When our granddaughters were still in school, they brought DW & I some sourdough starter. It was a class project, labelled "friendship bread", with instructions attached on proper use & feeding. We made a couple loaves, but at some point left it too long & it spoiled. I love sourdough, but there are a lot of breads just as good (or better) that are less labor intensive. I don't always elect "hassle free", but prefer that option whenever available.