Re:Show HN: Files.md – Open-source alternative to Obsidian
by troyvit on Tuesday May 19, 2026 @10:39AM
(#48193918)
> If you don't use their sync service, all your vault files are local only, and there isn't any mysterious telemetry happening in the background.
I think the parent's point is that Obsidian could add any tracking they wanted and -- unless you're examining their TOS or your network closely -- you might never know. However:
> Obsidian's business model is just selling the sync subscription service. There's no ads component to incentivize data collection/tracking and pissing off their entire customer base.
And that to me seems deeply infused into Obsidian's entire culture. They built a community and they're not gonna mess that up. And like you say, if they do it's trivial to move one's markdown somewhere else.
I think the parent's point is that Obsidian could add any tracking they wanted and -- unless you're examining their TOS or your network closely -- you might never know. However:
> Obsidian's business model is just selling the sync subscription service. There's no ads component to incentivize data collection/tracking and pissing off their entire customer base.
And that to me seems deeply infused into Obsidian's entire culture. They built a community and they're not gonna mess that up. And like you say, if they do it's trivial to move one's markdown somewhere else.