The End of the Platform Era: Why You Still Need a Website
Written on
The Transition Away from Traditional Platforms
In this week’s discussion, we delve into whether maintaining a personal website is still essential if you publish on platforms like Medium or Substack.
“Facebook covered in dust and cobwebs” by Justin Cox and Midjourney
Recently, Shannon raised an interesting question in My Writing Community: “If I write on Medium, should I still have a WordPress blog?” Over the past few months, my perspective on this issue has shifted. Before diving in, let’s briefly examine the current landscape of social media platforms.
Twitter has adopted a pay-to-play model, and Meta is not far behind. To gain visibility and ensure your posts reach audiences, these platforms now require payment. Features that were once complimentary have become premium options. What led to this shift?
The decline in ad revenue and user engagement has compelled these platforms to seek ways to sustain profits without enhancing user experience. In my view, this approach seems unsustainable.
Yet, there will always be users willing to pay. Twitter and Facebook, both nearly two decades old, have established a significant history. I joined Facebook in 2004 and Twitter in 2008; that’s a long-standing attachment, and these companies are banking on our reluctance to leave.
However, Mastodon demonstrates that transitioning away from these platforms is not only achievable but can be quite enjoyable.
In the last month, I created my own Mastodon instance. My account is @[email protected], a nod to my 90s roots.
Setting up my Mastodon instance revealed that, while the technology differs, it shares similarities with managing a WordPress blog. Both require server management, grant you full control over your content, and can be migrated as needed. It’s a simplified analogy, but it holds true.
While exploring how to connect my WordPress site with Mastodon, I stumbled upon the IndieWeb principle known as POSSE (Publish on your Own Site, Syndicate Everywhere). This concept emphasizes the importance of maintaining control over your writing.
When you publish on any platform—be it Medium, Substack, LinkedIn, or Twitter—you relinquish some control over your work’s distribution. By adhering to the POSSE model, you can publish on your own site and manage how your content is distributed. You can still choose to syndicate your writing on other platforms for wider reach while retaining ownership. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
By syndicating from your own site, you create a centralized hub for your work. Your website remains a constant presence, even as various platforms rise and fall. I wish I had recognized this sooner, but I’m grateful to be embracing it now.
So, to respond to Shannon’s query: yes, you should absolutely have a personal website if you’re publishing on platforms like Medium or Substack. While I personally advocate for WordPress, there are numerous options available for creating and managing a personal site. Choose the one that best fits your needs.
I recently integrated the IndieWeb Syndication Links plugin into my WordPress site, which showcases where I’ve syndicated each post.
While this approach demands more effort than simply publishing in a single location and relying on their distribution channels, it also safeguards you against the risks of platforms shutting down or opting to charge for basic features.
Do you maintain your own website alongside publishing on other platforms? Share your link in the comments so we can create a classic webring!
Insights on Mastodon Setup
For those curious, here’s a brief overview of how I established my Mastodon server.
I started by moving my web hosting from Dreamhost to Opalstack, drawn by better pricing and superior support. Opalstack offers a one-click installation of Mastodon, which is incredibly convenient.
Over the past month, I discovered that managing a Mastodon server involves significant system administration. I found myself frequently logging in via SSH to tweak settings and optimize resource usage. This was not the social media experience I envisioned.
Consequently, I transitioned my server instance from Opalstack to Masto.host. Hugo, who operates Masto.host, provided exceptional support and personally facilitated the system transfer. Now, I can manage the server according to my preferences without the tedious system administration tasks, allowing me to focus on enjoying the experience. Meanwhile, Opalstack continues to host my website.
If you’re on Mastodon and want to connect, find me at cox.rocks!
Upcoming Community Events
This is your final opportunity to upgrade your subscription to join My Writing Community before our book club discussion this Thursday. We’ll be diving into The Storied Life of AJ Fikry live at 11:00 AM EST. There’s still time to read this beautiful story, and for those who prefer a quicker route, there’s a film adaptation available on Hulu. Upgrade your subscription and join us!
Highlights from the Writing Cooperative
With February coming to a close, I’d like to share my favorite stories from the Writing Cooperative. Typically featured only in the Medium newsletter, they serve as an excellent example of syndicating across platforms. Enjoy this month’s collection!
Most Writers Sound like Beggars When They Ask Readers to “Support Their Writing” by Tim Denning
This approach comes off as begging. After years in sales, I can confidently say I wouldn’t use this tactic to encourage a customer to buy my work—nor would I employ it as a strategy in my previous sales job.
How Watching Films & TV Can Improve Your Fiction Writing by Jana Van der Veer
Just as “reading like a writer” is essential, so is “watching like a writer.” You can’t simply consume content passively and expect to absorb the craft. If it were that easy, we would all be master storytellers by now.
When You Write About People in Your Life, Anticipate Consequences by Martha Manning, Ph.D.
Who truly owns our stories? Is authorship synonymous with ownership? Or does our work reflect the intricate Venn diagrams of our lives, where significant overlap must be acknowledged?
Copyright Laws and AI Writing Bots: How Much of This is Legal? by Megan McClintock
Copyright fundamentally asserts that if you create something original, you should decide who profits from it. Anyone can hold the copyright to their work automatically upon creation. Once registered with the U.S. Copyright Office (USCO), that copyright is legally protected for up to 70 years posthumously.
My Most Public Failure as a Writer by Andrea Hoymann
In today’s digital-first media landscape, it would have been an easily remedied mistake. However, in the early 2000s, that article appeared in print under my name, reaching thousands of readers. My family and friends were avid followers and would surely mock my ignorance.
Pencil, Ink, Color: Levels of Detail in Fiction by Tim White
I typically describe characters at a “pencil” level of detail, providing minimal or no physical descriptions because appearance is rarely crucial. Characters’ words and actions are what propel the story, not their height or eye color.
The ADHD Novelist and Writing Productivity by Eileen Wiedbrauk
According to a CHADD article, adults with ADHD often seek new or exciting stimuli. Our challenge is to make the repetitive task of working on the same novel feel fresh and engaging so we don’t get distracted by more novel pursuits.
Maximize Your Book’s Impact with DIY Cover Designs by Shelby Sullivan
Gone are the days when an author could grab a reader’s attention within the first few pages at a bookstore. Today, readers often browse online through Kindle apps or Barnes & Noble accounts, sometimes without even opening the book before deciding to pass.
How to Find (and Cite) Quality Sources for Articles, Quickly by Nick Wolny
In today’s environment, readers increasingly want to verify your sources when you make bold assertions. Proper citations enhance your writing’s credibility, and understanding the different types of sources—primary, secondary, and tertiary—is essential.
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In this insightful video, explore the alternate ending of The Platform (2020) and discover hidden elements you may have missed that enrich the story.
This video discusses the themes presented in The Burning Platform and reflects on the end of a significant era in American culture.