Who we are
ForestStar is an independent mobile application built and operated by Jayottam (“we”, “us”, “I”). It is a solo, hobby-driven project — not a startup, not a corporation. When you contact us, you're talking to one person.
By downloading or using ForestStar, you agree to these terms. If you disagree with anything here, please don't use the app — and do send us a note explaining why. We mean that.
Using ForestStar
ForestStar is free to download and free to read. No paywalls. No premium tier (for now).
You must be 13 or older to use ForestStar. If you're under 13, please ask a parent or guardian to review these terms with you.
You agree to use the app only for lawful purposes, in a way that doesn't infringe on the rights of others or restrict their use of the app.
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate access for users who violate these terms — though given the nature of this app (you're here to read about wildlife, not cause trouble), we hope it never comes to that.
Our content
All stories, images, and editorial content on ForestStar are either created by Jayottam or licensed for use within the app. Every story is researched and written by a human.
“No AI-generated content. No copy-pasted Wikipedia. Every line is written from scratch or verified from a credible source.”
You may share individual stories from within the app using the share function. You may not reproduce, redistribute, or republish ForestStar content commercially without written permission.
We make reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy, but we're human. If you spot an error, please tell us — we'll correct it promptly and credit you if you'd like.
Your content & feedback
If you send us feedback, bug reports, or story suggestions — thank you, genuinely. By submitting feedback, you grant us permission to use it to improve the app. We won't publish your name alongside feedback without asking first.
Feedback does not create any obligation for us to act on it, though we read everything and take it seriously.
What's not allowed
ForestStar is a calm place. The following are not welcome:
- Scraping, crawling, or bulk-downloading content from the app or its API
- Attempting to reverse-engineer, decompile, or extract source code
- Using ForestStar to distribute spam or malware
- Impersonating ForestStar or Jayottam in any context
- Any activity that disrupts the app's availability for other users
We're a one-person project. Please be kind to the infrastructure.
Accounts
ForestStar currently supports optional accounts for saving stories and tracking your Liked, Saved, Seen, Been, and Met counts. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account.
You can delete your account at any time from the Profile screen. When you do, your data is removed permanently. We don't hold onto it.
Changes to the app
ForestStar is a living project. Features will be added, changed, and occasionally removed. We'll try to give notice for significant changes via in-app messaging.
We may also update these Terms from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page will always reflect the current version. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance.
Liability
ForestStar is provided "as is." We do our best, but we can't guarantee uninterrupted service — especially as a solo-built app. We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the app.
“In plain terms: if the app crashes and you lose your reading streak, we’re sorry — but we can’t be sued for it.”