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Why do so many services require email configuration? (piefed.social)
submitted 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) by artyom@piefed.social to c/selfhosted@lemmy.world
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Recently I was locked out of my own Ghost blog platform because they decided they were going to add Email 2FA. I also cannot add any other authors because that requires email verification.

Today I was looking at installing Bonfire and came across this:

Bonfire requires working email for user signups, password resets, and notifications. Most installations will need email configuration before the instance is usable.

Setting up email is a pain in the ass, costs money, is dependent on 3rd parties, violates privacy, and is just completely unnecessary. Why wouldn't you give users the option to not use it? It's infuriating!

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[-] CookieOfFortune@lemmy.world 4 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

https://github.com/TryGhost/Ghost

This is the repo (unless I have the wrong software).

However, it seems they’re running a business, which means revenue generating features will probably be prioritized. They’re not running a charity.

I’m sure if you donate enough money you can probably get them to implement better self hosting functionality. Chances are the email requirement is just what they have for other features.

[-] artyom@piefed.social -5 points 11 months ago

Ghost is just one piece of selfhosted software. But I have inquired and they have declined.

They’re not running a charity.

They are, actually. They're a registered non-profit.

Chances are the email requirement is just what they have for other features.

More unnecessary functionality.

[-] CookieOfFortune@lemmy.world 8 points 11 months ago

What was their reason for declining?

They are, actually. They're a registered non-profit.

I see they’re a non profit business. That doesn’t make them a charity. They have paying customers.

this post was submitted on 12 Nov 2025
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