Admittedly, I must confess that I’ve found myself somewhat neglectful in dedicating ample time to the cultivation and upkeep of my personal website in recent years. Despite making multiple attempts over time – starting from the early days of crafting a basic HTML-based site, progressing to experimenting with platforms like Blogger, and eventually self-hosting on WordPress – I’ve encountered challenges in maintaining a consistent online presence. This reluctance stems from my desire to avoid the pervasive presence of intrusive advertisements strewn across websites by social media conglomerates. The allure of free services comes at the cost of relinquishing control over personal data, which these companies monetize to a substantial extent.
A website possesses a unique capacity to convey personal branding and identity, particularly when adorned with one’s own name under the coveted “.com” domain. The inherent value in such an endeavor is undeniable. My focus and energy, however, have predominantly gravitated toward offline writing endeavors, most notably the revival of my affinity for keeping handwritten journals during the global lockdown precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Given that the number of hours in a day remains constant, opting for offline journaling leaves little incentive for transferring these musings to the online sphere. I acknowledge the pressing necessity for a digital shift, yet for those of us situated in the middle phase of life, paper-based media has woven itself into our cultural fabric and daily routines.
Furthermore, a certain fondness for stationery, encompassing everything from the exquisite flow of ink from a fountain pen to the selection of the ideal paper texture and journal dimensions, has taken root within me. It’s no wonder then that my penchant for travel has led to the accumulation of an assortment of travel-related materials, prominently featuring travel journals that have regrettably remained largely untouched. This quandary prompted me to question the rationale behind my choices. If this is the case, why didn’t I initially embrace a more contemporary approach – such as jotting down thoughts on my mobile phone while on the move? This approach could feasibly grant me the freedom to allocate time towards crafting blog posts and essays for my personal website – a prospect that I’m now seriously contemplating.
The world is in a constant state of flux, and the sustainability of the websites and digital content I curate remains an open question. Nevertheless, I’ve come to realize that this isn’t necessarily the crux of the matter. With the inexorable generation of billions or millions of new pieces of content daily, the longevity of my creations should perhaps matter less. If my intention behind writing is rooted in self-expression, then the question of their enduring presence becomes secondary. Much like the myriad photos inundating platforms like Instagram every day, I’ve grown indifferent to the transient nature of these posts. My concern lies solely in the fragments I choose to share – those that construct the tapestry of my personal memories over a lifetime. Life’s journey unfolds but once, and in embracing this truth, I’ve arrived at a juncture where I yearn to exert greater agency over how I partake in and relish this voyage.
