3 SaaS tools with self-hostable alternatives
Ghost is a Node.js-based publishing platform for blogs, membership sites, and newsletters, used by independent writers and media brands. It combines content management, subscription management, and email newsletters in one tool. Ghost Pro (the managed SaaS) handles hosting and updates, while the OSS Ghost code is self-hostable under MIT license.
Medium is a publishing and reading platform where writers publish articles for Medium's reader audience, with monetization via the Medium Partner Program (paid based on member reading time). It combines a built-in distribution network with a clean writing editor and supports both independent writers and publications. Readers pay a $5/month membership for full access.
WordPress.com is the managed hosting service for the WordPress blogging platform, providing themes, automatic updates, and security management without server administration across free and paid tiers.