FAQ - Bondfires

What is Bondfires?

Bondfires is an asynchronous video-based community where you can have thoughtful, deep conversations on your own time. Instead of requiring everyone to be online at the same time, Bondfires allows you to post video messages and respond when you're ready—no scheduling needed.

How does asynchronous video work?

Asynchronous video means conversations happen over time, not in real-time. You record and post a video message, and others watch and respond when they're ready—which could be minutes, hours, or days later. This eliminates scheduling conflicts and allows for more thoughtful responses than instant messaging.

What are camps?

Camps are communities organized around shared interests. They can be public (open to anyone), invite-only (created by community builders), or your personal hearth (a private space for friends and family). Each camp contains its own bondfires—video conversations among its members.

What's a personal hearth?

Your personal hearth is a private camp just for you and the people you invite—friends, family, or anyone you want to have deeper conversations with. It's your own space on Bondfires where you control who participates.

Why should I use video instead of text?

Video allows for nuance, emotion, and connection that text can't capture. Tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language add depth to conversations. Video responses also tend to be more thoughtful than quick text messages, leading to more meaningful exchanges.

Do I need to be online at specific times?

No! That's the whole point. Bondfires is asynchronous, meaning you participate when it works for you—early morning, lunch break, late night, or whenever you have a few minutes. No scheduling, no calendar tetris, no need to find times that work for everyone.

Is Bondfires free?

Yes, the core platform is free. We believe authentic community should be accessible. We offer optional premium features for those who want more—like creating camps, having a personal hearth, or extended video storage.

How private are my conversations?

Your video conversations are private to the camp or bondfire they're shared in. We don't sell your data or use your conversations for advertising. What's shared in your camps stays in your camps.

What if I'm not comfortable being on video?

We understand video can feel vulnerable. That's part of why we made conversations asynchronous—you can record in private, on your own time, and share when you're ready. Many people find video more authentic than text, but we respect that everyone's comfort level is different.

What topics are discussed in Bondfires?

Bondfires are for discussing what matters to you. There's no prescribed agenda—you share what's on your mind, and others respond with their own perspectives and experiences. Camps help organize conversations around themes, but the content is driven by the community.

How do I get started?

Download the Bondfires app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Create an account, browse available camps or join one via invite, and you'll be able to spark your own bondfires or respond to others. It's that simple.

Frequently Asked Questions