SunkCostSupport & FAQ
SunkCost is a free, ad-free Chrome extension that helps you spend less time on distracting websites.
Contact
Questions, bugs, or feature requests: sunkcost.app@proton.me.
What it does
It counts the time you spend on sites you've listed as distracting — only while the site is the tab you're actually looking at — then either nudges you with desktop notifications or blocks those sites once their limit is spent. There's an optional nightly curfew and a rationed “let me in” pass for when you genuinely need access.
Frequently asked
Is it free?
Yes, entirely — no ads, no accounts, no paid tier. If it saves you time and you'd like to say thanks, there's a tip jar; it's optional and nothing is gated behind it.
What data do you collect?
None. Tallies and settings live in your own browser and are deleted when you remove the extension. No server, no analytics, no account — full details in the privacy policy.
Why does it need to read my tabs?
To know whether the site you're on is one you asked it to watch. Only the domain is checked; full URLs and page contents are never stored or transmitted.
Can I set a different limit for each site?
Yes. In block mode each site can have its own daily limit in minutes (0 blocks it outright). Sites without one share a single allowance. Set them in the popup, under Distracting sites.
I'm blocked and I really need the site.
Use a pass. Each costs a short wait that grows the more you take in a day, and there's a daily cap you set yourself. During curfew hours no pass applies — that's the point of a curfew. As a last resort you can always remove the extension from chrome://extensions; SunkCost is a speed bump, not a lock.
Why does changing a setting take 15 minutes?
Only changes that make distraction easier are delayed — leaving block mode, raising a limit, deleting a site. Making the rules stricter is instant. It's a commitment device: a moment of weakness can't quietly undo a decision you made carefully.
Does it work on my phone?
No — SunkCost is a desktop-browser extension. If your phone is where the problem lives, this won't reach it. We'd rather say so plainly than pretend otherwise.
Which browsers?
Chrome and Chromium-based browsers (Edge, Brave, Arc). Firefox and Safari aren't supported yet.
Tips and refunds
SunkCost is free software; tips are voluntary gifts, not purchases, and unlock nothing. Tipped by mistake or changed your mind? Email sunkcost.app@proton.me within 30 days for a refund, no questions asked.
Terms
SunkCost is provided as-is, without warranty. It is a self-control aid, not a security product: anyone with access to your browser can remove or disable it, and it is not a substitute for professional help with compulsive internet use. You're responsible for the sites you track and the limits you set.