When I write a blog post, I want it to live on my blog, rather than a platform. I can thus invest my time thinking about how to make my blog better and backing it up, rather than having to worry about where my writing is, finding ways to export data from a platform, setting up persistent backups, etc.
Start a blog. Start one because the practice of writing at length, for an audience you respect, about things that matter to you, is itself valuable. Start one because owning your own platform is a form of independence that becomes more important as centralized platforms become less trustworthy. Start one because the format shapes the thought, and this format is good for thinking.
See, I’ve always compared that building pressure of need-to-blog to being constipated (which makes the resultant blog post like having a very satisfying bowel movement), but maybe Brad’s analogy is better. Maybe.
Ah, the circle of life!
In which I answer questions about blogging.
I’ve put a copy of this on my own site too.
Welcome back, Jason!
This line-up just gets better and better! You’ll want to be in Brighton on March 12th, 2026.
Answers to some questions about blogging.
Some handpicked highlights from my blog.
The web is what we make it.
Write for yourself.