About Us
Updated: September 7, 2026 · 中文
Who we are
straw-dog is an independent technology publication and practical resource for open-source software, self-hosting, server deployment, AI, and automation. We also explore the choices and ideas behind technology. Our aim is to turn project documentation, experience, and deployment methods into information that people can understand, compare, and use.
We write for individuals who want greater control over their tools and data, developers, independent creators, and small teams seeking affordable technical solutions. Readers can discover projects, assess their suitability and maintenance costs, then choose to deploy them independently or seek assistance with an agreed scope.
What we cover
- Open source and self-hosting: Purpose, licensing, maintenance activity, deployment requirements, and alternatives, with attention to privacy, data portability, and long-term usability.
- Deployment and operations: Linux, Docker, reverse proxies, domains and HTTPS, backup and recovery, upgrades, migrations, and troubleshooting. Getting an application installed is only part of running it.
- AI and automation: AI tools, workflow orchestration, content processing, and repetitive-task automation, including costs, permissions, data flows, and the need for human review.
- Server selection: CPU, memory, storage, bandwidth, and location requirements, and the tradeoffs between budget, performance, and reliability.
- Technology and ideas: How practical tools influence individual choices, working practices, and digital life.
How to read our content
Project introductions provide orientation; tutorials explain methods; content labeled as tested should identify its environment, version, or test scope. Inclusion in our directory, a recommendation, or a linked tutorial does not by itself mean that we have tested every configuration.
We prioritize official documentation, upstream repositories, licenses, and security advisories. Our Editorial Policy explains sourcing, AI assistance, commercial relationships, and corrections. Software and cloud services change quickly, so check current upstream information before acting, especially before running example commands on a production system without a backup.
Services alongside the publication
Where the relevant offering is available, services or inquiries may cover deployment assistance, deployment configuration kits, server recommendations, project update and security alert memberships, and clearly labeled sponsored listings, tutorials, or content partnerships.
The purchase page and agreed order define each service's scope, price, delivery method, maintenance period, and support channel. Server hosting, domains, commercial licenses, and third-party API fees are additional unless expressly included. A deployment engagement does not automatically include continuing hosting or round-the-clock operations.
The newsletter currently records subscription interest; signing up does not mean a regular mailing has started. Alert services also cannot replace your own monitoring of upstream security advisories, backups, and application health.
How the website is funded
Revenue may come from deployment services, digital kits, memberships, sponsorships, and referral commissions. A paid relationship or commission should be disclosed in the relevant context. Payment can purchase an agreed service or placement; it should not purchase invented test results, concealed drawbacks, or security guarantees.
Rights in open-source software remain with its authors and other rights holders. A fee for deployment, preparation, advice, or support does not mean that straw-dog owns the upstream software or is its officially authorized representative.
Get in touch
We welcome project suggestions, practical experience, corrections, and partnership inquiries. Use our Contact page. See the Privacy Policy for data handling and the Terms of Service for use and purchasing conditions.
We want our work to help you make technical choices that fit your circumstances. Tell us what proves useful and what still needs verification.