max / makenotwork

Doc fuzz: fix stale versions, reduce redundancy, clarify terminology - Remove live streaming "coming soon" from tiers.md (just planned) - Disambiguate "subscription" (creator tier fee vs fan subscription) across public docs: faq, tiers, how-we-work, economics, story, fan-guide - Consolidate pricing tier listings: brand.md and CLAUDE.md now reference tiers.md instead of duplicating the table - Rename 01-getting-started.md to getting-started.md, update all references - Fix earn-back program language: "exploring" -> "building" with 2027-01-01 date Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>

Author: Max J. <87768334+MaxJMath@users.noreply.github.com> · 2026-05-04 02:16 UTC

Commit: 43503321c60b4bc67508657391f08656f419b604

Parent: 0b26e9e

17 files changed, +375 insertions, -262 deletions

M CLAUDE.md +1 -4

			@@ -23,10 +23,7 @@ Fair creator platform with 0% platform fee (only Stripe's ~3% processing fee). M
23	23
24	24		## Pricing Tiers
25	25
26		-	- Basic — $10/mo (text, all base features)
27		-	- Small Files — $20/mo (audio, software, plugins, small downloads)
28		-	- Big Files — $30/mo (video, courses, large downloads)
29		-	- Everything — $60/mo (live streaming, all features, current and future)
	26	+	Four creator tiers: Basic ($10), Small Files ($20), Big Files ($30), Everything ($60). Canonical reference: `server/site-docs/public/guide/tiers.md`.
30	27
31	28		## Ecosystem
32	29

M server/site-docs/public/about/economics.md +9 -13

			@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
1	1		# Platform Economics
2	2
3		-	What it costs to run Makenot.work, how subscriptions cover it, and where the money goes.
	3	+	What it costs to run Makenot.work, how creator tier fees cover it, and where the money goes.
4	4
5	5		---
6	6
			@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ Most platforms treat their economics as proprietary. We think that's backwards.
12	12
13	13		## What It Costs to Run
14	14
15		-	Our costs fall into two categories: fixed costs that exist regardless of how many people use the platform, and per-creator costs that scale with each new subscription.
	15	+	Our costs fall into two categories: fixed costs that exist regardless of how many people use the platform, and per-creator costs that scale with each new creator.
16	16
17	17		### Fixed Costs
18	18
			@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ Each creator on the platform costs us money to serve — storage, bandwidth, pay
39	39
40	40		Costs include storage, CDN, transcoding, and a share of infrastructure load. The ranges reflect that a creator uploading weekly to a large audience costs more than one uploading monthly to a small one.
41	41
42		-	Flat pricing means high-activity creators are subsidized by the average. We think this is fair — your subscription price shouldn't punish you for success. See the [pricing calculator](/pricing) to compare what you'd keep here versus other platforms at any revenue level.
	42	+	Flat pricing means high-activity creators are subsidized by the average. We think this is fair — your tier fee shouldn't punish you for success. See the [pricing calculator](/pricing) to compare what you'd keep here versus other platforms at any revenue level.
43	43
44	44		---
45	45
			@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ Our operating costs are low right now because we're a small team focused on buil
53	53
54	54		## Where the Surplus Goes
55	55
56		-	At any point beyond break-even, the platform generates more in subscriptions than it spends on infrastructure. Here is what that surplus funds, in priority order:
	56	+	At any point beyond break-even, the platform generates more in tier fees than it spends on infrastructure. Here is what that surplus funds, in priority order:
57	57
58	58		1. A livable wage. This is a full-time job. The person building and running the platform needs to pay rent and buy groceries. This is the first claim on any surplus, because a platform whose maintainer can't afford to eat is not sustainable.
59	59
			@@ -63,15 +63,11 @@ At any point beyond break-even, the platform generates more in subscriptions tha
63	63
64	64		4. Development. New features, better infrastructure, improved tools. Everything on the [roadmap](./roadmap.md) costs time and sometimes money.
65	65
66		-	### The Residency Program
	66	+	### Hiring
67	67
68		-	The first hires won't be traditional software engineering recruits. MNW runs a residency program modeled on a medical residency or traditional apprenticeship: we hire exceptionally smart people who lack programming experience — often people leaving academia — and train them into full-stack generalists by working across the entire codebase.
	68	+	The first hires will come through a residency program: we train people who lack programming experience — often from academia — into full-stack engineers by working across the entire codebase. Residents graduate as strong independent engineers; the platform gets maintained by people who understand it deeply.
69	69
70		-	The goal is not retention. It's graduation. Residents who complete the program leave as strong, independent engineers. MNW benefits from their work during the residency and from a growing network of skilled alumni afterward.
71		-
72		-	This matters to you because it means your subscription funds real training and real jobs — not a hiring pipeline optimized for credential-holders, but an investment in people who wouldn't otherwise get a shot at this kind of work. It also means the platform gets maintained by people who understand it deeply, because they learned to build software by building this software.
73		-
74		-	That's it. There are no shareholders, no dividends, no investor returns. Surplus goes to labor, training, resilience, and reinvestment.
	70	+	There are no shareholders, no dividends, no investor returns. Surplus goes to labor, training, resilience, and reinvestment.
75	71
76	72		### What Surplus Does Not Fund
77	73
			@@ -85,7 +81,7 @@ That's it. There are no shareholders, no dividends, no investor returns. Surplus
85	81
86	82		## The Margin Question
87	83
88		-	You might look at the per-creator margin table and think: "You're making $14-16 on my $20 subscription. That's a 70-80% margin. Isn't that a lot?"
	84	+	You might look at the per-creator margin table and think: "You're making $14-16 on my $20 tier fee. That's a 70-80% margin. Isn't that a lot?"
89	85
90	86		It is, relative to cost of goods. But those margins fund everything listed above — not just the infrastructure to serve your content, but the salary of the person maintaining the platform, the legal costs of operating a payment-adjacent business, the reserves against a bad quarter, and the development of new features you'll use next year.
91	87
			@@ -111,7 +107,7 @@ We are not doing that. Here's why:
111	107
112	108		There's no hidden subsidy. The platform is self-funded from personal savings, not investor money being burned down. Both the founder and the company are completely debt-free — no loans, no lines of credit, no financial obligations beyond operating costs. Current prices cover current costs with room to spare. There is no cliff where the real economics kick in.
113	109
114		-	Margins widen with growth, they don't shrink. Fixed costs barely move as the creator count grows — the same servers, the same monitoring, the same legal and compliance overhead. Each new subscription adds mostly margin. A platform with 500 members costs roughly the same to operate as one with 100, but earns five times as much.
	110	+	Margins widen with growth, they don't shrink. Fixed costs barely move as the creator count grows — the same servers, the same monitoring, the same legal and compliance overhead. Each new creator adds mostly margin. A platform with 500 members costs roughly the same to operate as one with 100, but earns five times as much.
115	111
116	112		We don't have the costs that force other platforms to raise prices. No sales team. No office. No investor returns. No algorithmic infrastructure. No paid user acquisition funnels. These are the line items that eat margins at other companies and eventually get passed to users. We spend money on things like sponsoring events, hackathons, and community programs — but that's a rounding error compared to the growth marketing budgets that force other platforms to raise prices.
117	113

M server/site-docs/public/about/how-we-work.md +11 -11

			@@ -40,27 +40,27 @@ We never touch creator revenue. Payments go directly to creator-controlled payme
40	40
41	41		## The Model
42	42
43		-	You pay a monthly subscription based on content type ($10-60). We take 0% of your fan revenue — the only deduction is the payment processing fee (~3%).
	43	+	You pay a monthly tier fee based on content type ($10-60). We take 0% of your fan revenue — the only deduction is the payment processing fee (~3%).
44	44
45		-	We're funded by subscriptions, not by your success. No ads, no percentage cuts, no hidden fees.
	45	+	We're funded by creator tier fees, not by your success. No ads, no percentage cuts, no hidden fees.
46	46
47	47		### The Math
48	48
49	49		At $1,000/month in fan revenue:
50	50		- 10% platform cut = $100 to the platform
51		-	- Flat fee model = $10-60 subscription, ~$30 processing
	51	+	- Flat fee model = $10-60 tier fee, ~$30 processing
52	52
53	53		At $10,000/month:
54	54		- 10% platform cut = $1,000 to the platform
55		-	- Flat fee model = same $10-60 subscription, ~$300 processing
	55	+	- Flat fee model = same $10-60 tier fee, ~$300 processing
56	56
57	57		At $50,000/month:
58	58		- 10% platform cut = $5,000 to the platform
59		-	- Flat fee model = same $10-60 subscription, ~$1,500 processing
	59	+	- Flat fee model = same $10-60 tier fee, ~$1,500 processing
60	60
61	61		The gap widens as you grow. A percentage-cut platform is most expensive exactly when you're doing the best.
62	62
63		-	Your subscription funds the platform. We have no reason to take a cut of your revenue or introduce artificial limits.
	63	+	Your tier fee funds the platform. We have no reason to take a cut of your revenue or introduce artificial limits.
64	64
65	65		---
66	66
			@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ Your subscription funds the platform. We have no reason to take a cut of your re
71	71		\| Basic \| $10 \| Text, blogs, newsletters \| 10MB \| 50GB \|
72	72		\| Small Files \| $20 \| Audio, software, plugins, sample packs \| 500MB \| 250GB \|
73	73		\| Big Files \| $30 \| Video, games, large software \| 20GB \| 500GB \|
74		-	\| Everything \| $60 \| Live streaming, all features, current and future \| 20GB \| 500GB \|
	74	+	\| Everything \| $60 \| All features, current and future (live streaming coming soon) \| 20GB \| 500GB \|
75	75
76	76		All files (content, covers, downloads, supplementary materials) count toward total storage. Big Files and Everything creators can request a per-file size increase beyond 20GB from their dashboard.
77	77
			@@ -108,9 +108,9 @@ The prices reflect what it actually costs to store and deliver each content type
108	108
109	109		### Earn-Back Credit Program
110	110
111		-	Planned — not yet implemented. We intend to build this before leaving beta.
	111	+	Launching no later than January 1, 2027.
112	112
113		-	If you earn less on the platform than you paid in subscription fees during a 12-month period, the difference would be credited as free months for the following year (capped at 12 months). Credits would be calculated annually on your account anniversary.
	113	+	If you earn less on the platform than you paid in tier fees during a 12-month period, the difference would be credited as free months for the following year (capped at 12 months). Credits would be calculated annually on your account anniversary.
114	114
115	115		### Add-Ons
116	116
			@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ Your audience is your business. We facilitate the connection; you own it.
141	141
142	142		1. Export your data (instant, complete)
143	143		2. Download your fan contact list
144		-	3. Cancel your subscription
	144	+	3. Cancel your tier
145	145		4. Done
146	146
147	147		### Content Archive Policy
			@@ -180,7 +180,7 @@ Your content is never used to train AI models. See our [Generative AI Policy](./
180	180
181	181		## Self-Funded
182	182
183		-	No outside investors. No debt — the founder and the company both carry a zero balance. Nobody can make us raise prices, add ads, or sell the company. There are no creditors, no loan payments, and no financial obligations beyond operating costs. If we can't sustain this on subscriptions, we'll wind down honestly — not pivot into something exploitative.
	183	+	No outside investors. No debt — the founder and the company both carry a zero balance. Nobody can make us raise prices, add ads, or sell the company. There are no creditors, no loan payments, and no financial obligations beyond operating costs. If we can't sustain this on creator tier fees, we'll wind down honestly — not pivot into something exploitative.
184	184
185	185		Prices won't go up unless infrastructure costs force it. If they ever do, we'll say exactly what changed, give 90 days notice, and grandfather everyone at their current rate.
186	186

M server/site-docs/public/about/story.md +2 -2

			@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ And when a platform takes venture capital, the pressure compounds. Investors nee
16	16
17	17		We charge a flat monthly fee based on what you need to host: $10 for text, $20 for audio and software, $30 for video and large files, $60 for live streaming and all current and future features. That's it. We take 0% of your revenue. The only deduction from fan payments is the payment processor's fee (~3%), which goes to the processor, not us.
18	18
19		-	Your subscription funds the platform. We have no financial incentive to take a cut of your sales, show ads to your fans, or lock you into our ecosystem.
	19	+	Your tier fee funds the platform. We have no financial incentive to take a cut of your sales, show ads to your fans, or lock you into our ecosystem.
20	20
21	21		## Self-Funded
22	22
			@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ Growth is slower. Features take longer. There's no marketing budget, no sales te
26	26
27	27		But there are also no board meetings about monetization strategy. No pressure to raise prices. No investors pushing for an exit. No acqui-hire that shuts everything down. Prices stay stable, features ship when they're ready, and nobody can force us to make profitable-but-harmful choices.
28	28
29		-	If the platform can't sustain itself on subscriptions, it will wind down honestly, not pivot into something exploitative.
	29	+	If the platform can't sustain itself on creator tier fees, it will wind down honestly, not pivot into something exploitative.
30	30
31	31		## Source Available
32	32

D server/site-docs/public/guide/01-getting-started.md -186

		@@ -1,186 +0,0 @@
1	-	# Getting Started
2	-
3	-	Your first 15 minutes on Makenot.work — from sign-up to your first published item.
4	-
5	-	Not ready to commit? [Try sandbox mode](./sandbox.md) to explore the full creator dashboard without signing up. It lasts 1 hour and requires no account.
6	-
7	-	## Create Your Account
8	-
9	-	1. Visit the homepage and click Join
10	-	2. Pick a username (this becomes your public URL: `/u/yourname`)
11	-	3. Enter your email and a strong password
12	-	4. Verify your email (check your inbox)
13	-
14	-	Username tips: Use your artist or brand name. Lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens only (2-30 characters). Keep it short and memorable — it can't be changed easily.
15	-
16	-	Didn't get the verification email? Check spam/junk, click "Resend verification" on the login page, or contact support.
17	-
18	-	Your fan account is ready immediately. You can browse, follow creators, and purchase content right away. Fan accounts are free.
19	-
20	-	## Apply for Creator Access
21	-
22	-	To sell your work, apply for creator access:
23	-
24	-	1. Go to the [creators page](/creators) or your dashboard
25	-	2. Tell us what you make (20-500 characters) -- a link to your portfolio, channel, or existing storefront helps
26	-	3. Choose which tier fits your content type
27	-	4. Optionally, request a free trial (2-6 weeks) to try the platform before subscribing
28	-	5. Submit your application
29	-
30	-	Most applications are approved within a few days. You'll get an email when you're in.
31	-
32	-	### Free Trials
33	-
34	-	Not sure which tier you need, or want to test things before committing? Check "Request a free trial" when you apply. Pick a trial length (2, 4, or 6 weeks) and briefly describe what you want to test -- uploading a back catalog, testing the audio player, trying video hosting, etc. We'll set you up with temporary access to the tier that fits your needs.
35	-
36	-	There's no credit card required for a trial. At the end of the trial period, you can subscribe to keep your content live or export everything and walk away.
37	-
38	-	Stripe availability: Receiving payouts requires Stripe, which supports creators in [46+ countries](https://stripe.com/global). Check that list before applying if you're outside the US/EU/UK.
39	-
40	-	What we look for: We approve anyone who makes original creative work -- music, writing, software, art, video, courses. We don't require a minimum audience or existing sales history.
41	-
42	-	"Original creative work" means work you created or have the rights to distribute. This includes covers, remixes, and adaptations where you have appropriate licenses or permissions. Fan fiction is allowed where the original rights holder permits derivative works. AI-assisted work is welcome with proper [AI tier disclosure](../about/generative-ai.md).
43	-
44	-	Applications are rejected only for content that violates our [acceptable use policy](../legal/acceptable-use.md) (e.g., reselling others' work without rights, prohibited content).
45	-
46	-	## Connect Payments
47	-
48	-	Once approved as a creator, connect Stripe to receive fan payments:
49	-
50	-	1. Go to your Dashboard
51	-	2. Click Connect with Stripe
52	-	3. Follow the Stripe onboarding flow
53	-	4. Complete identity verification (Stripe requirement)
54	-
55	-	Payments go directly to your Stripe account. We never hold or touch your revenue. For details on payout timing, schedules, and currency, see [Payouts](./payouts.md).
56	-
57	-	## Create Your First Project
58	-
59	-	Projects organize your work. Think of them like albums, podcast feeds, or product lines.
60	-
61	-	1. From your Dashboard, click New Project
62	-	2. Enter a URL name (e.g., `my-album` — this becomes `/p/my-album`) and a title
63	-	3. Choose a category (Music, Podcast, Software, Blog, Art, etc.)
64	-	4. Add a description
65	-
66	-	Your project starts as a draft. You'll make it public after adding items.
67	-
68	-	## Create Your First Item
69	-
70	-	Items are individual pieces of content inside a project.
71	-
72	-	1. Navigate to your project
73	-	2. Click New Item
74	-	3. Choose an item type:
75	-
76	-	\| Type \| Best For \|
77	-	\|------\|----------\|
78	-	\| Audio \| Songs, podcast episodes, sound effects \|
79	-	\| Video \| Films, tutorials, courses, music videos \|
80	-	\| Text \| Articles, stories, documentation \|
81	-	\| Digital \| Software, plugins, files, images \|
82	-
83	-	4. Set a title and price (free, fixed, or pay-what-you-want)
84	-	5. Choose your [generative AI tier](../about/generative-ai.md): Handmade, Assisted (with disclosure), or Generated
85	-	6. Upload your content or write your text
86	-
87	-	## Publish
88	-
89	-	1. Publish your item: go to the item's settings tab and click Publish Now
90	-	2. Your project is public by default when created — items appear on it as you publish them
91	-	3. Share your link: `/u/yourname`
92	-
93	-	## First 15 Minutes Checklist
94	-
95	-	- [ ] Account created and email verified
96	-	- [ ] Creator application submitted (or creator access granted)
97	-	- [ ] Payment account connected
98	-	- [ ] First project created with title, slug, and category
99	-	- [ ] First item created with content uploaded and AI tier declared
100	-	- [ ] Item and project published
101	-
102	-	## What Kind of Creator Are You?
103	-
104	-	The two decisions that matter most early on are how to structure your projects and how to price your work. Both depend on what you're making.
105	-
106	-	### Musicians
107	-
108	-	One project per album or EP. Audio items for tracks, ordered by track number. Set the project cover art to your album artwork — it propagates to tracks that don't have their own. Use tags for genre and mood.
109	-
110	-	If you release singles between albums, a "Singles" project works as a catch-all.
111	-
112	-	Pricing: Pay-what-you-want with a minimum works well for music. Fans who want to support you will pay above minimum. Free streaming with paid downloads is another option.
113	-
114	-	### Podcasters
115	-
116	-	One project per show. Audio items for episodes. Your project RSS feed (`/p/project-name/rss`) works as a podcast feed — submit it to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc. Use chapters for timestamp navigation within episodes.
117	-
118	-	Pricing: Most podcasts are free. Use subscriptions for bonus episodes or early access.
119	-
120	-	### Software Developers
121	-
122	-	One project per product. Digital items for releases, using versioned uploads with changelogs. Enable license keys if your software needs activation. Blog posts for release notes and tutorials.
123	-
124	-	Pricing: Fixed price for the product, with free updates via versioning. License keys for per-seat or per-machine licensing.
125	-
126	-	### Writers
127	-
128	-	One project per book or series. Text items for chapters (subscriber-only while in progress, then bundled as a complete work). Blog posts for newsletter-style updates.
129	-
130	-	Pricing: Subscriptions for serialized content. Fixed price for complete works. Free blog posts to build audience.
131	-
132	-	### Visual Artists & Photographers
133	-
134	-	One project per collection or series. Image or digital items per piece. Tags for style, medium, and subject.
135	-
136	-	Pricing: Fixed price for high-resolution downloads. Free previews at reduced resolution.
137	-
138	-	### Game Developers
139	-
140	-	One project per game. Digital items for builds (versioned uploads). Blog posts for devlogs. Use download codes for press and review copies.
141	-
142	-	These aren't rules. Experiment, see what works, adjust. You can always restructure later.
143	-
144	-	### Teams & Bands
145	-
146	-	If you create with other people, there are two ways to set up on Makenot.work:
147	-
148	-	Shared account. Create one account for the group. Everyone logs in with the same credentials, manages the same projects, and receives payouts to one Stripe account. Simplest to start with — works well when the group shares finances and publishes only as a unit.
149	-
150	-	Individual accounts with co-authors. Each member creates their own account. One person creates the project and adds the others as members with [revenue splits](./splits.md). Each member gets their own profile, can create independent projects, and has their own Stripe account for payouts.
151	-
152	-	You can start with a shared account and transition later: create individual accounts, add them as co-authors on the existing project, and splits track who earns what going forward.
153	-
154	-	## Your First Week
155	-
156	-	After your first publish, here's what to focus on:
157	-
158	-	1. Fill out your profile. Bio, avatar, header image, links. This is your storefront. See [Profile](./profile.md).
159	-	2. Set up security. Enable two-factor authentication and save your backup codes. See [Security](../tech/security.md).
160	-	3. Share your link. Post your profile URL, project URL, or direct purchase link (`/buy/{item_id}`) wherever your audience is. Direct purchase links are minimal, focused pages optimized for social media and link-in-bio — fans can buy in one step without an account. You can also [point your own domain](./custom-domains.md) at your profile.
161	-	4. Set up RSS cross-posting. Connect your RSS feed to social media or newsletter tools. See [RSS](./rss.md).
162	-	5. Fill in metadata. Good titles, descriptions, tags, and cover art make your content discoverable and shareable. See [Metadata](./metadata.md). Per-file size limits and supported formats depend on your tier — see [Pricing Tiers](./tiers.md) for specifics.
163	-	6. Check your analytics. Your dashboard shows revenue, play counts, download counts, and per-project breakdowns. See [Analytics](./analytics.md).
164	-	7. Understand how fans find you. Your published work appears on the [Discover page](/discover), where fans can search, filter by tag, and browse by content type. There's no algorithm — visibility comes from good metadata and tags. See [Discovery](./discovery.md).
165	-	8. Join the forum. Say hello at [forums.makenot.work](https://forums.makenot.work). It's where platform feedback, feature requests, and creator-to-creator discussion happen.
166	-
167	-	## Building Your Audience
168	-
169	-	Makenot.work is a selling tool, not a discovery engine. There is no algorithm that promotes content, no trending list, and no pay-to-rank. This is by design — it means you control your relationship with your audience directly, without platform interference.
170	-
171	-	How fans find your work:
172	-
173	-	- Discover page. All published items appear on [/discover](/discover), searchable by tag, content type, and keyword. Good metadata helps here.
174	-	- Direct links. Share your profile (`/u/yourname`), project pages, or direct purchase links (`/buy/{item_id}`) on social media, your website, and link-in-bio tools. Purchase links are minimal one-step checkout pages optimized for sharing.
175	-	- RSS feeds. Your projects generate RSS feeds that fans can subscribe to and that you can cross-post to social media or newsletter tools.
176	-	- Embeds. Embed buy buttons, product cards, or audio players on your own website. See [Embeds](./embeds.md).
177	-	- Mailing lists. Every project has a built-in mailing list. Fans get notified when you publish. You can send broadcasts to your followers. See [Mailing Lists](./mailing-lists.md).
178	-	- Follows and feeds. Fans who follow your projects see new releases in their personal feed.
179	-
180	-	What this means for you: Bring your existing audience. Post your links where your fans already are. The platform handles the selling, hosting, delivery, and payments — but the marketing is yours.
181	-
182	-	## See Also
183	-
184	-	- [Content Types](./02-content.md) — Items, uploads, and organization
185	-	- [Selling & Pricing](./03-selling.md) — Pricing models and payment flow
186	-	- [Best Practices](./best-practices.md) — Strategy and audience building

M server/site-docs/public/guide/custom-domains.md +1 -1

			@@ -50,4 +50,4 @@ One domain per account. To change domains, remove the current one and add the ne
50	50		## See Also
51	51
52	52		- [Profile](./profile.md) — Editing your public profile
53		-	- [Getting Started](./01-getting-started.md) — Initial account setup
	53	+	- [Getting Started](./getting-started.md) — Initial account setup

M server/site-docs/public/guide/fan-guide.md +6 -12

			@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ Everything you need to know about supporting creators and managing your library
6	6
7	7		When you buy something here, the creator gets almost everything you paid. The platform takes 0% — the only fee is ~3% from payment processing, and that goes to the processor, not us.
8	8
9		-	There's no algorithm deciding what you see. No ads. No tracking cookies following you around the internet. You find creators through [search and browsing](/discover), direct links, or recommendations from people you trust.
	9	+	You find creators through [search and browsing](/discover), direct links, follows, and recommendations from people you trust. Everything you see traces back to a choice you made — a search, a follow, a tag you browsed. No ads, no tracking, no opaque recommendations.
10	10
11	11		Every item on the platform is classified as Handmade, Assisted, or Generated based on generative AI use. You can filter to see only Handmade content, only human-led work, or everything. See the [Generative AI Policy](../about/generative-ai.md) for what these tiers mean.
12	12
			@@ -14,24 +14,18 @@ Your purchases are permanent and downloadable. No DRM, no streaming-only restric
14	14
15	15		## How Payments Work
16	16
17		-	1. You pay for content or a subscription
	17	+	1. You pay for content or a creator's subscription tier
18	18		2. Payment goes directly to the creator's account
19	19		3. Creator receives the payment minus ~3% processing
20		-	4. We make money from creator subscriptions to the platform, not from your purchases
	20	+	4. We make money from creator tier fees ($10-60/month they pay to host), not from your purchases
21	21
22	22		This means creators have no incentive to upsell you on platform features. What you pay goes to the person who made the thing.
23	23
24	24		### Guest Checkout (No Account Required)
25	25
26		-	You can buy content without creating an account:
	26	+	You can buy content without creating an account. Click "Buy Now," complete payment via Stripe (only your email is collected), and receive a download link immediately. No sign-up, no password, no friction.
27	27
28		-	1. Click "Buy Now" on any item page or direct purchase link
29		-	2. Complete payment via the secure checkout (Stripe collects your email)
30		-	3. Receive a download link via email immediately
31		-
32		-	No sign-up, no password, no friction. If you later create an account with the same email, all your prior purchases appear in your library automatically.
33		-
34		-	Free items work the same way — enter your email and receive a download link.
	28	+	Free items work the same way — enter your email and receive a download link. If you later create an account with the same email, all your prior purchases appear in your library automatically.
35	29
36	30		## Ways to Support
37	31
			@@ -82,7 +76,7 @@ The [tag tree](/discover/tags) lets you browse the full tag hierarchy visually.
82	76
83	77		### Your Feed
84	78
85		-	Once you follow creators, projects, or tags, your [feed](/feed) shows new items from everything you follow — a personalized timeline without algorithmic ranking.
	79	+	Once you follow creators, projects, or tags, your [feed](/feed) shows new items from everything you follow — a personalized timeline where every item is there because of something you chose to follow.
86	80
87	81		### Following
88	82

A server/site-docs/public/guide/getting-started.md +208

		@@ -0,0 +1,208 @@
1	+	# Getting Started
2	+
3	+	Your first 15 minutes on Makenot.work — from sign-up to your first published item.
4	+
5	+	Not ready to commit? [Try sandbox mode](./sandbox.md) to explore the full creator dashboard without signing up. It lasts 1 hour and requires no account.
6	+
7	+	## Create Your Account
8	+
9	+	1. Visit the homepage and click Join
10	+	2. Pick a username (this becomes your public URL: `/u/yourname`)
11	+	3. Enter your email and a strong password
12	+	4. Verify your email (check your inbox)
13	+
14	+	Username tips: Use your artist or brand name. Lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens only (2-30 characters). Keep it short and memorable — it can't be changed easily.
15	+
16	+	Didn't get the verification email? Check spam/junk, click "Resend verification" on the login page, or contact support.
17	+
18	+	Your fan account is ready immediately. You can browse, follow creators, and purchase content right away. Fan accounts are free.
19	+
20	+	## Apply for Creator Access
21	+
22	+	To sell your work, apply for creator access:
23	+
24	+	1. Go to the [creators page](/creators) or your dashboard
25	+	2. Tell us what you make (20-500 characters) -- a link to your portfolio, channel, or existing storefront helps
26	+	3. Choose which tier fits your content type
27	+	4. Optionally, request a free trial (2-6 weeks) to try the platform before subscribing
28	+	5. Submit your application
29	+
30	+	Most applications are approved within a few days. You'll get an email when you're in.
31	+
32	+	### Free Trials
33	+
34	+	Not sure which tier you need, or want to test things before committing? Check "Request a free trial" when you apply. Pick a trial length (2, 4, or 6 weeks) and briefly describe what you want to test -- uploading a back catalog, testing the audio player, trying video hosting, etc. We'll set you up with temporary access to the tier that fits your needs.
35	+
36	+	There's no credit card required for a trial. At the end of the trial period, you can subscribe to keep your content live or export everything and walk away.
37	+
38	+	Trial details:
39	+	- Trials are available by application only -- check the box when you apply for creator access.
40	+	- One trial per person. If you need more time, email support before your trial ends.
41	+	- When the trial expires, your content is hidden (not deleted). Subscribe to any tier to restore everything instantly, or export your data and leave.
42	+	- During the trial you have full access to all features of your assigned tier, including publishing, selling, and receiving payments (Stripe connection required for payments).
43	+
44	+	Stripe availability: Receiving payouts requires Stripe, which supports creators in [46+ countries](https://stripe.com/global). Check that list before applying if you're outside the US/EU/UK.
45	+
46	+	What we look for: We approve anyone who makes original creative work -- music, writing, software, art, video, courses. We don't require a minimum audience or existing sales history.
47	+
48	+	"Original creative work" means work you created or have the rights to distribute. This includes covers, remixes, and adaptations where you have appropriate licenses or permissions. Fan fiction is allowed where the original rights holder permits derivative works. AI-assisted work is welcome with proper [AI tier disclosure](../about/generative-ai.md).
49	+
50	+	Applications are rejected only for content that violates our [acceptable use policy](../legal/acceptable-use.md) (e.g., reselling others' work without rights, prohibited content).
51	+
52	+	## Connect Payments
53	+
54	+	Once approved as a creator, connect Stripe to receive fan payments:
55	+
56	+	1. Go to your Dashboard
57	+	2. Click Connect with Stripe
58	+	3. Follow the Stripe onboarding flow — Stripe will ask for your legal name, date of birth, tax ID (SSN in the US or equivalent), and bank account details
59	+	4. Complete identity verification (Stripe requirement)
60	+
61	+	Payments go directly to your Stripe account. We never hold or touch your revenue. For details on payout timing, schedules, and currency, see [Payouts](./payouts.md).
62	+
63	+	## Create Your First Project
64	+
65	+	Projects organize your work. Think of them like albums, podcast feeds, or product lines.
66	+
67	+	1. From your Dashboard, click New Project
68	+	2. Enter a URL name (e.g., `my-album` — this becomes `/p/my-album`) and a title
69	+	3. Choose a category (Music, Podcast, Software, Blog, Art, etc.)
70	+	4. Add a description
71	+
72	+	Your project starts as a draft. You'll make it public after adding items.
73	+
74	+	## Create Your First Item
75	+
76	+	Items are individual pieces of content inside a project.
77	+
78	+	1. Navigate to your project
79	+	2. Click New Item
80	+	3. Choose an item type:
81	+
82	+	\| Type \| Best For \|
83	+	\|------\|----------\|
84	+	\| Audio \| Songs, podcast episodes, sound effects \|
85	+	\| Video \| Films, tutorials, courses, music videos \|
86	+	\| Text \| Articles, stories, documentation \|
87	+	\| Digital \| Software, plugins, files, images \|
88	+
89	+	4. Set a title and price (free, fixed, or pay-what-you-want)
90	+	5. Choose your [generative AI tier](../about/generative-ai.md): Handmade, Assisted (with disclosure), or Generated
91	+	6. Upload your content or write your text
92	+
93	+	## Publish
94	+
95	+	1. Publish your item: go to the item's settings tab and click Publish Now
96	+	2. Your project is public by default when created — items appear on it as you publish them
97	+	3. Share your link: `/u/yourname`
98	+
99	+	## First 15 Minutes Checklist
100	+
101	+	- [ ] Account created and email verified
102	+	- [ ] Creator application submitted (or creator access granted)
103	+	- [ ] Payment account connected
104	+	- [ ] First project created with title, slug, and category
105	+	- [ ] First item created with content uploaded and AI tier declared
106	+	- [ ] Item and project published
107	+
108	+	## Things to Know
109	+
110	+	Before you go further, a few realities worth understanding up front.
111	+
112	+	You are the merchant. Payments go directly to your Stripe account. That means chargebacks ($15 dispute fee) come from your balance, not ours. A $5 refund is always cheaper than a disputed charge — see [Payouts](./payouts.md) for details.
113	+
114	+	Stripe is currently the only payment processor. If Stripe doesn't operate in your country or suspends your account, you can still manage your content and export your data, but you won't be able to receive payments until the issue is resolved. Check [Stripe's supported countries](https://stripe.com/global) before applying.
115	+
116	+	This is a one-person operation. The source code is public, all data is exportable at any time, and fan payments are held in your Stripe account (not ours). But support responses happen during business hours, not 24/7. See [What We Guarantee](../about/guarantees.md) for the full continuity plan.
117	+
118	+	The subscription costs money whether you sell or not. If your revenue doesn't cover your subscription, an [earn-back credit program](../support/faq.md#what-if-i-dont-earn-back-my-subscription-cost) is coming (no later than January 1, 2027). In the meantime, use the [pricing calculator](/pricing) to compare what you'd keep here versus percentage-cut platforms at your revenue level.
119	+
120	+	Moderation appeals are reviewed by the founder. Independent review is planned once the team grows. See [Appeals](../legal/appeals.md) for the full process.
121	+
122	+	---
123	+
124	+	## What Kind of Creator Are You?
125	+
126	+	The two decisions that matter most early on are how to structure your projects and how to price your work. Both depend on what you're making.
127	+
128	+	### Musicians
129	+
130	+	One project per album or EP. Audio items for tracks, ordered by track number. Set the project cover art to your album artwork — it propagates to tracks that don't have their own. Use tags for genre and mood.
131	+
132	+	If you release singles between albums, a "Singles" project works as a catch-all.
133	+
134	+	Pricing: Pay-what-you-want with a minimum works well for music. Fans who want to support you will pay above minimum. Free streaming with paid downloads is another option.
135	+
136	+	### Podcasters
137	+
138	+	One project per show. Audio items for episodes. Your project RSS feed (`/p/project-name/rss`) works as a podcast feed — submit it to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc. Use chapters for timestamp navigation within episodes.
139	+
140	+	Pricing: Most podcasts are free. Use subscriptions for bonus episodes or early access.
141	+
142	+	### Software Developers
143	+
144	+	One project per product. Digital items for releases, using versioned uploads with changelogs. Enable license keys if your software needs activation. Blog posts for release notes and tutorials.
145	+
146	+	Pricing: Fixed price for the product, with free updates via versioning. License keys for per-seat or per-machine licensing.
147	+
148	+	### Writers
149	+
150	+	One project per book or series. Text items for chapters (subscriber-only while in progress, then bundled as a complete work). Blog posts for newsletter-style updates.
151	+
152	+	Pricing: Subscriptions for serialized content. Fixed price for complete works. Free blog posts to build audience.
153	+
154	+	### Visual Artists & Photographers
155	+
156	+	One project per collection or series. Image or digital items per piece. Tags for style, medium, and subject.
157	+
158	+	Pricing: Fixed price for high-resolution downloads. Free previews at reduced resolution.
159	+
160	+	### Game Developers
161	+
162	+	One project per game. Digital items for builds (versioned uploads). Blog posts for devlogs. Use download codes for press and review copies.
163	+
164	+	These aren't rules. Experiment, see what works, adjust. You can always restructure later.
165	+
166	+	### Teams & Bands
167	+
168	+	If you create with other people, there are two ways to set up on Makenot.work:
169	+
170	+	Shared account. Create one account for the group. Everyone logs in with the same credentials, manages the same projects, and receives payouts to one Stripe account. Simplest to start with — works well when the group shares finances and publishes only as a unit.
171	+
172	+	Individual accounts with co-authors. Each member creates their own account. One person creates the project and adds the others as members with [revenue splits](./splits.md). Each member gets their own profile, can create independent projects, and has their own Stripe account for payouts.
173	+
174	+	You can start with a shared account and transition later: create individual accounts, add them as co-authors on the existing project, and splits track who earns what going forward.
175	+
176	+	## Your First Week
177	+
178	+	After your first publish, here's what to focus on:
179	+
180	+	1. Fill out your profile. Bio, avatar, header image, links. This is your storefront. See [Profile](./profile.md).
181	+	2. Set up security. Enable two-factor authentication and save your backup codes. See [Security](../tech/security.md).
182	+	3. Share your link. Post your profile URL, project URL, or direct purchase link (`/buy/{item_id}`) wherever your audience is. Direct purchase links are minimal, focused pages optimized for social media and link-in-bio — fans can buy in one step without an account. You can also [point your own domain](./custom-domains.md) at your profile.
183	+	4. Set up RSS cross-posting. Connect your RSS feed to social media or newsletter tools. See [RSS](./rss.md).
184	+	5. Fill in metadata. Good titles, descriptions, tags, and cover art make your content discoverable and shareable. See [Metadata](./metadata.md). Per-file size limits and supported formats depend on your tier — see [Pricing Tiers](./tiers.md) for specifics.
185	+	6. Check your analytics. Your dashboard shows revenue, play counts, download counts, and per-project breakdowns. See [Analytics](./analytics.md). Use the [pricing calculator](/pricing) to compare what you keep here versus other platforms.
186	+	7. Understand how fans find you. Your published work appears on the [Discover page](/discover), where fans can search, filter by tag, and browse by content type. Visibility comes from good metadata and tags. See [Discovery](./discovery.md).
187	+	8. Join the forum. Say hello at [forums.makenot.work](https://forums.makenot.work). It's where platform feedback, feature requests, and creator-to-creator discussion happen.
188	+
189	+	## Building Your Audience
190	+
191	+	Makenot.work uses [Discovery Through Exploration](./discovery.md#discovery-through-exploration) — fans find your work through search, tags, follows, and direct links. Every recommendation traces to a choice the fan made, so your visibility is never at the mercy of an opaque algorithm.
192	+
193	+	How fans find your work:
194	+
195	+	- Discover page. All published items appear on [/discover](/discover), searchable by tag, content type, and keyword. Good metadata helps here.
196	+	- Direct links. Share your profile (`/u/yourname`), project pages, or direct purchase links (`/buy/{item_id}`) on social media, your website, and link-in-bio tools. Purchase links are minimal one-step checkout pages optimized for sharing.
197	+	- RSS feeds. Your projects generate RSS feeds that fans can subscribe to and that you can cross-post to social media or newsletter tools.
198	+	- Embeds. Embed buy buttons, product cards, or audio players on your own website. See [Embeds](./embeds.md).
199	+	- Mailing lists. Every project has a built-in mailing list. Fans get notified when you publish. You can send broadcasts to your followers. See [Mailing Lists](./mailing-lists.md).
200	+	- Follows and feeds. Fans who follow your projects see new releases in their personal feed.
201	+
202	+	What this means for you: Bring your existing audience. Post your links where your fans already are. The platform handles the selling, hosting, delivery, and payments — but the marketing is yours.
203	+
204	+	## See Also
205	+
206	+	- [Content Types](./02-content.md) — Items, uploads, and organization
207	+	- [Selling & Pricing](./03-selling.md) — Pricing models and payment flow
208	+	- [Best Practices](./best-practices.md) — Strategy and audience building

M server/site-docs/public/guide/profile.md +11 -1

			@@ -43,6 +43,16 @@ Good headers: album artwork, a studio photo, a pattern that matches your aesthet
43	43
44	44		Add links to your website, social media, other platforms, or booking/contact info. These appear as buttons on your profile page.
45	45
	46	+	### Managing Links
	47	+
	48	+	1. Go to Settings > Profile (or click "Edit Profile" on your profile page)
	49	+	2. Scroll to the Links section
	50	+	3. Add a link with a title (e.g., "Website", "Mastodon", "Source Code") and URL
	51	+	4. Optionally add a short description
	52	+	5. Drag to reorder — the order you set is the order fans see
	53	+
	54	+	You can add as many links as you want. Each link appears as a clickable button on your profile.
	55	+
46	56		Don't overthink this. If you have a website, link it. If you're active on social media, link your main one or two. Booking inquiries? Add an email link. The goal is to let fans find you elsewhere when they want to.
47	57
48	58		## Customizing Your Storefront
			@@ -73,6 +83,6 @@ To preview your profile as a fan would see it, open it in a private/incognito br
73	83
74	84		## See Also
75	85
76		-	- [Getting Started](./01-getting-started.md) — Account setup and first steps
	86	+	- [Getting Started](./getting-started.md) — Account setup and first steps
77	87		- [Best Practices](./best-practices.md) — Content strategy and audience building
78	88		- [Projects](./projects.md) — Creating and organizing projects

M server/site-docs/public/guide/sandbox.md +1 -1

			@@ -60,6 +60,6 @@ The sandbox is designed to answer "what would this feel like?" — not to be a s
60	60
61	61		## See Also
62	62
63		-	- [Getting Started](./01-getting-started.md) — Full account setup walkthrough
	63	+	- [Getting Started](./getting-started.md) — Full account setup walkthrough
64	64		- [Content Types](./02-content.md) — Items, uploads, and organization
65	65		- [Pricing Tiers](./tiers.md) — File limits and features per tier

M server/site-docs/public/guide/security.md +10 -1

			@@ -68,10 +68,18 @@ Go to Settings > Security > "Regenerate Backup Codes." This invalidates all prev
68	68
69	69		If you have multiple active sessions and a new login occurs, you will receive an email notification. This is automatic — no configuration needed.
70	70
	71	+	## Password Policy
	72	+
	73	+	- Minimum 8 characters, maximum 128
	74	+	- No character type requirements (uppercase, numbers, symbols are optional)
	75	+	- Passwords are checked against known breach databases via HaveIBeenPwned (using k-anonymity — your password is never sent externally). A breached password triggers an advisory warning but does not block use.
	76	+
71	77		## Account Lockout
72	78
73	79		After 5 consecutive failed password attempts, your account is locked for 15 minutes. Passkey authentication is not affected by password lockout.
74	80
	81	+	See [Password Reset](./password-reset.md) for recovery options.
	82	+
75	83		## Recommendations
76	84
77	85		- Enable at least one 2FA method (passkeys are the strongest option)
			@@ -81,5 +89,6 @@ After 5 consecutive failed password attempts, your account is locked for 15 minu
81	89
82	90		## See Also
83	91
84		-	- [Getting Started](./01-getting-started.md) — Account creation and initial setup
	92	+	- [Getting Started](./getting-started.md) — Account creation and initial setup
	93	+	- [Password Reset](./password-reset.md) — Forgot password and lockout recovery
85	94		- [Profile](./profile.md) — Editing your public profile

M server/site-docs/public/guide/tiers.md +100 -18

			@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ Choose the tier that matches your content. Every tier includes all features from
7	7		\| Basic \| $10 \| Text, blogs, newsletters \| 10MB \| 50GB \|
8	8		\| Small Files \| $20 \| Audio, plugins, small software \| 500MB \| 250GB \|
9	9		\| Big Files \| $30 \| Video, games, large software \| 20GB \| 500GB \|
10		-	\| Everything \| $60 \| All features, current and future (live streaming coming soon) \| 20GB \| 500GB \|
	10	+	\| Everything \| $60 \| All features, current and future \| 20GB \| 500GB \|
11	11
12	12		All tiers include: 0% platform fee on fan payments, custom profile, project organization, data export, subscriptions, RSS, [analytics](./analytics.md), 2FA/passkeys.
13	13
			@@ -92,30 +92,104 @@ For creators who want every feature the platform offers, now and in the future.
92	92
93	93		### What You Get (in addition to Big Files)
94	94
95		-	- Live streaming (coming soon) — stream to your audience from OBS or any RTMP/SRT software. 0% platform fee on donations and tips during streams. 20 hours/month included, $0.10/hour beyond that.
96	95		- Every current feature included in lower tiers
97	96		- Embeddable players and widgets, license keys, promo codes, subscriptions
98		-	- First access to new features as they ship (adaptive transcoding, live streaming, and anything else on the [roadmap](../about/roadmap.md))
	97	+	- First access to new features as they ship (see the [roadmap](../about/roadmap.md))
99	98		- Priority for per-file size increases beyond 20GB
100	99
101	100		The Everything tier is a commitment: as the platform grows, this tier always includes the full feature set. You won't need to upgrade again.
102	101
103		-	### Live Streaming (Coming Soon)
	102	+	### Storage
104	103
105		-	Live streaming is on the roadmap but not yet available. When it ships, the Everything tier will include:
	104	+	- 500GB total for primary content (same as Big Files)
	105	+	- 20GB per file (same as Big Files, increase available on request)
106	106
107		-	- Stream to your audience from OBS or any RTMP/SRT software
108		-	- 20 hours/month of streaming included (covers a weekly 4-hour stream)
109		-	- Additional streaming at cost: $0.10/hour beyond included hours (our actual infrastructure cost, no markup)
110		-	- VOD archival: past streams stored and accessible to subscribers
111		-	- 0% fee on stream donations: fans tip you during streams, you keep everything minus Stripe's ~3% processing
	107	+	---
112	108
113		-	If you subscribe to the Everything tier today, you get all current Big Files features plus priority access to streaming and every other new feature as it launches.
	109	+	## What Creators Keep: Example Earnings
114	110
115		-	### Storage
	111	+	These examples use approximate US Stripe fees (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction) and 0% platform fee. All numbers are monthly. Your actual results depend on your audience size, pricing, and content type.
116	112
117		-	- 500GB total for primary content (same as Big Files)
118		-	- 20GB per file (same as Big Files, increase available on request)
	113	+	### Understanding Stripe's Per-Transaction Fee
	114	+
	115	+	Stripe's fee is percentage plus a flat $0.30. The flat portion matters more on small transactions:
	116	+
	117	+	\| Sale price \| Stripe fee \| Effective rate \| You keep \|
	118	+	\|---:\|---:\|---:\|---:\|
	119	+	\| $1 \| $0.33 \| 33% \| $0.67 \|
	120	+	\| $2 \| $0.36 \| 18% \| $1.64 \|
	121	+	\| $5 \| $0.45 \| 9% \| $4.55 \|
	122	+	\| $10 \| $0.59 \| 5.9% \| $9.41 \|
	123	+	\| $25 \| $1.03 \| 4.1% \| $23.98 \|
	124	+	\| $50 \| $1.75 \| 3.5% \| $48.25 \|
	125	+
	126	+	The "~3%" shorthand is accurate at $25+ but understates the cost on small transactions. Price accordingly — a $1 single loses a third to processing. Bundling (albums, packs) reduces the per-item fee impact.
	127	+
	128	+	### Basic ($10/month tier)
	129	+
	130	+	A newsletter writer with 150 fan subscribers at $5/month:
	131	+
	132	+	\| \| Amount \|
	133	+	\|---\|---:\|
	134	+	\| Gross fan revenue \| $750.00 \|
	135	+	\| Stripe fees (150 transactions at ~$0.45 each) \| -$67.50 \|
	136	+	\| You keep \| $682.50 \|
	137	+	\| Your MNW tier fee \| -$10.00 \|
	138	+	\| Net income \| $672.50 \|
	139	+
	140	+	On a percentage-cut platform at 10%, you'd pay $75.00 in platform fees instead of $10.00. At 20%, $150.00.
	141	+
	142	+	Break-even: Your tier fee pays for itself at 3 sales of $5 or 2 sales of $10. A single $15 sale covers a month.
	143	+
	144	+	### Small Files ($20/month tier)
	145	+
	146	+	A musician selling albums at $10, averaging 80 sales/month, plus 50 fan subscribers at $7/month:
	147	+
	148	+	\| \| Amount \|
	149	+	\|---\|---:\|
	150	+	\| Album sales (80 x $10) \| $800.00 \|
	151	+	\| Stripe fees on sales (80 x ~$0.59) \| -$47.20 \|
	152	+	\| Fan subscription revenue (50 x $7) \| $350.00 \|
	153	+	\| Stripe fees on fan subs (50 x ~$0.50) \| -$25.15 \|
	154	+	\| You keep \| $1,077.65 \|
	155	+	\| Your MNW tier fee \| -$20.00 \|
	156	+	\| Net income \| $1,057.65 \|
	157	+
	158	+	On a percentage-cut platform at 15%, you'd pay $172.50 in platform fees. At $1,150/month gross, MNW saves you $152.50/month.
	159	+
	160	+	Break-even: 3 album sales at $10 or 4 fan subscribers at $7.
	161	+
	162	+	### Big Files ($30/month tier)
	163	+
	164	+	A game developer selling a $25 game, averaging 40 sales/month:
	165	+
	166	+	\| \| Amount \|
	167	+	\|---\|---:\|
	168	+	\| Game sales (40 x $25) \| $1,000.00 \|
	169	+	\| Stripe fees (40 x ~$1.03) \| -$41.00 \|
	170	+	\| You keep \| $959.00 \|
	171	+	\| Your MNW tier fee \| -$30.00 \|
	172	+	\| Net income \| $929.00 \|
	173	+
	174	+	On a 30% platform (typical game stores), you'd pay $300.00. MNW saves you $270.00/month.
	175	+
	176	+	Break-even: 2 sales at $25.
	177	+
	178	+	### At Scale
	179	+
	180	+	A creator earning $5,000/month gross (any tier):
	181	+
	182	+	\| Platform model \| Platform fee \| You keep (after all fees) \|
	183	+	\|---\|---:\|---:\|
	184	+	\| MNW (0% + $10-60 tier fee) \| $10-60 \| $4,795-4,845 \|
	185	+	\| 10% platform \| $500 \| $4,355 \|
	186	+	\| 15% platform \| $750 \| $4,105 \|
	187	+	\| 20% platform \| $1,000 \| $3,855 \|
	188	+	\| 30% platform \| $1,500 \| $3,355 \|
	189	+
	190	+	The flat fee model becomes increasingly favorable as your revenue grows. At $10,000/month, a 15% platform takes $1,500; MNW costs $10-60.
	191	+
	192	+	These are illustrative examples, not guarantees of income. Stripe fees vary slightly by country and payment method. Actual Stripe fee structure: [stripe.com/pricing](https://stripe.com/pricing).
119	193
120	194		---
121	195
			@@ -125,7 +199,7 @@ Software creators (app developers, plugin makers, game studios) fit naturally in
125	199
126	200		\| What you make \| Typical size \| Recommended tier \|
127	201		\|---------------\|-------------\|-----------------\|
128		-	\| WordPress themes, small tools \| Under 50MB \| Basic ($10) \|
	202	+	\| WordPress themes, small tools \| Under 50MB total (10MB per file) \| Basic ($10) \|
129	203		\| VST3/CLAP plugins, presets \| 50-500MB \| Small Files ($20) \|
130	204		\| Sample libraries with installers \| 500MB-2GB \| Big Files ($30) \|
131	205		\| Games, large applications \| 2-20GB \| Big Files ($30) \|
			@@ -135,6 +209,14 @@ All tiers from Small Files up include versioned releases, changelogs, license ke
135	209
136	210		---
137	211
	212	+	## Storage Limits
	213	+
	214	+	When you reach your tier's storage cap, new uploads are blocked until you free space (delete old files or versions) or upgrade to a higher tier. Existing content remains published and accessible to fans — nothing is removed.
	215	+
	216	+	Upgrades take effect immediately and are prorated. If you're at 240GB on Small Files (250GB cap), upgrading to Big Files (500GB cap) unblocks uploads instantly.
	217	+
	218	+	---
	219	+
138	220		## Upgrading and Downgrading
139	221
140	222		- Upgrade to a higher tier anytime. All existing content, subscribers, and settings carry over. You pay the new rate starting immediately (prorated for the current billing period).
			@@ -146,15 +228,15 @@ All tiers from Small Files up include versioned releases, changelogs, license ke
146	228
147	229		## Free Trials
148	230
149		-	Not ready to subscribe? You can request a free trial (2-6 weeks) when you [apply for creator access](./01-getting-started.md#free-trials). Tell us what you want to test and we'll set you up with the appropriate tier. No credit card required. At the end of the trial you can subscribe or export your content.
	231	+	Not ready to subscribe? You can request a free trial (2-6 weeks) when you [apply for creator access](./getting-started.md#free-trials). Tell us what you want to test and we'll set you up with the appropriate tier. No credit card required. At the end of the trial you can subscribe or export your content.
150	232
151	233		## Getting Started
152	234
153		-	1. [Create your account](./01-getting-started.md)
	235	+	1. [Create your account](./getting-started.md)
154	236		2. [Set up your profile](./profile.md)
155	237		3. Share with your audience
156	238
157	239		## See Also
158	240
159	241		- [Pricing Overview](./03-selling.md)
160		-	- [Getting Started](./01-getting-started.md)
	242	+	- [Getting Started](./getting-started.md)

M server/site-docs/public/html/10-security.html +1 -1

			@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ password.</p>
69	69		<hr />
70	70		<h2 id="see-also">See Also</h2>
71	71		<ul>
72		-	<li><a href="./01-getting-started.html">Getting Started</a> — Account
	72	+	<li><a href="./getting-started.html">Getting Started</a> — Account
73	73		setup</li>
74	74		<li><a href="./11-profile.html">Profile & Customization</a> —
75	75		Account settings</li>

M server/site-docs/public/html/11-profile.html +1 -1

			@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ identity on the platform.</p>
48	48		<hr />
49	49		<h2 id="see-also">See Also</h2>
50	50		<ul>
51		-	<li><a href="./01-getting-started.html">Getting Started</a> — Account
	51	+	<li><a href="./getting-started.html">Getting Started</a> — Account
52	52		creation</li>
53	53		<li><a href="./10-security.html">Security</a> — Account protection</li>
54	54		<li><a href="./08-audience.html">Audience & Communication</a> —

M server/site-docs/public/html/12-for-fans.html +1 -1

			@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ you choose to buy.</p>
76	76		<hr />
77	77		<h2 id="see-also">See Also</h2>
78	78		<ul>
79		-	<li><a href="./01-getting-started.html">Getting Started</a> — Creating
	79	+	<li><a href="./getting-started.html">Getting Started</a> — Creating
80	80		your account</li>
81	81		<li><a href="./08-audience.html">Audience & Communication</a> — How
82	82		contact sharing works</li>

M server/site-docs/public/html/index.html +1 -1

			@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
21	21		</ul>
22	22		<h2>Creator Guide</h2>
23	23		<ul>
24		-	<li><a href="./01-getting-started.html">Getting Started</a></li>
	24	+	<li><a href="./getting-started.html">Getting Started</a></li>
25	25		<li><a href="./projects.html">Projects</a></li>
26	26		<li><a href="./items.html">Items</a></li>
27	27		<li><a href="./02-content.html">Content Types</a></li>

M server/site-docs/public/support/faq.md +11 -8

			@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ Quick answers to common questions.
5	5		## General
6	6
7	7		### What is Makenot.work?
8		-	A platform for creators to sell content directly to fans. 0% platform fee — only the payment processor's ~3% fee applies. We charge a flat subscription.
	8	+	A platform for creators to sell content directly to fans. 0% platform fee — only the payment processor's ~3% fee applies. Creators pay a flat monthly tier fee ($10-60).
9	9
10	10		### How do you make money with 0% platform fee?
11	11		Creators pay a monthly subscription ($10-$60 based on content type). We don't take a cut of sales.
			@@ -16,6 +16,9 @@ Yes. Fan accounts are completely free. You only pay for content you choose to bu
16	16		## For Creators
17	17
18	18		### How much does it cost?
	19	+
	20	+	Creator tier fees (what you pay to host content):
	21	+
19	22		- Basic: $10/month
20	23		- Small Files: $20/month
21	24		- Big Files: $30/month
			@@ -25,28 +28,28 @@ Yes. Fan accounts are completely free. You only pay for content you choose to bu
25	28		Through our payment system. Payments go directly to your linked bank account. You control payout timing.
26	29
27	30		### What if I earn nothing — do I still pay?
28		-	Yes. The subscription covers platform access, not a share of revenue. We know $10/month is real money if you're just starting out or making work that doesn't sell in volume. That's a real tension with this model, and we don't pretend otherwise. The tradeoff is that when you do sell, you keep everything — there's no percentage cut that grows as you grow. We're exploring an [earn-back credit program](#what-if-i-dont-earn-back-my-subscription-cost) to soften this for artists whose revenue doesn't cover their subscription. We may also accept applications for fee remission for supported causes and open source work.
	31	+	Yes. The tier fee covers platform access, not a share of revenue. We know $10/month is real money if you're just starting out or making work that doesn't sell in volume. That's a real tension with this model, and we don't pretend otherwise. The tradeoff is that when you do sell, you keep everything — there's no percentage cut that grows as you grow. We're building an [earn-back credit program](#what-if-i-dont-earn-back-my-subscription-cost) (launching no later than January 1, 2027) to address this for artists whose revenue doesn't cover their subscription. We may also accept applications for fee remission for supported causes and open source work.
29	32
30	33		### What if I don't earn back my subscription cost?
31		-	We intend to build an earn-back credit program: if you earn less on the platform than you paid in subscription fees over 12 months, the difference would be credited as free months for the following year (capped at 12 months). This feature is planned but not yet implemented. The 12-month clock would not start counting until after the alpha period ends.
	34	+	We intend to build an earn-back credit program: if you earn less on the platform than you paid in tier fees over 12 months, the difference would be credited as free months for the following year (capped at 12 months). This feature will launch no later than January 1, 2027, and likely sooner. The 12-month clock will not start counting until after the alpha period ends.
32	35
33	36		### What's the catch?
34		-	We make money from subscriptions regardless of whether you sell anything. That means we don't need to take a cut of your sales, show ads, or mine your data. Our incentive is to keep the platform working well enough that you don't cancel — which is the same as your incentive.
	37	+	We make money from creator tier fees regardless of whether you sell anything. That means we don't need to take a cut of your sales, show ads, or mine your data. Our incentive is to keep the platform working well enough that you don't cancel — which is the same as your incentive.
35	38
36	39		### Can I leave?
37		-	Anytime. Export all your data, take your fans, cancel subscription. No lock-in, no exit fees.
	40	+	Anytime. Export all your data, take your fans, cancel your tier. No lock-in, no exit fees.
38	41
39	42		### Do I own my content?
40	43		Yes. You grant us a license to host and distribute, but you retain all rights. Remove content anytime.
41	44
42	45		### How do fans find my work?
43		-	Published items appear on the [Discover page](/discover), where fans can search, filter by tag, and browse by content type. There's no algorithm, no trending list, and no pay-to-rank promotion — visibility comes from good metadata and tags. Fans can also follow your projects and see new releases in their feed. See [Discovery](../guide/discovery.md).
	46	+	Published items appear on the [Discover page](/discover), where fans can search, filter by tag, and browse by content type. Fans can also follow your projects and see new releases in their feed. We use [Discovery Through Exploration](../guide/discovery.md#discovery-through-exploration) — visibility comes from good metadata and tags, and every recommendation traces to a fan's own choices. See [Discovery](../guide/discovery.md).
44	47
45	48		### Who eats chargebacks?
46	49		You do. A chargeback happens when a buyer disputes a charge with their bank. Since payments go directly to your payment account, any chargebacks come from your payment account balance, not ours.
47	50
48	51		### How fast do payouts arrive?
49		-	The payment processor handles payouts: 2 business days typical in the US, short hold for your first payout, instant payouts available after an initial period (1% fee).
	52	+	Payout timing is determined entirely by Stripe — we don't hold or delay funds. Check [Stripe's payout documentation](https://docs.stripe.com/payouts) for current schedules, hold periods, and instant payout availability in your country. You control your payout schedule (daily, weekly, monthly) from your Stripe dashboard.
50	53
51	54		### What if Stripe suspends or closes my account?
52	55		Your content and data on Makenot.work are unaffected — you can still log in, manage your projects, and export everything. However, you won't be able to receive payments until the Stripe issue is resolved. Stripe handles disputes directly with you (they're the payment processor, not us). If Stripe permanently closes your account, we don't currently offer an alternative payment processor. You'd need to export your data and sell elsewhere. We're monitoring alternative processors but have no timeline. See [Payouts](../guide/payouts.md) for more detail.
			@@ -120,7 +123,7 @@ Makenot.work will never be sold to private equity, a competitor, or any outside
120	123		The payment processor holds funds in your account, not ours. No commingling of creator revenue with operating funds. A shutdown would not affect your payment account balance. The [SLA](../about/guarantees.md) guarantees 90 days notice with full export access maintained throughout.
121	124
122	125		### How long can you sustain this?
123		-	A few years minimum at current costs. The platform breaks even at roughly 32 creators with a realistic tier mix. Self-funded, no debt. See [Platform Economics](../about/economics.md) for the full cost structure and where the money goes.
	126	+	There is no clear end of runway. The platform is self-funded with no debt, breaks even at roughly 32 creators with a realistic tier mix, and operating costs are low (~$600/month fixed). If growth is slower than expected, there are several options before shutting down — including voluntary support from creators or fans, reducing scope, or raising revenue through existing tiers. If the platform simply doesn't prove market-viable, the [shutdown protocol](../about/guarantees.md#shutdown-protocol) guarantees 90 days notice with full export access. See [Platform Economics](../about/economics.md) for the full cost structure.
124	127
125	128		### Is this a full-time operation?
126	129		Yes.