Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bondfires?
Bondfires is an asynchronous video-based men's community where you can have thoughtful, deep conversations on your own time. Instead of requiring everyone to be online at the same time (synchronous), 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.
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 transparent premium options for those who want to support the platform and access additional features, but the core experience is free.
How private are my conversations?
Very private. We use end-to-end encryption, which means only you and the participants in your bondfires can see what's shared. We don't harvest or sell your data. We're a non-profit focused on community, not data collection.
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 men find video more authentic than text, but we respect that everyone's comfort level is different.
How is Bondfires different from other men's groups?
Most men's groups require synchronous (live) or in-person meetings, which creates scheduling challenges. Bondfires is asynchronous, privacy-first, and accessible. We also emphasize intentional structure—camp rules, response limits, and guided prompts—to ensure depth over breadth.
What topics are discussed in Bondfires?
Bondfires are for discussing what matters to men—crises, victories, fatherhood, leadership, and just life. There's no prescribed agenda. You share what's on your mind, and others respond with their own perspectives and experiences.
How do I get started?
Download the Bondfires app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Create an account, and you'll be able to browse existing bondfires or spark your own. It's that simple.
Still have questions?
We'd love to hear from you. Check out our How It Works page or download the app and see for yourself.
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