ravencacheCool. First, a few things.
Ravencache is a little corner of the internet dedicated to open-source software, digital privacy, old hardware, fixing things that probably didn't need fixing, and occasionally complaining about the state of modern technology.
It's independently run. It's privacy-first. And I'd like to keep it that way.
I'm not opposed to making money. I like money. It buys hard drives, pays hosting bills, and occasionally allows me to eat something other than whatever's left in the refrigerator.
But I'm not interested in making money by treating the people who visit this site like products.
So, if you're interested in sponsoring Ravencache, here's how this works.
Skeletons in the Chassis
If your company approaches me about sponsorship, I'm going to investigate it.
Not because I necessarily think you're doing something wrong.
Because I want to know what I'm selling to people who trust me.
I'll look at your privacy policies, security practices, data collection, ownership, business model, public controversies, and whatever independent evidence I can find about the claims you're making.
If you advertise end-to-end encryption, I want to understand what that actually covers.
If you say you don't keep logs, I'd like to see what supports that claim.
If you're selling something as open source, I want to see the source.
And if your privacy policy says you can share information with 47 categories of vaguely described business partners, we're probably going to have a conversation.
If you've got skeletons in the chassis, I'd rather find them before I recommend you to somebody else.
What I'm Looking For
I'm particularly interested in supporting the small guy: independent developers, artists, other creatives, and small businesses trying to do right by their customers. You don't need a corporate marketing budget to belong here. I'm not holding out for a massive company to sponsor everything.
I'd much rather hear from somebody making something they care about and treating people well. That might be software, art, or work in a completely different trade. Useful, honest work deserves a shout-out.
I may offer smaller creators lower sponsorship rates or work out an arrangement that fits what they can afford. I also want room to recommend people simply because I like their work, whether or not they can pay for a placement. Any paid shout-out will be labeled; an unpaid recommendation isn't something you can buy.
A smaller budget can mean a lower rate. It doesn't mean a lower standard.
Being independent doesn't excuse misleading claims, careless handling of customer information, or treating people badly. I don't expect a solo creator to have a corporate compliance department, but I do expect them to be honest about what they offer, what they collect, and what they can't yet do. If we can't agree on that, we aren't going to be a good fit.
Whatever your size or line of work, I'm looking for:
- Respect for privacy. Collect what's necessary, explain why, protect it, and don't quietly repurpose it.
- Honest security practices. Make claims you can support. A padlock icon isn't a security audit.
- Customer ownership and control. Let people export their information, cancel services, and leave without unnecessary obstacles.
- Straightforward business practices. Clear prices, honest advertising, and no manufactured inconvenience designed to sell subscriptions.
- Accountability. When something goes wrong, acknowledge it, fix it, and tell people what happened.
- Actual usefulness. Make something worth using.
Open-source software gets particular consideration, but being open source isn't an automatic endorsement.
Likewise, proprietary software isn't automatically disqualified.
I care about what you do, not just what you call yourself.
What Your Money Gets You
Depending on the arrangement, sponsorship may include a clearly identified message on the website, an audio mention on Loose Wires, or support for a particular project.
It does not include:
- Editorial approval or control over my conclusions.
- A guaranteed positive review.
- Placement in the Ravencache alternatives directory.
- Access to visitor information or private audience data.
- Tracking pixels, behavioral advertising, or third-party scripts.
- An agreement to ignore legitimate criticism.
You're buying clearly disclosed advertising space. You're not buying my opinion.
If I personally recommend your product, that's because I've found reasons to recommend it.
And I'll tell people about the things I don't like, too.
What Happens If Something Changes?
Companies change.
Products change.
Privacy policies change.
Sometimes good companies make terrible decisions.
If new information materially changes my assessment of a sponsor, I reserve the right to reconsider the relationship, withdraw my endorsement, and explain why.
A previous endorsement is not a lifetime membership card.
I'll distinguish verified facts from allegations, correct mistakes when I make them, and give companies a fair opportunity to respond to substantive concerns.
But nobody gets editorial veto power.
Advertising Without the Surveillance Circus
Ravencache does not permit behavioral advertising trackers in its sponsorship placements.
Sponsored graphics and copy can be hosted directly on this website.
I don't need to know somebody's age, income, browsing history, or what they bought at three in the morning to display a relevant advertisement.
If you're looking for cross-site tracking, audience profiling, or retargeting campaigns, there are approximately a billion other websites willing to accommodate you.
This isn't one of them.
Interested?
Tell me who you are, what you're making, what you're proposing, and why you think your company would be a good fit.
Links to technical documentation, independent audits, source code, and relevant privacy policies are appreciated.
I'll review proposals when I have the time and interest. Submitting one doesn't guarantee a response, investigation, or sponsorship.
And please don't send a twelve-page marketing deck explaining how your company is revolutionizing the future of synergy.
Just tell me what you do.
Privacy first. People first. Money comes afterward.
Keeping the wires. Cutting the strings.
Send a proposal
Tell me the following. A short email is fine.
- Company name and a way to reply.
- The product or service.
- The proposed arrangement, including payment, equipment, or affiliate terms.
- Links to relevant privacy policies, security documentation, and evidence for the claims you want to make.
This opens your email app. Your message is handled by your email provider and mine. Please leave out passwords, private keys, and other sensitive information.
Sending a proposal doesn’t mean I’ll accept it. Please don’t send customer records or confidential security reports with an initial enquiry.