Web hosting for cats (we'll accept humans)

So, I'm a long-time completely self-taught full-stack developer (started coding on my own at age 10 and never looked back). Worked on a number of different projects and teams, but always as a hired hand. By now I have a decent feel for what a salaried developer's life is like...and it's just not for me long-term.

(<rant>If you haven't had the thrill, it's mostly days spent working on other people's priorities without having much, if any, actual control over what you do or how you do it, all the while being told you're not completing whatever task you've been given quick enough, while every attempt to make any meaningful improvement to the product that isn't directly tied to revenue in their minds is relegated to the never-have-time-for-lands; frankly, I can't in good conscience recommend it to anyone who is a creative </rant>)

Increasingly, I've been brainstorming different side project ideas, but while a decent number seemed sound ideas, at least on paper, I found I wasn't really passionate about any of them. I wanted something that could grow, something that could be more than just about the inevitable need to make a profit, or even provide a practical service.

Then late yesterday, an idea suddenly occurred to me. It plays to my known strengths nicely while also offering ample room to grow, all while providing the opportunity to put some positive energy back into the universe. Later that night, I had purchased http://catsarecutehosting.com/ (and done nothing really more to it yet), thus making my first, albeit small, step toward an actual business.

I've worked as a developer/troubleshooter for a web hosting company before, and actually have a decent idea of what kind of support requests, typical tasks are involved in such an enterprise. I've setup my own servers, setup web hosting, created entire websites, etc. for friends and paying clients. I have done some preliminary research as to what costs will be involved and what I'll need, but I also know I have much I'll need to learn and apply to make this idea successful.

From my research, I've already realized the web hosting space is highly competitive, with well-established names that dominate. So I knew I'd need something unique to help me stand out.

My idea is that the website will actually bill itself as FREE LIFETIME web hosting for cats, but we'll accept humans. Probably promote it via social media, in the absurdist style that the net gen is all about these days.

When the visitor arrives on the landing page, they'll be asked if they're a cat. If they answer yes, they'll be played a clip of a cat's meow and asked to translate (which clearly they won't be able to). They'll "fail" and be told to "meditate on the ways of the cat" or something like that, and try again later, before redirecting them back to the landing page. Or they'll answer they're NOT a cat and then be required to identify a picture of a cat (which will also help ensure they're not a bot) and required to take an "eligibility test" which will basically just be a question on how cute cats are or something like that. The gimmick will be that if you don't think cats are cute enough, we'll GLADLY send you to one of our competitors instead. If you "pass" the eligibility test, you'll be presented with a coupon code for 1st month free or something like that, and probably asked for the details of your website, receiving free technical advice. Still working out the details, graphics, etc. but the real draw will be that if you signup with us for web hosting, 50% of your hosting fee will actually be donated to the cat-based charity of your choice in perpetuity.

More details will be coming in future posts, but I can honestly say, for the first time, I'm excited about all the work I know is ahead. If this is successful, it will be awesome; and either way, I know I'll never regret starting a journey like this one.

Cats rule.