With Poplar, I hope to foster a safe and welcoming place where people can not only begin keeping diaries, but sharing them with likeminded, empathetic people.

How does Poplar work?

You create a diary entry, and receive 5 random ones in return. You can bookmark entries you like by clicking the "Root" button, and begin curating a separate journal made of others' entries that resonated with you.

If something really speaks to you, you can click the "Echo" button, and begin a collaborative, public journal that anyone else can join in on.

I've also recently added the "Odyssey" feature for those looking for a creative writing outlet. Odysseys are 300-word story chunks that Poplar users can write together, meaning that a story you begin can be co-authored by others, leading to exciting possibilities and plenty of laughs.

Making New Friends

Poplar is as much a place to share your inner thoughts and feelings as it is one to appreciate others. I encourage you to add users as friends if you appreciate their posts.

Make new friends based on empathy, intellect, vulnerability and honesty.

The Road Ahead

I've only just started Poplar, and have very few users. My first milestone is getting 100 dedicated users who are passionate about journaling, empathy, creativity, and kindness.

I'd also love to hear feedback and develop something that truly helps people blow off steam, make new friends, and stir their creative juices.