#find a wordpress website developer

[razadigitalmarketing]

Website development is the process of creating and maintaining websites. It involves various tasks such as designing, coding, testing, and launching a website to make it accessible on the internet. This process encompasses both the front-end (what users see and interact with) and back-end (the server-side processes that make the website function). Website development can range from simple static web pages to complex dynamic websites with interactive features and databases. It requires expertise in programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side languages like PHP, Python, or Ruby. Additionally, website development often involves collaboration between web designers, developers, content creators, and other stakeholders to ensure the website meets its intended purpose and provides a positive user experience.

[tinystepsforward]

autocrattic (more matt shenanigans, not tumblr this time)

I am almost definitely not the right person for this writeup, but I'm closer than most people on here, so here goes! This is all open-source tech drama, and I take my time laying out the context, but the short version is: Matt tried to extort another company, who immediately posted receipts, and now he's refusing to log off again. The long version is... long.

If you don't need software context, scroll down/find the "ok tony that's enough. tell me what's actually happening" heading, or just go read the pink sections. Or look at this PDF.

the background

So. Matt's original Good Idea was starting WordPress with fellow developer Mike Little in 2003, which is free and open-source software (FOSS) that was originally just for blogging, but now powers lots of websites that do other things. In particular, Automattic acquired WooCommerce a long time ago, which is free online store software you can run on WordPress.

FOSS is... interesting. It's a world that ultimately is powered by people who believe deeply that information and resources should be free, but often have massive blind spots (for example, Wikipedia's consistently had issues with bias, since no amount of "anyone can edit" will overcome systemic bias in terms of who has time to edit or is not going to be driven away by the existing contributor culture). As with anything else that people spend thousands of hours doing online, there's drama. As with anything else that's technically free but can be monetized, there are:

Heaps of companies and solo developers who profit off WordPress themes, plugins, hosting, and other services;

Conflicts between volunteer contributors and for-profit contributors;

Annoying founders who get way too much credit for everything the project has become.

the WordPress ecosystem

A project as heavily used as WordPress (some double-digit percentage of the Internet uses WP. I refuse to believe it's the 43% that Matt claims it is, but it's a pretty large chunk) can't survive just on the spare hours of volunteers, especially in an increasingly monetised world where its users demand functional software, are less and less tech or FOSS literate, and its contributors have no fucking time to build things for that userbase.

Matt runs Automattic, which is a privately-traded, for-profit company. The free software is run by the WordPress Foundation, which is technically completely separate (wordpress.org). The main products Automattic offers are WordPress-related: WordPress.com, a host which was designed to be beginner-friendly; Jetpack, a suite of plugins which extend WordPress in a whole bunch of ways that may or may not make sense as one big product; WooCommerce, which I've already mentioned. There's also WordPress VIP, which is the fancy bespoke five-digit-plus option for enterprise customers. And there's Tumblr, if Matt ever succeeds in putting it on WordPress. (Every Tumblr or WordPress dev I know thinks that's fucking ridiculous and impossible. Automattic's hiring for it anyway.)

Automattic devotes a chunk of its employees toward developing Core, which is what people in the WordPress space call WordPress.org, the free software. This is part of an initiative called Five for the Future — 5% of your company's profits off WordPress should go back into making the project better. Many other companies don't do this.

There are lots of other companies in the space. GoDaddy, for example, barely gives back in any way (and also sucks). WP Engine is the company this drama is about. They don't really contribute to Core. They offer relatively expensive WordPress hosting, as well as providing a series of other WordPress-related products like LocalWP (local site development software), Advanced Custom Fields (the easiest way to set up advanced taxonomies and other fields when making new types of posts. If you don't know what this means don't worry about it), etc.

Anyway. Lots of strong personalities. Lots of for-profit companies. Lots of them getting invested in, or bought by, private equity firms.

Matt being Matt, tech being tech

As was said repeatedly when Matt was flipping out about Tumblr, all of the stuff happening at Automattic is pretty normal tech company behaviour. Shit gets worse. People get less for their money. WordPress.com used to be a really good place for people starting out with a website who didn't need "real" WordPress — for $48 a year on the Personal plan, you had really limited features (no plugins or other customisable extensions), but you had a simple website with good SEO that was pretty secure, relatively easy to use, and 24-hour access to Happiness Engineers (HEs for short. Bad job title. This was my job) who could walk you through everything no matter how bad at tech you were. Then Personal plan users got moved from chat to emails only. Emails started being responded to by contractors who didn't know as much as HEs did and certainly didn't get paid half as well. Then came AI, and the mandate for HEs to try to upsell everyone things they didn't necessarily need. (This is the point at which I quit.)

But as was said then as well, most tech CEOs don't publicly get into this kind of shitfight with their users. They're horrid tyrants, but they don't do it this publicly.

ok tony that's enough. tell me what's actually happening

WordCamp US, one of the biggest WordPress industry events of the year, is the backdrop for all this. It just finished.

There are.... a lot of posts by Matt across multiple platforms because, as always, he can't log off. But here's the broad strokes.

Sep 17

Matt publishes a wanky blog post about companies that profit off open source without giving back. It targets a specific company, WP Engine.

Compare the Five For the Future pages from Automattic and WP Engine, two companies that are roughly the same size with revenue in the ballpark of half a billion. These pledges are just a proxy and aren’t perfectly accurate, but as I write this, Automattic has 3,786 hours per week (not even counting me!), and WP Engine has 47 hours. WP Engine has good people, some of whom are listed on that page, but the company is controlled by Silver Lake, a private equity firm with $102 billion in assets under management. Silver Lake doesn’t give a dang about your Open Source ideals. It just wants a return on capital. So it’s at this point that I ask everyone in the WordPress community to vote with your wallet. Who are you giving your money to? Someone who’s going to nourish the ecosystem, or someone who’s going to frack every bit of value out of it until it withers?

(It's worth noting here that Automattic is funded in part by BlackRock, who Wikipedia calls "the world's largest asset manager".)

Sep 20 (WCUS final day)

WP Engine puts out a blog post detailing their contributions to WordPress.

Matt devotes his keynote/closing speech to slamming WP Engine.

He also implies people inside WP Engine are sending him information.

For the people sending me stuff from inside companies, please do not do it on your work device. Use a personal phone, Signal with disappearing messages, etc. I have a bunch of journalists happy to connect you with as well. #wcus — Twitter I know private equity and investors can be brutal (read the book Barbarians at the Gate). Please let me know if any employee faces firing or retaliation for speaking up about their company's participation (or lack thereof) in WordPress. We'll make sure it's a big public deal and that you get support. — Tumblr

Matt also puts out an offer live at WordCamp US:

“If anyone of you gets in trouble for speaking up in favor of WordPress and/or open source, reach out to me. I’ll do my best to help you find a new job.” — source tweet, RTed by Matt

He also puts up a poll asking the community if WP Engine should be allowed back at WordCamps.

Sep 21

Matt writes a blog post on the WordPress.org blog (the official project blog!): WP Engine is not WordPress.

He opens this blog post by claiming his mom was confused and thought WP Engine was official.

The blog post goes on about how WP Engine disabled post revisions (which is a pretty normal thing to do when you need to free up some resources), therefore being not "real" WordPress. (As I said earlier, WordPress.com disables most features for Personal and Premium plans. Or whatever those plans are called, they've been renamed like 12 times in the last few years. But that's a different complaint.)

Sep 22: More bullshit on Twitter. Matt makes a Reddit post on r/Wordpress about WP Engine that promptly gets deleted. Writeups start to come out:

Search Engine Journal: WordPress Co-Founder Mullenweg Sparks Backlash

TechCrunch: Matt Mullenweg calls WP Engine a ‘cancer to WordPress’ and urges community to switch providers

Sep 23 onward

Okay, time zones mean I can't effectively sequence the rest of this.

Matt defends himself on Reddit, casually mentioning that WP Engine is now suing him.

Also here's a decent writeup from someone involved with the community that may be of interest.

WP Engine drops the full PDF of their cease and desist, which includes screenshots of Matt apparently threatening them via text.

Twitter link | Direct PDF link

This PDF includes some truly fucked texts where Matt appears to be trying to get WP Engine to pay him money unless they want him to tell his audience at WCUS that they're evil.

Matt, after saying he's been sued and can't talk about it, hosts a Twitter Space and talks about it for a couple hours.

He also continues to post on Reddit, Twitter, and on the Core contributor Slack.

Here's a comment where he says WP Engine could have avoided this by paying Automattic 8% of their revenue.

Another, 20 hours ago, where he says he's being downvoted by "trolls, probably WPE employees"

At some point, Matt updates the WordPress Foundation trademark policy. I am 90% sure this was him — it's not legalese and makes no fucking sense to single out WP Engine.

Old text: The abbreviation “WP” is not covered by the WordPress trademarks and you are free to use it in any way you see fit. New text: The abbreviation “WP” is not covered by the WordPress trademarks, but please don’t use it in a way that confuses people. For example, many people think WP Engine is “WordPress Engine” and officially associated with WordPress, which it’s not. They have never once even donated to the WordPress Foundation, despite making billions of revenue on top of WordPress.

Sep 25: Automattic puts up their own legal response.

anyway this fucking sucks

This is bigger than anything Matt's done before. I'm so worried about my friends who're still there. The internal ramifications have... been not great so far, including that Matt's naturally being extra gung-ho about "you're either for me or against me and if you're against me then don't bother working your two weeks".

Despite everything, I like WordPress. (If you dig into this, you'll see plenty of people commenting about blocks or Gutenberg or React other things they hate. Unlike many of the old FOSSheads, I actually also think Gutenberg/the block editor was a good idea, even if it was poorly implemented.)

I think that the original mission — to make it so anyone can spin up a website that's easy enough to use and blog with — is a good thing. I think, despite all the ways being part of FOSS communities since my early teens has led to all kinds of racist, homophobic and sexual harm for me and for many other people, that free and open-source software is important.

So many people were already burning out of the project. Matt has been doing this for so long that those with long memories can recite all the ways he's wrecked shit back a decade or more. Most of us are exhausted and need to make money to live. The world is worse than it ever was.

Social media sucks worse and worse, and this was a world in which people missed old webrings, old blogs, RSS readers, the world where you curated your own whimsical, unpaid corner of the Internet. I started actually actively using my own WordPress blog this year, and I've really enjoyed it.

And people don't want to deal with any of this.

The thing is, Matt's right about one thing: capital is ruining free open-source software. What he's wrong about is everything else: the idea that WordPress.com isn't enshittifying (or confusing) at a much higher rate than WP Engine, the idea that WP Engine or Silver Lake are the only big players in the field, the notion that he's part of the solution and not part of the problem.

But he's started a battle where there are no winners but the lawyers who get paid to duke it out, and all the volunteers who've survived this long in an ecosystem increasingly dominated by big money are giving up and leaving.

Anyway if you got this far, consider donating to someone on gazafunds.com. It'll take much less time than reading this did.

[teaberryblue]

I have some big news!

Today was my last day at King Features.

I was offered a choice between a very reduced role and a severance package, and I took it as a sign that the universe is telling me to try new things! I have been there for 16 years!

I’ll be available for new opportunities for 2025.

Just some highlights of the past 16 years:

Working as a comic editor with beloved humor, action-adventure, and soap opera comics

Writing and editing brand and character bibles for properties with over 100 years of history

Managing a roster of close to 100 comic writers and artists

Revamping classic characters for a contemporary audience

Overseeing all stages of content approvals for an international licensed book program

Developing entertainment pitch resources for beloved comic characters

Managing social media accounts for character brands

Building custom websites either from scratch or on Wordpress

Managing an active submissions and acquisitions program

Writing about comic art & history

Writing marketing copy for characters and comics

Some things I’ve only done a little of but would love to do more of, and things I haven’t done but would love to try:

Fiction writing

Comic writing

Game writing

Developing new stories and characters from the ground up

You can find my resume and writing samples at http://www.teaberryblue.com

If you know of someone who needs someone like me, tell them to get in touch!

[mysimsloveaffair]

Figuring out the age of Sims in the Sims 4 is tough. Sims don’t have a set ‘birthday,’ and they age up based on life stages, making it hard for legacy players and storytellers to narrow down exactly what ‘age’ a sim is. Let’s face it: there’s a big difference between a child who is five years old and one who is twelve.

I’ve been a legacy/storyteller for years. Previously, I relied on the in-game ‘normal’ life span for my sims. However, I often felt rushed to get my sims married and have children. This was to avoid the problem of my elder sims dying off before meeting their grandchildren. This issue became even worse when the Discover University Expansion was introduced. If I want to send my sims to college, it takes up even more of their young adult years. Consequently, the marriage/child ‘rush’ becomes a bigger issue.

Eventually, I turned to the MC Command Center mod to solve this by creating my own age ranges, giving each life stage ample time to pursue their goals, develop as characters, and later find someone to spend their lives with. With some tweaking over the years, I came up with the life stage breakdowns you see above. I tried matching the number of sim days in each life stage with an ‘age’ that matches what we’re used to in the real world. I am sharing this because it might be helpful for anyone else who is struggling to ‘age’ their sims. And while it’s not perfect, it could be a good starting point, and I hope it helps!

A large/printable version of this graphic is available on my website here: My Sims 4 Lifespan**

**Link takes you to my WordPress website

Thanks to @storiesbyjes2g, as always, for her feedback!

[hyumjim]

According to the screenshots provided by [German researcher & historian Henrik Schönemann]⁩, the list includes (all of the following are direct quotes): 

$78,000 to Palestinian activist group whose chairman was photographed attending an anniversary event celebrating the founding of the Popular Front for the Liberation of the Palestine terrorist group

$1 Million for foreign DEI programs, including ‘indigenous language technology’ in Guatemala, per non-public funding docs reviewed by WFB

$5 million for effort to treat eating disorders by “affirming” LGBTQIA+ patients’ sexual orientation and gender claims

Up to $3 million to defund the police advocacy group to pursue “climate justice” for convicts

Funded performances of play “Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes,” in which God is bisexual and communists are good, in North Macedonia

Disbursed $15,000 to “queer” Muslim writers in India

Shelled out tens of thousands to create army of 2,500 LGBTQI+ allies

Up to $10 million worth of USAID-funded meals went to al Qaeda-linked terrorist group the Nusra Front

$500,000 to group that “empowers women” in attempt to solve sectarian violence in Israel just ten days before Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks

$4.67 million to EcoHealth Alliance – one of the key NGOs funding bat virus research at Wuhan Institute of Virology — in late 2021. Later refused to answer key questions about the funding.

$7.9 million to a project that would teach Sri Lankan journalists to avoid “binary-gendered language”

$1.3 million to Arab and Jewish photographers

$1.5 million for “art for inclusion of people with disabilities”

$2 million to promote “LGBT equality through entrepreneurship…in developing Latin American countries.”

Education Week: “Biden Administration Cites 1619 Project as Inspiration in History Grant Proposal”

VA took at least a dozen actions aimed at bolstering DEI during the Biden-Harris administration while the number of homeless veterans increased and the amount of claims in the VA’s backlog grew from ~211,000 to ~378,000

NASA has allocated roughly $10 million to grants advancing DEI and “environmental justice” since 2020

Following President Trump’s executive order on DEI at federal agencies, the ATF “quietly changing the job title of its former diversity officer… to ‘senior executive’ with the ATF.

The Department of Labor requested additional funding in 2023 for “The Chief Evaluation Office for a new rigorous interagency evaluation of actions aimed at improving Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and Accessibility across the federal workforce,” more than $6.5 million “to restore employee benefits programs that will advance equity by specifically addressing how opportunities can be expanded for underserved communities and vulnerable populations,” and $5 million “to evaluate actions aimed at improving diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) within the federal workforce.”

Fox Business: “FOX Business’ ‘Trouble in the Skies,’ a six month investigation of the FAA’s new hiring practices, uncovered changes that may put the nation’s flying public at risk as well as allegations that the newest air traffic control recruits had access to answers on a key test that helped them gain jobs with the FAA…Also uncovered was an FAA effort to promote diversity that discarded 3000 qualified college graduates with degrees in air traffic control despite their following FAA procedure and obtaining FAA accredited degrees.”

Schönemann⁩ told 404 Media he wanted to share a sentiment alongside his find: “People all around the world care, you are not alone. And: #TransRights.”

Earlier this week, we reported that the Trump administration had set up a website called waste.gov, which was live on the internet with a sample page from a default WordPress template. Both DEI.gov and waste.gov were created at the same time, according to Reuters, and DEI.gov was recently set up to redirect to waste.gov. After our reporting, both websites were put behind a password wall.

[natalieironside]

hello ms. comrade Ironside, longtime reader, first time caller.

as a fellow writer of queer erotica, I was wondering if you had any thoughts/spoons to share those thoughts on wordpress being swept into the AI debacle under automattic? (I think that’s what you use to host your cool website, forgive me if I am mistaken.) I’m trying to figure out where to set up an author website of my own so I don’t have to host my stuff on tumblr anymore, but I’m a bit gun-shy in the current moment. I know AI trawling is inevitable in today’s internet, but as someone who’s been doing the indie author thing for some time (and admirably!), is there something you would recommend, best practices or otherwise, to someone just trying to get their metaphorical kite off the ground? or anything you wish you knew when you set up your own author-type socials? any thought at all would be genuinely appreciated.

thanks for your time, and I hope you and yours are as well as can be expected 🖤

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but afaik nothing approaching best practices has been figured out yet; it's all already happening and there's precious little as can be done to put the toothpaste back in the tube. Of course I uncheck all the little boxes in settings and deny them my consent or whatever, but I don't think a gaggle of unimaginative piss-bellied technocrats who decided it was a sensible use of vast amounts of water and power to teach a computer how to write very badly are what I'd call trustworthy. I'm still gonna move all my website shit off of Wordpress because they won't let me get rid of the stupid AI assistant thing, but that's more a case of their UI being ugly and dumb than me thinking it'll actually do any good.

Best I can tell you on that front is to try to find yourself a niche and develop yourself as an artist from there; "Write the kinds of books you wish other people were writing" is good general advice, and a human operator is always going to be capable of things a predictive network just isn't. Other ppl are gonna disagree with that, but they're wrong. Their understanding of resource allocation and scarcity is just childishly naive and you shouldn't waste your time listening to people who think we're gonna solve climate change with apps or whatever.

Far as social media goes, this is still the best one for hocking books as far as I can tell. I'm hearing a lot of good things about Cohost and Pillowfort, but their user bases are still quite small, and I haven't found the indie author community on Bluesky yet. If Tumblr goes belly up I'll probably end up migrating to one of those first two primarily b/c I think longform blogging is the secret stuff for ppl like me who are just too crabby and agoraphobic to be Twitter influencers; I may not be any good at videos or regular quick posts or documenting the writing process (which is too bad, b/c a lot of my friends who do that stuff seem to be having fun with it), but I sure can Lay Out Some Thoughts in A Few Paragraphs and I like to think that's something ppl expect from a novelist.

Also, never get in a public argument, don't go posting Your Thoughts On The Issues unless someone asked or you feel like you've got something interesting to say, and be very selective with how much and what personal information you give out to the hoi polloi. Those are my 3 rules for how to do social media good.

[notfinancialadvice]

WordPress Shifts in industry news I am not a part of but enjoy gossiping about

I used to do a a lot of work using WordPress as a system. It's easy, cheap to build and maintain with, etc.

I do not anymore. This has nothing to do with WordPress. It was exclusively a "a few years ago I received the opportunity to bow out of the industry as a graphic designer in order to pursue a cocktail of art, fantasy, economy, and business"

I used to be a customer of Advanced Custom Fields. I am no longer, for the same reason as above, I am no longer a web developer. Their service was good to me and I enjoyed it tremendously while I had it.

I have therefore no stake in this game and thus no public opinion.

And yet I enjoy the drama of it all so here we are.

WordPress is forking.

Or maybe it isn't a fork.

The core, mesmerizing, (and I do not say this lightly) potentially civilization changing beauty of open source software is the ability to meet different, often diametrically opposing, priorities.

"Civilization-changing is kinda heavy language?"

via

No :)

A significant portion of the internet as we know it today is powered by WordPress. It has and will continue to shape the entire scope and scale of internet development for longer than anyone reading this will be alive -- for good and for ill.

WordPress was primarily a blogging system that could build websites as well. With the introduction of externally-based Advanced Custom Fields, it became a powerhouse web builder as well.

The short version: You could easily say "put this image / text / whatever here in the template."

It was a game changer to many smaller scale developers (hi) with a tiny staff. It allowed us (me + team) to grow much more powerful very quickly and very affordably.

Digging into the news further, there is / was chatter about pulling in the core functionality of ACF into WP's main system.

It brings an interesting point to the open source space.

And goes to my original points above.

If you make something open, how much control do you have over it? If you profit from it, how long can this last before it gets pulled into the core?

That is a risk as a developer -- you could potentially lose your business because it gets folded into the larger entity, but on the other hand, until that point, your reward was immediate accessibility to a market / system a million times larger than you, that you had previously no hand in building.

It is a tragedy of the commons.

I had long forgotten this phrase.

I'm familiar with the concept -- a public finite resource is at risk of overuse from all because it is available to all -- it largely joins with the core issue of economics itself -- how do you find balance with finite resources and infinite desires.

It is the nature of art on the internet.

Artists want to make art and it to be seen, they put it online. Audiences do not by nature owe them anything, the art is available to view for free, but without audience support, the art will stop or degrade in posting frequency.

More directly, to the WordPress sphere, what is the responsibility to the core system (thus other users)? What is the responsibility of the users to the core system?

Objectively speaking, building and maintaining a system like WordPress requires a lot of resources.

The open source nature allows for competing priorities to be served provided enough resources, because you can always say "I don't want to follow your path of ABC, I want to do BCD" and then do that.

The open source nature also allows you to say "I made a widget, it costs $100/year"

But the core can say "Hm. That would make our system stronger. Yoink. Now it's ours and is free."

Then you have a market race to push to build the better whatever.

I...

...do not have answers.

To any of this.

I am left realizing.

It feels like macroeconomics and personal economics grinding against each other in a way that is traditionally seen across countries (if not the world) and decades (if not centuries) -- but in this instance, it's a much smaller scale (kinda? WP powers a lot of the internet and influences a significant portion of what it doesn't power).

And weeks and months.

Instead of decades and centuries.

This is a fun piece of bone to chew on.

I freely admit it is fun exclusively because I am not involved. If I were, it would be fucking nerve wracking.

[foodmato]

The Future of Food Delivery Services: New Trends and Predictions

Ordering food online has become incredibly popular among millennials and Gen Z, all thanks to the easy availability of high-speed internet connections and smartphones. Consumers are getting their favorite food items from their preferred restaurants directly to their doorsteps with a few clicks. So if you are in the food industry or own a restaurant, you must be aware of the future of online delivery services to stay updated and make developments to your restaurant following the modern trends.

Find out what the future of food delivery services, the current popular food delivery trends, and what we can predict in this article. Before discovering the future scope of the food ordering system or delivery process, letlook closelylook at the current food delivery service statistics.

Food delivery services statistics

According to reports, the food delivery service market is expected to increase to $34.68 billion by the end of 2024, which clearly shows a steady rise in the growth curve.

There will be an estimated growth of 19.88% in food delivery services between 2024 to 2027. The market for food delivery services could even reach $71.63 billion by 2027.

According to the meal delivery market forecast, the number of users in this sector could reach 2.5BN by 2029.

What’s Next for Food Delivery Services? Key Trends and Future Predictions

The online food ordering market generates almost $27 billion every year. If you, too, want to be a part of this growth, you need to be aware of the following food delivery services trends and predictions for the future.

1. Restaurants launching their food delivery platforms

The recent trend in food delivery services of restaurants is witnessing a shift from the idea of relying on third-party meal delivery partners like Foodpanda, Uber Eats, to directly offering food delivery services of their own.

Consumers also prefer to place food orders directly from the restaurant instead of third-party websites. Well-known food brands like KFC, Pizza Hut, etc have also launched their own food ordering and delivery services, which let their customers order food directly from their restaurant website or mobile app.

Whether you have a big restaurant or a small one, you too can create your restaurant delivery system on your website and save a huge amount of money that you might be spending on third-party platforms. How? The answer is with FoodMato. It is a WordPress-based restaurant management solution that takes care of all your online restaurant management needs, including creating a food delivery system.

Discover the solution now!

2. Virtual assistants

Virtual assistants are getting increasingly popular in multiple industries, including restaurants. However, not a lot of restaurants have adopted this new technology yet, which means you still have a chance to take full advantage of this technology. This is surely going to be dominant in the future.

A virtual assistant is an AI system that accepts the voice commands of your customers and delivers them to your POS system. It not only saves your time but also helps customers place their online orders to your restaurant easily.

3. Green transport system

Using a green transport system is all about using environmentally friendly vehicles. Some restaurants rely on delivery teams that consist of teenagers who drive vehicles older than 10 years, which is harmful to the environment. To avoid this, it is predicted that most restaurants will rely on eco-friendly delivery systems by switching to bikes or electric cars for food delivery in the future.

4. Robotic Vans for delivery

Robotic vans or self-driving robots are redefining the concept of food, groceries, and package deliveries. These robots have made the local food delivery system easy and convenient for restaurant owners as well as customers. Though the usage has not become very popular yet but it has already been witnessed in a few college campuses of the USA for food delivery. More and more applications of these robot vans or self-driving robots are expected in the future in the food delivery market.

5. Increasing cloud kitchens

Cloud kitchens or ghost kitchens are the new type of restaurants that are based on commercial cooking spaces where foods are prepared only for delivery. They do not have a physical establishment to invite guests for meals as the entire system is based on online orders and delivery. As there is a rapid increase in the demand for online deliveries, the concept of ghost kitchens is anticipated to be more popular.

This allows restaurant owners to reach out to a wider audience without spending much on physical stores and other things that are required for a full-fledged restaurant.

Create your food delivery system with FoodMato

Having your food delivery system comes with multiple benefits that include:

No reliance on third parties.

Better exposure.

Cost saving, you don’t have to pay for third-party platforms.

Increase in profit.

Improves user experience.

Boost brand credibility.

If you want to experience all these advantages for your restaurant, use FoodMato’s complete online restaurant management solution that includes online food delivery services as well. Discover our services now!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the future of food delivery services?

The future of food delivery services globally appears to be very promising, with an expected growth of 281.52 billion by 2031.

How can I create my food delivery system?

You need the right software to create your food delivery system. Use FoodMato to add a WordPress-based online food delivery system to your website.

What is the cost of creating a food delivery system on my website?

The expense of creating a food delivery system usually depends on the software you use for this purpose. If you are looking for effective and affordable food delivery software, try FoodMato. It offers its complete online restaurant management solution, including food delivery for only $99.

[crossatlanticsoftware-blog]

Top WordPress Website Development Services: Expert Web Designers & Developers Near You

These days, your website is often the first impression people get of your business—so it needs to look good and work flawlessly. In a world where everything happens online, having a strong digital presence isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. That’s why so many businesses turn to WordPress. It’s reliable, flexible, and built to grow with you. Whether you’re starting from scratch or giving your current site a much-needed refresh, having the right team by your side makes all the difference. At Cross Atlantic Software, we’re here to help with WordPress website development services that are designed around your goals, your brand, and your future.Why Choose WordPress?

WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet—and for good reason. It’s a powerful, flexible, and scalable platform that supports everything from simple blogs to complex eCommerce sites. Its open-source nature, combined with a vast library of themes and plugins, makes it a favorite among developers and business owners alike.

However, maximizing WordPress’s potential requires more than a basic understanding. It calls for professional WordPress web design, skilled development, and ongoing optimization. That’s where Cross Atlantic Software comes in.

Our WordPress Website Development Services

At Cross Atlantic Software, our comprehensive WordPress website development services include everything from initial consultation to post-launch support. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Custom WordPress Web Design

We understand that every business is unique. Our team of experienced WordPress designers near me works closely with clients to create custom websites that reflect their brand identity, engage visitors, and convert leads. Whether you need a sleek corporate site or a visually rich portfolio, our designs are tailored to impress and perform.

2. Expert WordPress Development

Our skilled WordPress web developers specialize in creating responsive, SEO-friendly, and lightning-fast websites. From theme customization to plugin development and API integrations, we ensure your website functions seamlessly across all devices and platforms.

3. E-commerce Solutions

Want to start selling online? We integrate robust WooCommerce solutions into your WordPress site to create intuitive and secure eCommerce stores. Our WordPress website development services include product page optimization, shopping cart setup, payment gateway integration, and more.

4. Maintenance & Support

A website is not a one-time project; it requires constant updates and monitoring. We offer ongoing maintenance packages that include backups, security scans, plugin updates, and performance monitoring to keep your website running at its best.

Why Work with WordPress Experts Near You?

Searching for WordPress experts near me brings you to professionals who understand your market and can provide more personalized support. At Cross Atlantic Software, we pride ourselves on our collaborative approach and transparent communication. Being locally accessible means we’re always within reach for meetings, consultations, or urgent updates.

What Sets Cross Atlantic Software Apart?

We’re more than just WordPress web developers—we’re your digital partners. Our team combines creativity, strategy, and technical skill to deliver impactful websites that drive business results.

Client-Centric Approach: We tailor our services to your goals, not the other way around.

Proven Expertise: Our portfolio spans diverse industries and project scales.

Responsive Design: Mobile-first design ensures your site looks great on all devices.

SEO Optimization: Every project is built with SEO best practices to help you rank higher.

Local Talent: Looking for WordPress designers near me? You’ll find them here.

The Benefits of Professional WordPress Web Design

Many small businesses start with DIY templates or free website builders, but these often come with limitations. Professional WordPress web design ensures that your site is not only visually appealing but also optimized for performance, SEO, and user experience.

Benefits include:

Brand Consistency: Custom themes aligned with your branding.

Improved SEO: Faster load times and proper on-page SEO structures.

Scalability: Easily add new features or pages as your business grows.

Security: Reduced risk of hacking with the right development practices.

Case Study: A Success Story with Cross Atlantic Software

A local fitness studio approached us in search of WordPress experts near me. They needed a visually dynamic and user-friendly website to showcase their services and handle class bookings. Our team delivered a stunning custom design, integrated WooCommerce for payments, and created a seamless user experience across desktop and mobile.

The result? A 60% increase in website traffic and a 35% increase in customer sign-ups within three months.

How to Get Started

If you’re ready to elevate your online presence, don’t settle for generic solutions. Partner with Cross Atlantic Software to leverage our end-to-end WordPress website development services and achieve your business goals. Whether you're looking for WordPress web design, development, or local support from WordPress designers near me, we’ve got you covered.

Schedule a free consultation today and see how our team of dedicated WordPress web developers can transform your digital presence.

Conclusion

Your website is your most powerful digital asset. With the right design and development partner, you can create a site that not only looks good but delivers results. Cross Atlantic Software, we combine technical know-how with creative flair to offer world-class WordPress website development services that drive success.

Don’t waste time searching endlessly for WordPress experts near me or wondering if your site is up to par. Let our experienced team guide you from concept to launch—and beyond.

Contact Cross Atlantic Software today and start building your digital future.

[theuniteblogin]

Best Ways to Earn Money Online from Home

Today, many people want to earn money online from home. The internet has made it easy to work from anywhere. You need a mobile or laptop and an internet connection. Here are some of the best ways to earn money online.

1. Freelancing

Freelancing means working for different people or companies without a full-time job. You can do writing, graphic design, video editing, data entry, or web development. Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer help you find freelancing jobs.

2. Online Teaching

If you are good at any subject, you can teach online. Many students need help in subjects like maths, science, and English. You can teach on platforms like Vedantu, Unacademy, and Chegg.

3. Blogging

Blogging means writing about topics you like. You can start a blog on Blogger or WordPress. You can earn money from ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing when people visit your blog.

4. YouTube

If you like making videos, YouTube is a good option. You can create videos on cooking, education, travel, or gaming. When your channel grows, you can earn from ads and sponsorships.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing means promoting products and earning a commission. Many companies give you a unique link. If someone buys from your link, you get paid. You can promote products on your blog, YouTube, or social media.

6. Selling Products Online

You can sell products online through Amazon, Flipkart, or Meesho. You can sell handmade items, clothes, mobile accessories, or home decor items. Some people also sell digital products like e-books or courses.

7. Data Entry Jobs

Data entry is a simple online job where you type information into a computer. Many companies hire people for this work. Websites like Naukri and Indeed have data entry job listings.

8. Online Surveys and Reviews

Some companies pay for your opinion. It is a good way to earn extra income.

9. Social Media Management

Many businesses need help in managing their social media pages. You can work as a social media manager if you know how to post content and reply to messages.

10. Stock Market or Cryptocurrency

You can invest and earn money if you understand the stock market or cryptocurrency. But this needs knowledge and research. Never invest without learning correctly.

Conclusion -

There are many ways to earn money online from home. You should choose a method based on your skills and interests. Some ways give fast income, while others take time. Be careful of scams, and always work with trusted websites. With hard work and patience, you can earn a good income online.

[mysimsloveaffair]

Here's a little background insight on Dub's love life. What he told Maia is fact - he's never had an "official" girlfriend. But that doesn't mean he hasn't been in love. In my head, Perla will always hold a little piece of his heart.** If you've been reading the story for a while, you know he's not with her because of circumstance, not a lack of love. Inata made him a man** back in Batuu...so she'll also hold a special place for him. (And just as background information, he still flirts with them on the Social Bunny app. Let's hope that doesn't get him into trouble later.)

Then there was Bongani in high school,** but that was just a crush that never went anywhere.

But now, he's turned his attention to Maia. If you read my Frog Scenario side story** - you know more about Maia than any other lady from Dub's life. And it may have occurred to you that Dub and Maia don't seem very compatible in many ways. But to my surprise - they quickly developed a "love" meter from just a few of the more innocent flirting interactions while out to eat for the first time. I'm excited to see where this goes.

I'm leaving this poll up for a week because I will not post any story updates until next week. Please keep in mind that this poll is just for fun. It will not change the story outcome in any way.

But I will respond to asks and tags. I will also continue reblogging cc finds, tutorials, and posts I love on Sims Love Affair Reblogs.

Have a happy Thanksgiving if you celebrate. If not, enjoy your weekend!

** Note: Links take you to my WordPress website.

[mohammuad]

Promote Your Fiverr Gig & Boost Sales With SEO

Are you struggling to get sales on your Fiverr gig? With millions of freelancers competing for attention, ranking your gig on Fiverr and search engines is crucial. This is where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in. By optimizing your Fiverr gig with the right keywords, descriptions, and external backlinks, you can boost your visibility, drive more traffic, and increase sales. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use SEO effectively to promote your Fiverr gig and attract more buyers.

1. Understanding Fiverr SEO

Fiverr SEO refers to the optimization techniques that improve the ranking of your gig within Fiverr’s search results. Fiverr uses an algorithm that considers various factors such as keywords, gig performance, reviews, and order completion rate. By optimizing these elements, you increase the chances of appearing in Fiverr’s top search results, leading to more traffic and sales.

Fiverr’s Gig Ranking Factors:

Relevant Keywords in the gig title, description, and tags

High-Quality Gig Images and Videos to attract buyers

Competitive Pricing and compelling offers

Positive Customer Reviews and Ratings

Fast Response Time and Order Completion Rate

Engagement Metrics such as clicks, views, and orders

2. Optimizing Your Fiverr Gig with SEO

a) Keyword Research for Fiverr Gigs

Just like Google, Fiverr ranks gigs based on relevant keywords. To find the best keywords:

Use Fiverr’s search bar and check auto-suggestions

Analyze top-ranking competitors’ gigs for common terms

Use SEO tools like Ubersuggest, Ahrefs, and Semrush to find related keywords

Focus on long-tail keywords like “affordable WordPress website designer” instead of just “WordPress designer”

b) Writing an SEO-Optimized Gig Title

Your gig title should be clear, engaging, and keyword-rich. Example: ❌ Bad: “I will design a website” ✅ Good: “I Will Design a Professional WordPress Website for Businesses”

c) Crafting an Optimized Fiverr Gig Description

Your gig description must:

Include primary and secondary keywords naturally

Highlight your expertise, unique selling points, and benefits

Use bullet points for easy readability

End with a clear call-to-action (CTA) encouraging buyers to place an order

Example:

“Looking for a professional WordPress website designer? I specialize in creating responsive, SEO-friendly websites that drive traffic and conversions. Whether you need a business site, blog, or eCommerce store, I’ve got you covered. Order now and let’s get started!”

d) Choosing the Right Gig Tags

Fiverr allows up to 5 gig tags, so choose the most relevant ones. Example for a WordPress gig: ✅ WordPress website, website design, SEO website, responsive website, web developer

e) Uploading High-Quality Gig Images and Videos

Eye-catching visuals help convert visitors into buyers. Use:

HD images with readable text

Short promotional videos (Fiverr prioritizes gigs with videos in search results)

Portfolio samples to showcase previous work

3. Promoting Your Fiverr Gig Outside Fiverr

a) Driving Traffic from Google

Optimizing your Fiverr gig for Google search can drive external traffic.

Create a blog post on Medium, LinkedIn, or your website linking to your gig

Use SEO-friendly meta descriptions with relevant keywords

Share guest posts on industry websites linking to your Fiverr profile

b) Sharing Your Gig on Social Media

Leverage social platforms to get more visibility:

Facebook & LinkedIn Groups: Share valuable insights and subtly promote your gig

Twitter & Instagram: Use relevant hashtags like #FiverrGigs, #FreelanceServices, #HireMe

Pinterest & YouTube: Create graphics or short videos showcasing your services

c) Using Quora & Reddit for Gig Promotion

Answering relevant questions on Quora and participating in Reddit communities can attract targeted buyers.

Find questions related to your service and provide helpful answers

Link to your Fiverr gig naturally without spamming

d) Running Paid Ads (Optional)

If you have a budget, you can use Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or Fiverr Promoted Gigs to target potential buyers.

4. Maintaining a High Fiverr Gig Ranking

Even after optimizing your gig, consistent efforts are needed to maintain a high ranking.

Deliver high-quality work to receive 5-star ratings

Respond quickly to messages to improve your response rate

Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews

Update your gig regularly to stay competitive

Conclusion

Ranking your Fiverr gig higher requires smart SEO techniques, consistent effort, and external promotion. By optimizing your gig with the right keywords, descriptions, images, and external backlinks, you can increase visibility and boost sales. Start implementing these Fiverr SEO strategies today and watch your gig attract more buyers!

Ready to dominate Fiverr? Start optimizing your gig now and turn your freelance business into a success!

If you are looking to promote your services to get clients I can help you with my SEO services let connect on LinkedIn Muhammad H.

[orbitwebtech]

🚀 Need a PHP Development Agency? 🚀

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Perfect for Web Development 🛠️

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💼 Find the Perfect Fit Today! Whether you're a startup or an established business, the right agency can turn your vision into reality. 🚀

🔍 Looking for: ✅ Custom PHP Development ✅ API Integrations ✅ E-commerce Solutions ✅ CMS Development (WordPress, Drupal, etc.) ✅ Maintenance & Support

👉 Ready to elevate your web game? Let’s connect with the best in the biz! 🌟

[unique-reviews]

Unleashing the Power of A2 Hosting Review: Hear Why Customers Are Raving

Introduction

Overview of A2 Hosting

When considering web hosting providers, A2 Hosting often comes up as a distinctive choice. Known for its speed and reliability, A2 Hosting caters to a diverse range of users—from bloggers to large enterprises. Their commitment to performance is backed by a suite of features designed to offer not just hosting, but a robust online experience. What sets A2 Hosting apart? Let me simplify it for you:

Turbo Servers: Up to 20x faster than standard hosting

Developer-Friendly: Supports various programming languages and frameworks

Green Hosting: Environmentally responsible with energy-efficient practices

Using A2 Hosting has truly allowed me to focus on what I love—creating content—without the worries of server downtimes.

History of A2 Hosting

Founded in 2001, A2 Hosting began with a clear mission: to provide a top-tier web hosting experience. What started as a small startup has evolved into a significant player in the hosting industry over the years. Here are some pivotal milestones in A2 Hosting's journey:

2001: A2 Hosting was established in Ann Arbor, Michigan, mainly targeting developers.

2003: The introduction of their "Turbo" server line showcased their focus on speed.

2013: The launch of their Managed WordPress hosting solidified their offerings.

A2 Hosting Features

High-Speed Servers

One of the standout features of A2 Hosting is its high-speed servers. Speed is crucial, especially if you want to provide users with a seamless experience. When I first migrated my blog to A2 Hosting, I noticed an immediate boost in page loading times. Their Turbo Servers promise up to 20x faster performance, which is a game changer! Here are a few highlights about their speed capabilities:

SSD Storage: A2 utilizes solid-state drives that drastically improve data retrieval times compared to traditional HDDs.

Turbo Boost: This optional feature allows for even faster speeds by optimizing server settings specifically for your site.

Global Data Centers: With multiple data centers across the globe, A2 Hosting ensures that your content is as close to your visitors as possible.

Reliable Customer Support

Another noteworthy aspect of A2 Hosting is their reliable customer support. We all encounter technical hiccups from time to time, and having a responsive support team can make all the difference. Personally, I found their customer service representatives to be knowledgeable and eager to help with any questions I had during my initial setup. Here’s what you can expect from their support services:

24/7 Availability: Whether it’s the weekend or the middle of the night, help is just a click away.

Multiple Support Channels: Reach out via live chat, phone, or email—whichever method suits you best.

Comprehensive Knowledge Base: A detailed library of articles and tutorials helps users find answers swiftly.

A2 Hosting Plans

Shared Hosting

When it comes to affordability and ease of use, A2 Hosting's Shared Hosting plans are a fantastic option, especially for beginners. I still remember my initial foray into web hosting; I started with a shared plan simply because it fit my budget and needs perfectly. With shared hosting, multiple websites share the same server resources, which is both cost-effective and simple to manage. Here are some key features of A2 Hosting's Shared Hosting:

Low Starting Price: Their plans are competitively priced, making it accessible to many.

Free Site Migration: A2 offers migration assistance from your existing host, saving you the hassle.

Unlimited Storage and Bandwidth: Ideal for growing websites that may need more resources as they scale.

VPS Hosting

As my website grew, I found myself needing more control and resources, leading me to explore A2 Hosting's VPS Hosting options. Virtual Private Servers offer dedicated resources within a shared environment, providing better performance and greater customization. Here's what I discovered about their VPS Hosting plans:

Flexible Resources: You can scale your resources according to your site's evolving needs.

Root Access: Ideal for developers like me who want complete control over their server's configurations.

Enhanced Security: A private environment adds an extra layer of security for sensitive data.

Benefits of Using A2 Hosting

Enhanced Security

One of the aspects of A2 Hosting that truly stood out for me is their enhanced security features. In today’s digital landscape, safeguarding your website is crucial, and A2 Hosting takes this concern seriously. From the moment I started my journey with them, I felt reassured by the various security measures they implemented. Here are some highlights of their security features:

Free SSL Certificates: A2 provides free SSL certificates, which are essential for encrypting data and boosting customer trust.

HackScan Protection: Their proactive monitoring helps detect vulnerabilities and block potential threats before they cause harm.

Reinforced DDoS Protection: This feature safeguards your website from malicious attacks that could disrupt services.

Knowing these measures were in place allowed me to focus on my content without constantly worrying about potential breaches.

User-Friendly Control Panel

Navigating the world of web hosting can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to it. That’s why A2 Hosting’s user-friendly control panel is yet another reason I appreciate their service. It simplifies website management, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise. What I love about their control panel:

Intuitive Design: Easy-to-navigate menus mean you can quickly find what you need.

One-Click Installations: Setting up applications like WordPress or Joomla is a breeze with just one click.

Resource Usage Stats: You can easily monitor your resource consumption, helping to manage your site effectively.

Customer Reviews

Positive Feedback

As I dove deeper into the world of A2 Hosting, I couldn't help but notice the buzz surrounding their services. Many users rave about the performance and overall experience they receive. The positive feedback is nearly unanimous, emphasizing how this hosting provider sets itself apart from the competition. Here’s what many customers appreciate most:

Speed and Uptime: A consistent theme in reviews is the impressive speed and reliability. Users often mention page load times significantly improving after switching to A2 Hosting.

Responsive Support: Customers frequently highlight the quick response time and helpfulness of the support team—something I can personally attest to. I reached out to them once, and I was amazed at how quickly I received a thorough solution.

Testimonials from Satisfied Customers

Real-life testimonials often speak volumes, and A2 Hosting is filled with success stories from satisfied customers. Many express how transitioning to A2 Hosting transformed their online presence. For instance:

John, a Small Business Owner: Sharing his journey, John mentioned that after moving to A2 Hosting, his e-commerce site experienced record sales due to faster page load times, which directly bolstered customer satisfaction.

Sarah, a Blogger: Sarah remarked, "The user-friendly control panel took the headache out of managing my blog. It's simplified everything for me!"

In my experience, witnessing such genuine testimonials gives me confidence in A2 Hosting. Their customers not only praise the services but feel genuinely looked after, and that’s something we all want when selecting our web hosting partner.

[azus-reyan]

Day #1: I feel as If I should reintroduce myself

Hello world, I still have f*ck all Idea on what I’m doing

At the start….. To begin with…. Oh god! I don’t even know what to say!

After much thought, I decided to shed some light on my life and what brought me here. 

I was tired of the conventional path everyone seemed to follow – school, uni, job. So, I said, 'I think not,' and chose to go my own way.

It felt empowering, but it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Turns out that taking control of your own future is a heavy burden. It comes with enough challenges to make you question, ‘What the hell was I thinking?’

After high school, I took a month off and spent a long time searching for anything that could bring in even a little income—something I could proudly show my naysayers and say, ‘Look what I’ve achieved.’

But it wasn’t all light and rainbows. It was a trial and error, followed by a swift disappointment. A lot of procrastination. And when things didn’t work, I’d get excited about something new only to watch it fall apart a few weeks later."

My so-called efforts were half-assed almost all the time. I was never all in, and patience? I had completely forgotten there was such a thing. If something wasn’t an instant success, it was over. 

Finally, feeling frustrated and lost beyond any hope of being found, I went for a last rush.

During that period of inactivity, I wasn’t just sitting around. Instead, I wrote short stories—some pretty amazing, others downright ridiculous. But they did improve my writing a lot. I still held onto the hope of making a living from writing, but I knew short stories alone wouldn’t cut it. And writing a book? Too much work. Lazy, I know.

But there was something I could do. Something that wouldn't require as much effort as a book but could be a lot more profitable than any short story. at least any I could ever come up with. 

A blog

The idea was simple enough: write a post ranging from five hundred to three thousand plus. Promote the post to ensure enough people see it, then wait for the money to rain on my head. 

But before that, my dear boy, before that, you just have to….

Choose a niche. What is a niche? It could be anything but you have to be specific enough to build an audience around. Too specific? No, you'll soon run out of things to say. 

After that, building your website comes next. You can simplify this process by creating it with a simple, drag-and-drop website builder. Think…WordPress! There you go. But did I tell you it will take at least a month to get things ready? Oh well. 

No rest for the wicked. Come up with a post idea. Research about the idea. Write about the idea. The first draft sucks, why don’t you try again. It sucks even more, how is this possible?! 

Use AI maybe? No, that would be criminal. Plus, people don’t like AI content although that post you made a few months ago is doing well for some reason.

At last, you have your first post ready. It won’t blow Perez Hilton out of his wits, but it’ll do.

But here comes the fantastic part: People have to actually find this poor post or…. Well…. Who would even care? So, do some SEO optimizations. What is that? Well, how about you spend 20 hours learning the technical foundations?

Alright, now you’re a master at this. Do some keyword research, and splash some keywords and their synonyms around your post. Look for the H1’s and H2’s while you’re at it. There you go, you’ve hacked the Google algorithm!

Now share your post on social media, but which one? 

Twitter will do, for now. Click share, write something interesting about the post then come back after twenty hours for some developments. In the meantime, try writing another post. And kind of do all that you’ve done again. 

Finally, you’re ready for your second post Check the analytics. Crickets. It’s alright, check for Twitter, there’s bound to be some engagement there, 0.

Well maybe if I post more?

10 aggressive posts later, no improvements. It’s the website, I can’t bring people to it. Maybe it would be easier if I went to somewhere that has an already existing base. Guest post? No, I'm allergic to favors. Medium, Substack? Yeah, why not? 

Try both, and have little to no success. But I’ve tried Medium before, there was at least some engagement there. Why don’t we focus on it for now?

But before that, delete that AI-written post that’s still doing better than anything you’ve written so far. Makes you question the point of writing yourself.

Prepare the post. Click publish after doing everything [as you should]. Share on Twitter, and share on LinkedIn. Buzzzz….fiddle your fingers around while you wait….buzzzz…. 

A day has passed. Surely things will be better. Check Medium. None. Twitter, it has to be Twitter: 😂Loser! LinkedIn: Professionals only, you unsophisticated fool. But I am sophisticated? 😢, I think. 

Ten days later, 

After 10+ days of consistent effort, I’ve concluded that I will never be found through Medium. Believe me, I did more than I ever thought I would through the platform, but it’s clearly pay-to-win.

Hello Tumblr

Before now, the only thing I knew of Tumblr was through my back alley transactions, if you know what I mean.😏 But I recently heard it’s a good blogging platform, so, what the hell right? 

My expectations aren’t too high but I’m willing to give it a serious shot. Before I chuck it over the side, that is. 

The point of this rant has been to let you know that not everyone out there has it figured out.  Reaching your goals takes effort, consistency, and yes, a little bit of luck. If you’re feeling like I did—wondering, ‘What the hell should I do?’—don’t panic. Just start with the easiest thing you can, and take baby steps until you find your way

And with that, I say hello to you, Tumblr, and I hope we have a better time than my previous experience suggests. 

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more of this and that.

[llbbl]

How to Pick the Best Blog or Newsletter Platform in 2025

In 2025, blogging and newsletters remain essential tools for creators, businesses, and professionals. However, choosing the right one can be challenging with many available platforms. Whether you’re a beginner, a tech-savvy developer, or an established creator looking to monetize your content, this guide will help you navigate the options.

Key Factors to Consider

When evaluating platforms, consider the following:

• Ease of Use: Does the platform fit your technical skills?

• Customization: How much control do you want over design and functionality?

• Community and Discoverability: Does the platform help you grow your audience?

• Monetization Options: Can you earn money directly through the platform?

• Content Ownership: Do you retain control over your content?

• Cost: Does the platform align with your budget?

Use Cases and Recommendations

1. Beginners or General Use

For those new to blogging or looking for simple, user-friendly platforms, these options stand out:

• Medium: Ideal for casual bloggers who want to focus on writing and gain access to a built-in community.

• Micro.blog: Supports short-form and long-form blogging with cross-posting to Mastodon, Threads, and BlueSky. Great for personal sites with minimal monetization needs.

• Squarespace: Excellent for visually appealing blogs with drag-and-drop design and robust hosting.

• WordPress.com: Offers beginner-friendly features, extensive plugins, and SEO tools. It’s a solid choice if you want a customizable blog and don’t mind some maintenance.

2. Creators Focused on Newsletters or Monetization

For creators prioritizing audience growth and revenue, these platforms excel:

• Ghost: Combines blogging and newsletters with built-in subscription and membership tools. Ideal for creators seeking an all-in-one platform.

• Beehiiv: Designed for scaling newsletters with robust analytics and monetization options.

• Buttondown: Simple and lightweight, perfect for indie creators starting out with email subscriptions.

• Mailcoach: Self-hosted, providing full control over your newsletters without ongoing fees.

3. Tech-Savvy Developers

For developers who want complete control over their blogging setup:

• Hugo, Astro, or NextJS: Static site generators for blazing-fast performance and maximum customization. Requires technical expertise.

• WriteFreely: Open-source blogging software with minimalist, distraction-free writing.

• Hashnode: A tech-focused platform with GitHub integration and a developer-friendly audience.

4. Professionals and Thought Leaders

For business professionals aiming to grow their brand or network:

• LinkedIn Articles: A natural choice for thought leadership with built-in networking opportunities.

• Medium: Provides discoverability and a broad audience for professional writing.

Why You Might Want to Switch Off WordPress in 2025

WordPress has been a dominant blogging platform for years, but it’s no longer the best fit for every use case. Many users find its maintenance and performance issues burdensome. Here’s why you might consider switching:

• High Maintenance: Regular updates and plugin management can be time-consuming. • Performance Issues: Without careful optimization, WordPress sites can become slow.

Better Alternatives for Specific Use Cases:

• Micro.blog: Great for personal blogs or creators who value simplicity.

• Ghost: Modern, fast, and equipped with monetization tools.

• Medium: Excellent for writing-focused creators seeking discoverability.

• Squarespace: A better fit for e-commerce or visually polished websites.

The Importance of Choosing Platforms with Good Content Policies

The content policies of a platform shape the kind of community it fosters and, by extension, the broader digital landscape. When choosing a blog framework or newsletter platform, it’s essential to consider how they address hate speech, harassment, and harmful behavior.

Platforms with clear and well-enforced content policies create spaces where diverse voices can thrive, and users feel safe. By supporting these platforms, we help build an internet that promotes constructive dialogue and meaningful engagement.

As creators, the platforms we choose reflect our values. Prioritizing platforms with strong content policies isn’t censorship; it’s about ensuring safe, inclusive spaces where everyone can participate respectfully. Together, we can contribute to a better, more responsible internet.

To help you choose the best platform for your blog or newsletter, I’ve compiled a comprehensive spreadsheet comparing 20 different services.

This resource covers key details like pricing, ease of use, audience suitability, and—importantly—their policies on hate speech, including links to their content policies.

I created this spreadsheet by thoroughly researching each platform’s features and policies to provide you with the essential information needed to make an informed choice…

👉 Here’s a link to the spreadsheet 👈

I hope that it saves you time and helps you find a platform that aligns with your values and goals.

Substack: A Troubling Example

Substack is popular for newsletters but criticized for its approach to hate speech. The company has stated it won’t remove Nazi content or other white supremacist ideologies unless it incites direct violence. This permissive stance has made it a hub for harmful ideologies.

Ask Yourself:

• Do you want to support a platform that tolerates Nazi content?

• Are you comfortable associating your brand with Substack’s content policy?

Platforms With Stronger Content Policies

• Ghost: Enforces clear guidelines against hate speech and white supremacy.

• Medium: Takes a strong stance against hateful content, fostering a positive community.

• Buttondown: Ethical and straightforward, with a commitment to inclusive content.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This guide has been helpful as you consider the best platform for your blog or newsletter? Well, I hope anyway.

Remember to be thoughtful about your choice; not just for features but for the online environment you want to support.

If you’d like to stay updated with more posts like this, consider subscribing to my newsletter.