Transparency
How this website is built, what it costs, and which services are used, documented openly.
AI Usage
This website was built in close collaboration with AI. All code was written with Claude Code as a pair-programming partner: an AI assistant that works directly in the development environment.
In practice, this means: the page structure, components, styling, i18n logic, and build configuration were created through a dialogue between human and AI. Every decision was reviewed, adjusted, and approved by me. The AI writes suggestions, but the final responsibility is mine.
AI is also involved in blog content: for research, drafts, and translations. Every text is edited by me and published in my voice. Nothing goes live without review.
Why I disclose this: I believe transparency about AI usage is important, especially when you write publicly about AI. Showing how AI is actually used in practice is part of what I care about.
Costs
This website generates no revenue. I cover all running costs personally.
| Service | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Hetzner VPS (CX22) | ~5.00 EUR | monthly |
| Domain (denniskummer.de) | ~12.00 EUR | yearly |
| Claude Pro (AI assistance) | ~20.00 USD | monthly |
| Claude Max (AI assistance) | ~100.00 USD | monthly |
Prices rounded. As of March 2026.
Sources & Inspiration
The design of this website is inspired by an editorial aesthetic: clean, typographic, restrained. Less is more; the content should take centre stage.
- Typography: The combination of Outfit (display) and Inter (body) follows the principle of "distinctive headlines, readable body text."
- Colour palette: A monochrome scheme with accent colours reserved for imagery, inspired by print editorials and studio websites.
- Philosophy: "Building in public" (the open process as a value in itself). Influenced by makers who document their journey rather than just showing results.
Data Storage
All data is stored on my own infrastructure in Germany. No US cloud services (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) are used for storing personal data.
- Website
- Static files on a Hetzner VPS in Germany, served via nginx.
- Analytics
- Umami: self-hosted on the same server. No cookies, no personal data collected.
- Newsletter
- Listmonk: self-hosted on the same server. Email addresses are only stored after double opt-in.
- Contact Form
- Enquiries are processed and stored on the server, with no external CRM.
For full details, see the privacy policy.
Services & Tools
- Framework
- Astro 6: static site generator, open source
- Hosting
- Hetzner VPS: Ubuntu 24.04, nginx, located in Germany
- Analytics
- Umami: self-hosted, open source, privacy-friendly
- Newsletter
- Listmonk: self-hosted, open source
- Fonts
- Outfit & Inter: self-hosted, open source (Google Fonts)
- Icons
- Lucide & Simple Icons: open source, integrated as Astro components
- Development
- Claude Code: AI-assisted pair programming (Anthropic)
- Version Control
- Git & GitHub
- Domain Registrar
- INWX
- Social Platforms
- LinkedIn, Instagram
Open Source
This website runs entirely on open-source software. The source code of the website itself is currently not public, though this may change in the future.
I am an advocate for open source and try to use open-source tools wherever possible and share knowledge freely.
Content Principles
- No content on this website is sponsored or paid for, unless explicitly marked.
- There are no hidden affiliate links.
- Opinions are my own and based on personal experience.
- AI assistance in content creation is disclosed transparently (see above).
- Errors are corrected and documented as soon as I become aware of them.
Changelog
- March 2026: Page created.