Show HN: NoFile.io – A simple file storage site with lots of perks
I have some thoughts for you as someone who's done this before. I used to run a file hosting site called MediaCrush with a buddy of mine. It was moderately successful, but we ended up shutting it down. I later switched to a file host called pomf.se, which eventually was shut down as well. I wrote a blog post that sums up my thoughts on public file hosting:<p>On the profitability of image hosting websites - <a href="https://drewdevault.com/2014/10/10/The-profitability-of-online-services.html" rel="nofollow">https://drewdevault.com/2014/10/10/The-profitability-of-onli...</a><p>I suggest you read it. In a nutshell: don't.<p>The problem is growth. It will quickly get too expensive and you will not have nearly enough revenue to support it. I <i>guarantee</i> you it will happen.<p>Currently I run a file hosting service with controlled growth. Accounts are not available to the public - you have to apply for one, and I approve them conservatively (130 approved, 137 rejected users as of writing). All users are also expected to donate. I think all new file hosting sites should take link rot seriously and if they don't it's a net negative on the internet. I hate that if I look at a forum post written >5 years ago, odds are all of the images will be broken.<p>If anyone wants an account on my website, I might be inclined to approve a few today: <a href="https://sr.ht" rel="nofollow">https://sr.ht</a>