessibility. More coming soon and release date for these will be announced shortly.

What would you like on a sticker?

#Stickers #StickerDesign #StickerArt #CustomStickers #IndieCreator #SmallBusiness #CreativeCommunity #ArtDrop #ComingSoon #NewRelease

New Superstar Sticker all designed and tested ~60mm x 30mm. Easy Peal for Accessibility. More coming soon and release date for these will be announced shortly.

What would you like on a sticker?

#Stickers #StickerDesign #StickerArt #CustomStickers #IndieCreator #SmallBusiness #CreativeCommunity #ArtDrop #ComingSoon #NewRelease

i'm ewan — developer, writer, occasional poet. i build open-source ATProto tooling,
self-host most of my own infrastructure, and take commissions for things i'm actually
good at.

if any of that is useful or interesting to you, ko-fi.com/ewancroft
is where commissions live:

• poetry from £10
• short stories from £20
• SvelteKit websites from £100

everything's CC BY-SA 4.0. no NDAs, no nonsense.

tips are also welcome if you've got use out of anything i've made or written.
either way, cheers.

i'm ewan — developer, writer, occasional poet. i build open-source ATProto tooling,
self-host most of my own infrastructure, and take commissions for things i'm actually
good at.

if any of that is useful or interesting to you, ko-fi.com/ewancroft
is where commissions live:

• poetry from £10
• short stories from £20
• SvelteKit websites from £100

everything's CC BY-SA 4.0. no NDAs, no nonsense.

tips are also welcome if you've got use out of anything i've made or written.
either way, cheers.

Your audience is listening. Inkican Audio Production helps you reach them with clear engaging sound for podcasts and other projects. Get in touch to discuss your idea. https://inkican.com/inkican-audio-production/ #AudienceGrowth #PodcastStrategy #AudioBrand #IndieCreator

Your audience is listening. Inkican Audio Production helps you reach them with clear engaging sound for podcasts and other projects. Get in touch to discuss your idea. https://inkican.com/inkican-audio-production/ #AudienceGrowth #PodcastStrategy #AudioBrand #IndieCreator

🎧 New release from XoirDrioX
When Light Will No More Shadow Make
A quietly immersive spoken-word piece blending poetry and ambient textures.
Listen here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/xoirdriox/when-light-will-no-more-shadow-make

#IndieCreator #AtmosphericMusic #AmbientSoundscape #PoetryMusic

Are you tired of dealing with the cost of living and late-stage capitalism? Have you and your friends ever talked about buying a castle or large plot of country land somewhere and starting your commune?

Our Commune is a 24-word #rpg about doing just that!

#ttrpg #indierpg #indiegame #IndieAuthor #indiecreatives #indiecreators #indieCreator #TTRPGCommunity

ko-fi.com/s/ee4833e670

Are you tired of dealing with the cost of living and late-stage capitalism? Have you and your friends ever talked about buying a castle or large plot of country land somewhere and starting your commune?

Our Commune is a 24-word #rpg about doing just that!

#ttrpg #indierpg #indiegame #IndieAuthor #indiecreatives #indiecreators #indieCreator #TTRPGCommunity

ko-fi.com/s/ee4833e670

Hello creatures and beings of the Fedilands!

I come to you with a request—or perhaps an offer, depending on how you choose to see it. A few months ago, I released a small audio-drama project based on three short fantasy stories I had written. At the time, I asked whether any of you might be interested in lending your voices to the endeavor. What I did not anticipate was the sheer wave of feedback and enthusiasm that followed its release.

There was, however, a shadow over that first incarnation. The project was born from a college writing class and bound tightly by length limits and an unforgiving timeline. Creative corners were cut. Wings were clipped before they could fully spread.

So now, encouraged by friends and kindred spirits, I have chosen to begin anew.

Blackwood Tales rises again.

The script for Episode One is complete, and Episode Two is already taking shape in the dark between the stars.

And now we come to the true meat and bones of this message. I am seeking collaborators of all kinds. Voice actors, composers, artists, and any wandering souls who feel the pull of this world. You are warmly invited. If the project calls to you, I would be delighted to speak and see where your talents might weave into the tapestry.

A brief synopsis:
A young man burdened with seemingly useless magic, a collection of ancient books, and the weight of his grandfather’s legendary legacy must find a way to save his brother—and restore the freedom of magical creatures from Tarrinia’s tyrannical ruler.

Getting involved:
Contact me here, or directly on Mastodon:
https://dragonwolfsp.com/social

Original demo (note: the story has changed significantly):
https://dragonwolfsp.com/blog/bwt-demmo/
#AudioDrama #VoiceActing #CastingCall #IndieAudio #AudioFiction
#Fantasy #FantasyAudio #FantasyWriters #IndieCreator #CreativeCollab
#IndiePodcast #AudioStory #MastodonCreators #FurryCreators #BlackwoodTales

Hello creatures and beings of the Fedilands!

I come to you with a request—or perhaps an offer, depending on how you choose to see it. A few months ago, I released a small audio-drama project based on three short fantasy stories I had written. At the time, I asked whether any of you might be interested in lending your voices to the endeavor. What I did not anticipate was the sheer wave of feedback and enthusiasm that followed its release.

There was, however, a shadow over that first incarnation. The project was born from a college writing class and bound tightly by length limits and an unforgiving timeline. Creative corners were cut. Wings were clipped before they could fully spread.

So now, encouraged by friends and kindred spirits, I have chosen to begin anew.

Blackwood Tales rises again.

The script for Episode One is complete, and Episode Two is already taking shape in the dark between the stars.

And now we come to the true meat and bones of this message. I am seeking collaborators of all kinds. Voice actors, composers, artists, and any wandering souls who feel the pull of this world. You are warmly invited. If the project calls to you, I would be delighted to speak and see where your talents might weave into the tapestry.

A brief synopsis:
A young man burdened with seemingly useless magic, a collection of ancient books, and the weight of his grandfather’s legendary legacy must find a way to save his brother—and restore the freedom of magical creatures from Tarrinia’s tyrannical ruler.

Getting involved:
Contact me here, or directly on Mastodon:
https://dragonwolfsp.com/social

Original demo (note: the story has changed significantly):
https://dragonwolfsp.com/blog/bwt-demmo/
#AudioDrama #VoiceActing #CastingCall #IndieAudio #AudioFiction
#Fantasy #FantasyAudio #FantasyWriters #IndieCreator #CreativeCollab
#IndiePodcast #AudioStory #MastodonCreators #FurryCreators #BlackwoodTales

Inkican Audio Production is now open for new audio projects from authors and creatives. Secure your slot and build something listeners will love. Reach out to sign up. #NowAvailable #AudioServices #IndieCreator #PodcastingLife

Inkican Audio Production is now open for new audio projects from authors and creatives. Secure your slot and build something listeners will love. Reach out to sign up. #NowAvailable #AudioServices #IndieCreator #PodcastingLife

Each Member could change my Life.
https://ko-fi.com/fennekfuchsi
https://patreon.com/fennekfuchsi

For just 3€ you could enjoy all comic pages with weekly updates, see Sketches I never post puplic, get a 15% discount on commisions (its only automatic on Ko-Fi but you can always contact me) and most important you help a small disabled Artist to pay living.

You can join for just 1€ too, this Members can see my Sketches but not the comic pages.

I am thankful for everything!
I am still far far away from my goal to be able to pay health insurance and therapy again.
Mostly I struggle to pay basic needs too.

Feed the Artist :blobfoxheartcute:

#kofi_membership #kofigoal #indiecreator #indiecomicartist #DisabledArtist #patreonartist #patreoncreator #patreon #mutualaid #MutualAidRequest #furryart #furryartist #comicartist

My Commissions are still OPEN
I am a small disabled Artist.
Art pays my living so its a really important income for me to be able to pay bills and not stay hungry.
https://ko-fi.com/fennekfuchsi
https://vgen.co/fennek

You can always contact me via Matrix too
@ fennekfuchs:matrix.org

I draw everything for you!
Anthro, Feral, Humans
I am OPEN for everything

I am thankful for every support and boost :blobfoxheartcute:

#furryart #furryartist #DisabledArtist #queerartist #comicartist #CommissionsOpen #vgencomm #vgenartist #vgenopen #KofiShop #kofigoal #kofimission #kofiartist #furrycommissions #furrycommissionsopen #indiecomicartist #indiecreator #feedtheartist

My Commissions are still OPEN
I am a small disabled Artist.
Art pays my living so its a really important income for me to be able to pay bills and not stay hungry.
https://ko-fi.com/fennekfuchsi
https://vgen.co/fennek

You can always contact me via Matrix too
@ fennekfuchs:matrix.org

I draw everything for you!
Anthro, Feral, Humans
I am OPEN for everything

I am thankful for every support and boost :blobfoxheartcute:

#furryart #furryartist #DisabledArtist #queerartist #comicartist #CommissionsOpen #vgencomm #vgenartist #vgenopen #KofiShop #kofigoal #kofimission #kofiartist #furrycommissions #furrycommissionsopen #indiecomicartist #indiecreator #feedtheartist

#birthdayvlog #23rdbirthday #lifeupdate #storytime #realtalk #quarterlifecrisis #selfreflection #selfimprovement #personalgrowth #mentalhealth #lonely #overwhelmed #creatorlife #contentcreator #smallcreator #indiecreator #filmmakerlife #aspiringfilmmaker #writerlife
2/3

🎹 New Music Resource for Creators!

I’ve just released the Tech & Science Corporate Bundle: 10 high-quality tracks designed for innovation-driven narratives, scientific documentaries, and modern corporate projects.

After years in big libraries, I’m moving towards Direct Licensing. Better for creators, better for composers. 🚀

🎧 Listen & License: https://payhip.com/b/nsZXu
🌐 Full Catalog: https://www.marccorominasp.com/en/

#MusicLicensing #Filmmaking #VideoEditing #Tech #Science #Composer #IndieCreator

🎹 New Music Resource for Creators!

I’ve just released the Tech & Science Corporate Bundle: 10 high-quality tracks designed for innovation-driven narratives, scientific documentaries, and modern corporate projects.

After years in big libraries, I’m moving towards Direct Licensing. Better for creators, better for composers. 🚀

🎧 Listen & License: https://payhip.com/b/nsZXu
🌐 Full Catalog: https://www.marccorominasp.com/en/

#MusicLicensing #Filmmaking #VideoEditing #Tech #Science #Composer #IndieCreator

Building Something From Nothing in a Film
Taking part of my past and turning it into a film that is interesting.
JZ Murdock
#Filmmaking #IndependentFilm #CreativeProcess #Storytelling #IndieCreator
https://jzmurdock.substack.com/p/building-something-from-nothing-in

🚨 NEW VIDEO: The Windows Exodus Has Begun.

2025 was the breaking point. Forced hardware retirement and intrusive AI have sparked a mass migration to GNU/Linux. In this video, I explore:

📈 The data behind the 3.20% Steam high.

🇪🇺 How the EU is saving millions by ditching Microsoft.

🛡️ Why 2026 is the year of Digital Sovereignty.

Stop fighting your OS. Start owning it.

🔴 Full Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLzdTgCXyRU

#TerminalTilt #WindowsExodus #Windows10 #Windows11 #Microsoft #WindowsEOL #Recall #Copilot #DigitalSovereignty #Privacy #DigitalPrivacy #NoAI #HumanMade #DeGoogle #EthicalTech #Autonomy #DataSovereignty #AntiSpyware #Telemetry #SurveillanceCapitalism #RightToPrivacy #Encryption #SoftwareFreedom #ExitWindows #Migration #LinuxGaming #GamingOnLinux #SteamDeck #Valve #Proton #Bazzite #SteamOS #HandheldGaming #PCGaming #ROGAlly #LegionGo #GamingCommunity #SteamHardwareSurvey #EWaste #Sustainability #RightToRepair #PlannedObsolescence #CircularEconomy #GreenTech #SaveThePC #Hardware #Environment #EUtech #PublicMoneyPublicCode #OpenStandards #SchleswigHolstein #GermanyTech #GovernmentIT #DigitalRights #Linux #GNUlinux #Debian #Trixie #FOSS #FLOSS #OpenSource #LibreOffice #Thunderbird #Nextcloud #SelfHosted #HomeLab #CLI #CommandLine #Terminal #Bash #FishShell #Dotfiles #SysAdmin #QueerTech #TransInTech #DisabledInTech #Accessibility #Queer #LGBTQIA #LGBT #HumanContent #ContentCreator #SmallYouTuber #SmallStreamer #YouTube #IndieCreator #SupportIndependent #LinuxUser #Tech #TechNews #OperatingSystems

No one tells you just how much work goes into a small YouTube channel. For me, Terminal Tilt is a labor of love, but it is a massive undertaking:

Research and Writing: This is the largest portion. Not just diving into topics, but finding ones truly worth your time.

Filming and Privacy: I have chosen a "headless" approach (screen-only). It respects my privacy and helps me manage the workload, but it still requires a lot of setup.

Voiceovers: This is the hardest part for me. Managing social anxiety while recording is a constant hurdle, but it is one I am getting better at with every video.

Editing: I am currently spending 8–12 hours per video (since last video). As I learn more techniques, the complexity grows, but so does the quality.

The small Stuff: Learning GIMP for thumbnails and managing promotion. Those little things really do add up.

I am disabled and currently navigating the long road to SSDI approval. My goal is to grow Terminal Tilt into something sustainable, a way to support myself while advocating for ethical, #NoAI, and #deGoogled technology. I am taking this seriously and I am having a lot of fun building this.

If you value independent, human-made tech content, there are a few ways to help keep the terminal open:

▶️ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TerminalTilt

🧡 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TerminalTilt

☕ Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/terminaltilt

Thank you all for the follows, the boosts, and the support. It means the world to have your backing as I build an independent channel focused on what actually works, not just what's trending.

#TerminalTilt #Linux #GNUlinux #OpenSource #FOSS #FLOSS #Tech #Privacy #CyberSecurity #DigitalPrivacy #Debian #CommandLine #CLI #Terminal #Bash #FishShell #Dotfiles #Debian #Trixie #QueerTech #TransInTech #DisabledInTech #Accessibility #NoAI #HumanMade #DeGoogle #EthicalTech #Autonomy #SysAdmin #SelfHosted #HomeLab #Queer #LGBTQIA #LGBT #YouTube #ContentCreator #SmallStreamer #LinuxUser #IndieCreator #SupportIndependent #Mullvad #MutualAid #DisabilityMutualAid #QueerMutualAid

104 - Bimod
Small but mighty, this dotbot is an adaptable and robust worker. It can be kitted out with various tools depending on the task needed. From chainsaws, gripping arms, spotlights and many more. Bimods are preferred in the arboriculture industry for their versatility, aiding in gathering resources and replanting efforts.
#mastoart #dotbots #dotbot #illustration #tcg #2ndgen #indieCreator

🚨 New home for my videos!
📺 devwithzachary.com now streaming ad-free via PeerTube
No YouTube. No ads. No tracking.

Support the project & help me keep it running:
❤️ patreon.com/DevWithZachary

#PeerTube #DevWithZachary #OpenSource #IndieCreator

Creator, @duskcomics, posted an idea for July called #INDIEpendence. An event to feature indie creators.
https://socel.net/@duskcomics/114740141655902341

I thought it was a wonderful idea to do. (Tho still a good idea to talk about indie creations throughout the year.) So I thought I would feature it. And, contribute to it thru July. I am compiling a list of Indie works I will sprinkle thru the month.

Feel free to recommend something. Or personally recommend using the hashtag.

#Indie #IndieCreator #IndieAnimation

How does this look and sound for #INDIEpendence ?

#indie #indiecomics #indiecreator

THE HIDDEN COSTS OF RUNNING A MICROBUSINESS ON WELFARE
May 18, 2025

Creating content online is not free. In 2024, I spent over €4,300 just to stay visible — while living on welfare and earning nothing. Domains, hosting, tools... Every cent went into surviving the algorithm. And even in 2025, after cutting everything, I’m still paying over €2,600 a year — with no revenue. This isn’t growth. This is the price of existing as an independent creator.
¯

_
WHY €0 REVENUE STILL COMES WITH A €4,300 BILL

People say creating content online is free. All you need is a computer, a phone, and a spark of inspiration. In reality, when you’re running a microbusiness with zero revenue while living on welfare, every tool, every hosting plan, every service becomes a loss-making investment — but one that’s necessary just to exist in the digital ecosystem. This isn’t about comfort or startup luxuries. It’s about the bare minimum required to appear professional: a website, a storefront, basic tools to publish content, and a presence convincing enough to answer the inevitable question from a potential sponsor: “Where can we find you?”
¯

_
THE RECURRING BASELINE

Here’s a realistic breakdown of my annual fixed costs:
– 7 domain names: €400/year
– WordPress hosting: €100/year
– Online store: €600/year
– Booking system: €250/year
¯

_
“SECONDARY” SERVICES (THAT ARE ANYTHING BUT)

What people often call “extras” are, in truth, just as essential for building a professional brand, creating content, and distributing it effectively:
– Brave VPN: €10/month
– Shutterstock (stock images): €50/year
– RadioBoss Cloud (self-hosted radio): €6/month (lifetime discounted rate)
– Internet: €35/month (€400/year — nearly a full month of welfare)
– ChatGPT (paid plan): €25/month
– Colorcinch (thumbnail design effects): €8/month
That doesn’t even include electricity (~€300/month) or rent — because they’re considered “vital” and don’t appear in business accounting, even if they’re non-negotiable.
¯

_
WHAT WE HAD TO CUT

Even with an already minimal setup, survival meant sacrificing tools:
– YouTube Premium: €25/month
– Weebly: €20/month (replaced with WordPress)
– Mobile app project: scrapped (licenses + updates + devs = unsustainable)
– Two domains dropped: hsl.show and housestation.live (saving €70/year)
– Fathom Analytics: €20/month → lost all stats from 2022 to 2024
– Captivate podcast hosting: €20/month
¯

_
WHAT WE REPLACED

YouTube was replaced by Infomaniak VOD, a Swiss-based platform costing €20/month. It wasn’t some anti-corporate stance. It was survival logic. We paid YouTube to boost our content — and then got buried by the algorithm just after. If paying doesn’t buy long-term visibility, what’s the point?
¯

_
FINAL THOUGHT

Even with no revenue and a completely stripped-down toolset, my business expenses still exceed €2,600 a year. Before cuts, that figure was over €4,300. And I’m living on welfare. This isn’t growth. This isn’t scaling. This is the cost of simply staying visible.
¯

_
||#HSLdiary #HSLmichael

#IndieCreator #Welfare #PlatformBias #YouTube #DigitalWork