I think the difference is that this website isn't a generic habit forming tool. There's a specific goal and the website will provide you information on how to achieve it.

According to the FAQ:

> Pay the $20 pledge and follow the Zen Master’s instructions that are emailed to you

That said, I'm not very comfortable with this website since the parameters for success and the content of the program are not clearly defined before you commit... and 20$ isn't a throwaway amount in my local currency (besides there's the inconvenience that even if the money is returned, I will loose the currency conversion cost).

Great feedback. I need to clarify that.

Basically, the Zen Master provides an assessment form for your evaluator to fill out and sign.

The evaluator you choose is the one who decides at the end of the 30 day VOW of NOW whether you have achieved zen mind through diligent meditation practice - and get a refund (or not).

This system provides feedback from a trusted peer, as well as provides a money incentive (your own money).

Wow. This couldn't sound any more like a scam. So it's basically a cable Christian channel asking people to donate money to save their souls. Or the Catholic Church offering to sell Indulgences to sinners. Nice startup.

Well, your link has 17 of these, why not one more?

Plus, this one is for meditation only, and has feedback, I doubt any of those links would give specific advice on meditation like this site does.

For people interested in meditation, I believe this is actually a great app.

More than half of the 17 are free.

I could spend a little more time searching for a list of exclusively free habit forming tools (or prepare one) but that's not necessary to prove my point.

My point is that free alternatives exist.

Some people need that monetary motivation.