I'm curious when people think something is a "business" vs. a hobby/personal project, in general, in terms of business licenses (not the IRS, which is separate).

For instance, if one were to publish, say, an email newsletter for free with no ads, would that require a business license? Or would it only require one when you went out and solicited ads/started making money?

Edit: I wish all cities had exemptions for tiny/new businesses. Some do. Some don't.