Is it really free?
Yes. GC is free with fair-use limits, so one group can’t run up costs for everyone.
Will there be a paid plan?
Yes, but it’s optional. GC Plus will cost $3 a month or $24 a year for the whole group, about $1 each. It removes promotions and raises the limits. The free version keeps every feature.
Then how do you pay for it?
The message provider is expensive, and we want GC to stay free. Promotions and affiliate links are off in this release. If enabled after the required legal changes, GC will ask once after 30 days and at least two real requests in that first month. Every member must opt in to at most one promotion in any seven days and Ticketmaster affiliate links. Saying no or staying silent changes nothing. “opt out of offers” cancels both; an unqualified “opt out” stops GC.
Do affiliate links change what GC recommends?
No. Ranking never reads commission or affiliate status. Affiliate links are off in this release. If enabled later, every member must opt in, and links will say “we may earn a commission”.
Do I need an app or an account?
No. Tap “Start texting”, add your friends, and send. Each current member replies Yes once to confirm they are 18 or older and agree to GC’s replies and requested reminders. No other setup questions are required. GC asks for a city only when a request needs it.
Does GC read everything we say?
The messaging provider receives group messages. GC answers explicit “GC,” requests, valid task replies and safety commands such as STOP. It does not save chat history.
Who else handles my messages?
Our messaging provider delivers texts, and our AI provider helps GC understand a request. The privacy policy names the providers and their retention limits. Required contracts and account settings must be verified before launch.
Does it work with Android?
GC works in iMessage group chats. Groups that include Android phones may not be supported yet.
How do I remove GC?
STOP immediately stops GC, with one confirmation: “OK, I’ve stopped messaging this group.” It does not erase saved state yet. While stopped, send Delete in the group, or text “GC, forget us”, to erase it. Otherwise a stopped group is erased after 30 days. Only the person who stopped GC can restart it with START while they remain in the group. Separate legal proof and safety suppression remain. Automatic group removal depends on your messaging service; manual removal or a new group may be needed.
What happens when someone joins?
GC asks only the new person to reply Yes. Existing members do not repeat setup. Ordinary group replies are held until the newcomer answers or leaves, because everyone receives each group message. After 24 hours without an answer, the group is marked paused. Promotions and affiliate links pause immediately when anyone joins.
What happens if we stop using GC?
After 30 days without a real GC request, GC tries to leave after one goodbye outside quiet hours. An open split or future reminder postpones that clock until the task ends. If your messaging service cannot remove GC, it stops replying and explains how to remove it. Add it back to start fresh.
Can we change quiet hours?
The default is 10 PM to 9 AM local. You can make quiet hours longer, never shorter. Legal sending hours can be stricter. Replies to your own requests can arrive anytime.
Can we ask for another option?
Yes. Say “GC, more options”. With three choices, GC asks which one to replace and clears only that choice’s votes. With two, it can add a third. A poll allows up to three change attempts.