Why everything is free
And how you can help me reach more bakers
The story behind the mission
When I started learning to bake, I was frustrated. Most resources were either locked behind paywalls or didn't explain the why behind each step. I spent years failing, experimenting, and eventually understanding the science of fermentation.
As a software engineer, I grew up with open-source culture: the idea that knowledge should be shared freely, that everyone benefits when we learn together. When I finally understood bread, I knew I had to share it the same way.
That's why The Sourdough Framework, my YouTube videos, and all my guides are free. Not "free trial" or "free with ads everywhere." Actually free. Because I believe everyone deserves to bake incredible bread, regardless of their budget.
What your support enables
Running theBread.code(); isn't free for me. Here's where your contributions go:
Video Production
Camera equipment, lighting, editing software, and the countless hours turning complex techniques into clear tutorials.
Ingredients & Testing
Every recipe is tested dozens of times. That means hundreds of kilos of flour, countless failed loaves, and endless experimentation.
Community Infrastructure
Hosting, servers, and moderation for our 3,000+ member Discord community where bakers help each other daily.
Research & Writing
The Sourdough Framework took 3 years to write. Continuing to research, update, and expand it takes dedicated time.
Common questions
Is the hardcover book different from the free online version?
The content is the same. I want the knowledge to remain free. The hardcover is a beautifully printed edition you can keep in your kitchen, mark up with flour-covered fingers, and support my work at the same time.
What do members get that free users don't?
Members get behind-the-scenes content, exclusive updates on my bread journey, and a closer look at what I'm experimenting with. It's a way to follow along more intimately, but the core educational content always stays free for everyone.
I already bought the book. Should I also become a member?
Only if you want to! The book is a complete standalone resource. Monthly membership is for those who want to support ongoing content creation and follow my bread journey more closely.
Can I support in other ways?
Absolutely! Sharing my videos, recommending The Sourdough Framework to fellow bakers, or posting your bread on social media (tag me!) helps grow this community without costing anything.
Whether you support financially, share my work, or simply bake a loaf using what you've learned: thank you. Every time someone sends me a photo of their bread, it reminds me why I do this.
- Hendrik ♥
