$ self-hosted notes // markdown-native // one SQLite file
WRITE IT DOWN.
OR LET DORY FORGET IT
A private timeline for quick notes, logs, links, and snippets. On your server. In plain Markdown. With memos that delete themselves after 24 hours — if you ask them to.
$ docker run -d -p 5230:5230 \
-v nemomemo-data:/app/data \
ghcr.io/davidallmon/nemomemo:latest
✓ your reef is live at localhost:5230free to self-host, forever · hosted reef $1.99/mo ↓
DORY(1) — EPHEMERAL MEMOS
SYNOPSIS mark memo → countdown 24h → deleted
SCOPE comments, attachments, share links: all go
RESCUE archive = keep forever // pin ⟂ dory
TAKEBACKS none after zero. that's the feature.
status: forgets in 23h
## THE LIFE OF A MEMO — scrolling is optional. forgetting is not.
Parked on level 3, row F — near the elevator.
a thought hits. one line, no folder, no title — the timeline catches it.
Parked on level 3, row F — near the elevator.
it only matters for a day, so you tap the blue tang. a countdown starts; you never think about it again.
gone for good at the 24-hour mark — comments, attachments, share links and all. archiving would have rescued it forever.
## FEATURES — 18 total. no tiers, no hidden 'pro' flag.
markdown editor
toolbar, drafts that survive reloads, ⌘+Enter to save
inline #tags
nested like #dev/docker — extracted automatically
task lists
tick checkboxes right in the rendered memo
attachments
paste screenshots or drop files into the editor
dory memos
24-hour self-deletion; archive rescues forever
filter language
tag in ["work"] && has_incomplete_tasks — everywhere
saved views
name a filter, pin it to your sidebar
calendar heatmap
your writing streak at a glance; click a day to filter
⌘K search
type words, get memos — each word becomes a chip
pin & archive
pins float to the top; the archive is Dory-proof
three visibilities
private, protected, or public — per memo
share links
work without an account; expire in 1, 7, 30 days, or never
explore feed
the shared timeline of your whole reef
comments & reactions
full Markdown comments; curated emoji (🐠 🫧 included)
mentions & inbox
@username notifies people; every member gets a profile
one container
one docker run, one volume: SQLite + uploads
zero telemetry
nothing phones home. ever.
REST API + source
script everything; free to self-host forever (ELv2)
## COMPARE — the honest version. sometimes the other tool wins.
| nemomemo | notion | keep | obsidian | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| notes live on | your server | their cloud | google's cloud | local files |
| format | plain markdown | proprietary blocks | proprietary | markdown |
| capture cost | type and go | pick a page & structure | type and go | open the vault |
| self-forgetting | ✓ dory, 24h | — | — | — |
| price | free to self-host | free tier, paid plans | free | free core, paid sync |
deep dives: vs memos · vs notion · vs keep · vs obsidian
## PRICING
$0forever
self-host. every feature. unlimited members.
full source (ELv2). your hardware, your rules.
$1.99/mo · $19/yr
optional hosted reef @ your-name.trynemomemo.com.
updates + backups + TLS on us. cancel anytime.
· try before you buy: the live demo is the trial — checkout first, then claim your reef
· 14-day refunds, no questions asked; cancel anytime from your reef's billing portal
· fair use: unlimited memos; 25 members + 5 GB attachments per reef (abuse brakes, not upsells)
· nightly backups; your notes export as plain Markdown, always
## FAQ
▸Is NemoMemo really free?
Yes — free to self-host, forever: full source, no tiers, no seats, no metering (Elastic License 2.0; the one reserved right is reselling it as a hosted service). Rather not run a server? We will host your reef for $1.99/month.
▸What happens when Dory forgets a memo?
It fades over its final hours, then the server deletes it for good — comments, attachments, and share links included. Archiving a Dory memo rescues it forever.
▸Is it a good alternative to Google Keep or Notion?
For quick capture, yes. NemoMemo is deliberately not a workspace or a second brain — it's a timeline for the notes you'd otherwise lose.
▸How hard is it to self-host?
One docker run. Data lives in one volume: an SQLite database and your uploads.
▸How is this related to Memos?
NemoMemo is an independent, fish-obsessed recreation inspired by the excellent open-source Memos project. Go star them.
## LOG — $ tail -3 ships.log
$ echo "you've reached the seafloor."
Start with one memo. It doesn't even have to be a keeper.