The Story Behind Bonfire: A Platform for Meaningful Connections

The journey of Bonfire began with a simple idea from a friend. I was in the midst of yet another solo project — a CBT therapy app — when the allure of collaboration beckoned. After years of working alone, the prospect of teaming up with a friend seemed not only fun but also a refreshing change. Although my friend eventually had to step away from the project, the momentum we had built was enough to propel Bonfire to an MVP level.

Our mission was straightforward: to simplify the process of hosting events for friends. We aimed to eliminate the hassle of juggling multiple platforms — WhatsApp groups, Google Drive links for photos, and manual RSVP tracking. Bonfire consolidates all these functionalities into a single, aesthetically pleasing platform. With Bonfire, you can invite friends to private events, track RSVPs and historical changes, store photos and videos, and engage in group chats — all in one place.

At Bonfire, we believe that friendships are the essence of a fulfilling life. They are where we grow, love, and flourish. However, in today’s world, people are connecting less than ever before. The decline in social activities, from bowling leagues to casual get-togethers, has led to unprecedented levels of depression and anxiety. We are wired to connect, not to isolate ourselves. Whether it’s sharing a cup of tea with a friend, playing a game of Catan, or hosting a summer barbecue, Bonfire encourages you to seek connection — a powerful remedy for mental and physical well-being.

We deliberately keep Bonfire small and personal. We stand against the practices of big tech companies that disregard user privacy and sell personal data for profit. At Bonfire, we prioritize privacy and do not sell any user data. Our long-term goal is to achieve all relevant privacy certifications, including GDPR. We envision a business model that respects and honors our customers’ trust. We are considering features like automatic data deletion after a certain period, with the option for users to retain event data for a small fee. This approach not only respects privacy but also reduces unnecessary data storage.

Event organization is a complex space dominated by large companies with substantial resources. As a small, single-developer venture, we focus on creating the best user experience for friend events. We aim to simplify the process of hanging out with friends, offering customization options with various backgrounds and fonts. Currently in beta, Bonfire is a work in progress, and we appreciate your support as we navigate this journey. If you find value in our platform, consider supporting us financially through the app. For those who wish to continue using Bonfire for free, simply email me at [email protected] for free event tokens (logs), no questions asked.

For now, I consider myself a “wantrepreneur” with a passion project, seeking to earn my first few dollars from a venture that has consumed thousands of hours of development time. Bonfire is more than just an app; it’s a testament to the power of connection and the joy of collaboration. Join us on this journey as we strive to make event hosting simpler and more meaningful.

Feel free to give a try to Bonfire at https://bnfr-events.app/ and let me know what you think!not be solved. It can be experienced, but not solved. I want to strive to experience a more intimate knowledge of all there is to experience and know about in our universe. It is an aspiration, not a goal. That is why I am passionate about science, an instrument for having a more true understanding of our world. Our universe is so unthinkably complex that we human beings can only get a glimpse of a speck of it, making us mostly ignorant.