Blogging: Weekly Summary (July 28 - August 03, 2025)
Key trends, opinions and insights from personal blogs
Vibe Coding and Tech Tweaks
So, let's dive into the world of Jared Asuncion who’s been busy tinkering with his blog setup. Imagine setting up a home server and switching to a new VPS provider, all while keeping things tech-focused. It's like rearranging your room to fit in a new gaming console, but for blogs. Jared's got this cool way of displaying posts by category, which sounds like a neat way to keep things organized. But he’s also got this itch to share non-tech stuff without turning his blog into a mixed bag of everything. It's like wanting to add a splash of color to a black-and-white photo without losing the original vibe.
Consistency and the Blogging Flow
Now, Robert Birming brings up an interesting analogy between house fungus inspections and blogging. Yeah, you heard that right. He talks about how regular practice in blogging, much like dealing with house fungus, makes things easier over time. It's like learning to ride a bike; the more you do it, the less you wobble. Robert also mentions how having less time can actually boost creativity. It's like when you have only 10 minutes to cook dinner, and somehow you whip up something amazing. Constraints can be a blessing in disguise.
RSS Feeds and Fresh Perspectives
Then there's Joelchrono who’s all about using FreshRSS to keep up with blogs. He’s got this nifty feature called User Queries that helps track different blog formats. It's like having a personal assistant who knows exactly what you want to read. Joelchrono shares tips on maximizing FreshRSS, which sounds like a treasure trove for anyone trying to manage their reading list. It's like having a well-organized bookshelf where you can find your favorite book in a jiffy.
The Evolution of Blogging
Frank Meeuwsen takes us on a journey through 25 years of blogging. From the early days of Blogger to using AI agents now, it's like watching a child grow up and become a tech-savvy adult. Frank talks about the importance of keeping a personal touch in writing, even with AI in the mix. It's like adding a handwritten note to a digital birthday card. He also shares thoughts on the future of AI in creative processes, which sounds like a sci-fi movie plot waiting to happen.
The Power of Links
Links are like the secret sauce of the internet, and Joelchrono knows it. He talks about how hyperlinks make online writing concise and connected. It's like having a conversation where you can instantly show someone what you're talking about. Joelchrono prefers writing that uses hyperlinks effectively, avoiding overly technical or SEO-driven content. It's like choosing a homemade meal over fast food; it just feels more satisfying.
Blaugust: A Blogging Festival
August seems to be the month for blogging challenges, with Juha-Matti Santala and others diving into Blaugust. It's a month-long festival encouraging bloggers to write more. Juha-Matti shares his plans for the event, aiming for specific days rather than daily posts. It's like planning a road trip with stops at all the best spots. Notes by JCProbably and Joelchrono also express excitement about Blaugust, highlighting the community aspect. It's like a big family reunion where everyone shares their stories.
Blogging and Personal Growth
Emma Goto shares her journey as a half-Japanese, half-Australian software engineer. Her blog evolved from a programming focus to include hiking, which sounds like a refreshing change. It's like adding a new chapter to a book you love. Emma talks about her creative process and the financial aspects of running her blog, which is like peeling back the curtain to see the wizard at work.
The Balance of Blogging
Robert Birming reflects on finding balance in blogging and life. He introduces the Swedish concept of 'lagom', which means just the right amount. It's like finding the perfect temperature for your coffee, not too hot, not too cold. Robert emphasizes the personal fulfillment that comes from blogging, which is like finding a hidden gem in your backyard.
The Impact of Blogging
Wouter Groeneveld explores the broader impact of blogging compared to academic publishing. He introduces the Brain Baking Impact map, which visualizes the influence of his writing. It's like seeing the ripples in a pond after throwing a stone. Wouter shares the challenges of creating this map, including privacy considerations and technical choices. It's like building a puzzle where every piece matters.
Celebrating Milestones
The folks at Lion & Unicorn celebrate their blog's 10th anniversary. They reflect on the site's evolution and its focus on British politics, culture, and history. It's like looking back at a decade of family photo albums, each picture telling a story. They discuss the shift from contemporary politics to cultural topics, which is like changing the channel to find a new favorite show.
The Bored Blogger
Robert Birming also talks about the cycles of excitement and disillusionment in blogging. It's like trying to find the perfect recipe, only to realize you keep coming back to the same ingredients. He notes progress in learning from the process, which is like finally nailing that tricky yoga pose after months of practice.
Preparing for Blaugust
Nik Kantar shares his preparation for Blaugust, including redesigning his site and switching to a new writing tool, Obsidian. It's like getting a new outfit for the first day of school. Nik plans to use official prompts for daily content creation, which is like having a map for a treasure hunt.
Discovering New Blogs
With Blaugust in full swing, Juha-Matti Santala highlights the excitement of discovering new blogs. He shares tips on managing the influx of posts and recommends standout blogs. It's like exploring a new city and finding all the hidden gems. Juha-Matti emphasizes the joy of exploring new digital gardens, which sounds like a delightful adventure.
The Ephemeral Scrapbook
Numeric Citizen Space reflects on living in a rented country house near Montréal and using technology like the iPad and AI tools. It's like having a digital diary that captures the essence of everyday life. The author shares insights on photography and the challenges of content creation, which is like trying to capture the perfect sunset in a photo.
Weeknotes and Personal Reflections
Finally, Olu Online shares their recent experiences, including a lack of cycling practice and updates on their blog. It's like catching up with an old friend over coffee. Olu contemplates organizing their blog better, which is like rearranging furniture to make a room feel more spacious. They also share personal food and drink preferences, adding a touch of personality to their reflections.
And there you have it, a whirlwind tour through the latest blogging discussions. Each post offers a unique perspective, like different flavors in a buffet. If any of these snippets piqued your interest, I’d say it’s worth diving into the full posts to get the complete picture. Happy reading!