-
Thursday January 16, 2025
Mystery into Mastery #poem
-
Thoughts
Tuesday January 14, 2025Sometimes, the most extraordinary breakthroughs come from accepting what initially seemed incomprehensible.
-
Thoughts
Tuesday January 14, 2025You may be from the 1900s if…
you don’t know who this Brat Bunny artist is. 😁 -
Poems
Tuesday January 14, 2025I am but
from chin to shin
benevolently disposed
-
Productivity
,Online Tools
How to Pick the Best Blog or Newsletter Platform in 2025
Saturday January 11, 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.
-
Saturday January 11, 2025
Okay, I updated the blog’s meta tags. Now I need to test it, so this is a test. Hopefully,, it works. Yay. Testing in production. What fun. Happy Saturday, everyone.
-
Life and Updates
Why It’s Time to Take BlueSky Seriously
Wednesday January 8, 2025You Know WHY. So, Okay, FINE 😮💨
I set up
shopon Blue Sky! I’ve been lurking long enough, you know? Honestly, the hardest part was picking a handle (why is that always so stressful?).I was torn between @ logan.land and @ llbbl.blog Both had their charm, but since I’m all about that blahg life right now, I went with @llbbl.blog. Got it verified and everything—feels pretty official!
LLBBL. Yeah, it’s just a bunch of letters, but they’re my bunch of letters now. Will it stick? Who knows! Will it be successful? Probably not. 😂
At least we tried!
If you’re on there, come say hi— @llbbl.blog ԅ(≖‿≖ԅ).
Let’s see what this bsky place is all about!
BUT WAIT
I HAVE A NEWSLETTER
-
Saturday December 21, 2024
Can’t decide what I like more. Rice crispy treats with coffee or in the coffee. ☕️
-
Saturday December 14, 2024
Some games are free
Some games are pain
Some games are paid
Some games are fun
Some games are frightening
Some games are delightful
Some games are dreary
Some games are dear
Some games are gross
Some games are great
Some games are garbage
Some games are good
-
Poems
Saturday December 14, 2024Ask me a question,
I’ll give you no lie.
Why would I?
Even try.
So, I wait.
-
Friday December 13, 2024
Don’t worry, I watched the video game awards. Good thing too because I opened Threads and holy shit spoilers-much.
-
Friday December 13, 2024
Despite my best efforts, I continue to make a difference. 😂😝
-
Gaming
My 50+ Greatest Video Games
Sunday December 8, 2024Here are 50+ games that have stuck with me over the years - a collection of my favorite titles that have left a lasting impression. These aren’t ranked in any particular order, just games that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and spent countless hours playing.
- Super Mario World (SNES, 1990, Nintendo) - Classic platformer featuring Mario and Yoshi in the Dinosaur Land adventure
- World of Warcraft (PC, 2004, Blizzard Entertainment) - Massively multiplayer online RPG set in the world of Azeroth
- EverQuest (PC, 1999, Sony Online Entertainment) - Pioneering 3D MMORPG that helped define the genre
- Warcraft III (PC, 2002, Blizzard Entertainment) - Real-time strategy game featuring four unique races and hero units
- StarCraft (PC, 1998, Blizzard Entertainment) - Sci-fi RTS featuring three distinct alien races in a cosmic conflict
- StarCraft II (PC, 2010, Blizzard Entertainment) - Sequel to the iconic RTS expanding on the original’s story and gameplay
- The Legend of Zelda (NES, 1986, Nintendo) - Action-adventure game that pioneered many open-world gaming concepts
- Half-Life 2 (PC, 2004, Valve) - Revolutionary FPS featuring physics-based gameplay and immersive storytelling
- Vampire Survivors (PC, 2022, Poncle) - Roguelite survival game with auto-attacking and bullet-hell elements
- Chrono Trigger (SNES, 1995, Square) - Time-traveling JRPG considered one of the greatest games ever made
- Doom (PC, 1993, id Software) - Groundbreaking FPS that defined the genre for years to come
- Unreal (PC, 1998, GT Interactive) - First-person shooter showcasing the revolutionary Unreal Engine
- Quake (PC, 1996, id Software) - Technical breakthrough in 3D gaming and multiplayer FPS
- Sid Meier’s Civilization IV (PC, 2005, 2K Games) - Turn-based strategy game about building civilizations through history
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (PC/PS3/X360, 2011, Bethesda Softworks) - Open-world fantasy RPG set in the Nordic province of Skyrim
- Fallout 4 (PC/PS4/XOne, 2015, Bethesda Softworks) - Post-apocalyptic RPG set in the ruins of Boston
- Diablo II (PC, 2000, Blizzard Entertainment) - Action RPG that set the standard for the hack-and-slash genre
- Hollow Knight (PC, 2017, Team Cherry) - Atmospheric metroidvania with challenging combat and beautiful art
- Minecraft (PC, 2011, Mojang) - Sandbox survival crafting game with infinite possibilities
- Control (PC/PS4/XOne, 2019, 505 Games) - Supernatural action-adventure set in a shape-shifting building
- X-COM (PC, 1994, MicroProse) - Turn-based tactical game about defending Earth from aliens
- Might and Magic series (PC, 1986, New World Computing) - Classic RPG series featuring party-based dungeon crawling
- GoldenEye 007 (N64, 1997, Nintendo) - Revolutionary FPS that defined console multiplayer shooting
- Divinity: Original Sin 2 (PC, 2017, Larian Studios) - Deep tactical RPG with complex systems and multiplayer support
- Baldur’s Gate 3 (PC, 2023, Larian Studios) - D&D-based RPG with unprecedented level of choice and reactivity
- Elden Ring (PC/PS5/XSX, 2022, Bandai Namco) - Open-world action RPG featuring challenging combat
- Dark Souls II (PC/PS3/X360, 2014, Bandai Namco) - Action RPG known for its difficulty and intricate level design
- Overwatch (PC/PS4/XOne, 2016, Blizzard Entertainment) - Team-based hero shooter with diverse character roster
- Team Fortress 2 (PC, 2007, Valve) - Class-based multiplayer FPS with distinctive art style
- Borderlands 3 (PC/PS4/XOne, 2019, 2K Games) - Looter-shooter with irreverent humor and billions of guns
- Warframe (PC, 2013, Digital Extremes) - Free-to-play sci-fi action game with space ninjas
- Resident Evil 4 (GC, 2005, Capcom) - Revolutionary third-person survival horror action game
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (PS3/X360, 2013, Ubisoft) - Open-world action game set in the Golden Age of Piracy
- Stardew Valley (PC, 2016, ConcernedApe) - Farming simulation RPG with rich social interactions
- RimWorld (PC, 2018, Ludeon Studios) - Sci-fi colony management simulation with emergent storytelling
- BioShock 2 (PC/PS3/X360, 2010, 2K Games) - Underwater FPS sequel exploring themes of family and collectivism
- Max Payne 2 (PC, 2003, Rockstar Games) - Noir action game featuring bullet-time shooting mechanics
- Death Stranding (PS4, 2019, Sony Interactive Entertainment) - Unique delivery action game with social connection themes
- Frostpunk (PC, 2018, 11 bit studios) - Society survival game in a frozen post-apocalyptic world
- Orcs Must Die! 2 (PC, 2012, Robot Entertainment) - Tower defense action game with trap-laying mechanics
- Deep Rock Galactic (PC, 2020, Coffee Stain Publishing) - Co-op mining FPS featuring space dwarves
- Heroes of Hammerwatch (PC, 2018, Crackshell) - Roguelite action RPG with pixel art graphics
- Smite (PC, 2014, Hi-Rez Studios) - Third-person MOBA featuring mythological deities
- Factorio (PC, 2020, Wube Software) - Complex factory building and automation simulation
- Left 4 Dead 2 (PC, 2009, Valve) - Cooperative zombie survival FPS with dynamic AI Director
- Bloodborne (PS4, 2015, Sony Interactive Entertainment) - Gothic action RPG featuring aggressive combat and Lovecraftian horror
- Final Fantasy VII (PS1, 1997, Square) - Landmark JRPG featuring epic story and innovative materia system
- Clash of Clans (iOS/Android, 2012, Supercell) - Strategic mobile base-building and raiding game
- Cyberpunk 2077 (PC/PS4/XOne, 2020, CD Projekt) - Open-world action RPG set in a dystopian future metropolis
- Risk of Rain 2 (PC, 2020, Gearbox Publishing) - 3D roguelike shooter with escalating difficulty and power progression
- Hades (PC, 2020, Supergiant Games) - Action roguelike based on Greek mythology with compelling narrative
- Halo 3 (X360, 2007, Microsoft Game Studios) - Epic conclusion to the original Halo trilogy with groundbreaking multiplayer
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (PC/X360, 2006, Bethesda Softworks) - Open-world fantasy RPG set in the Imperial province of Cyrodiil
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES, 1991, Nintendo) - Beloved action-adventure featuring parallel Light and Dark Worlds
- Super Mario Bros. 2 (NES, 1988, Nintendo) - Unique Mario platformer based on Doki Doki Panic with character selection
- Torchlight II (PC, 2012, Runic Games) - Fast-paced action RPG with mod support and multiplayer features
-
Thursday December 5, 2024
Trying to figure out this vampire survivors build so I can get 100,000 kills and unlock a new character 😅
-
Frying Pan Tier List
Friday November 29, 2024Cookware Comparison: Teflon, Stainless Steel, Enameled Cast Iron, and Copper
1. Heat Conductivity and Retention
Teflon (PTFE)
- Poor heat retention but heats up quickly
- Uneven heat distribution without an aluminum or copper base
- Downside: Not suitable for high-heat cooking (above 500°F/260°C) due to the risk of releasing harmful fumes
Stainless Steel
- Excellent heat retention and durability, though not as fast or even as copper unless layered with aluminum or copper cores
Enameled Cast Iron
- Exceptional heat retention and even distribution; ideal for slow cooking and maintaining consistent temperatures
Copper
- Superior heat conductivity, offering precise temperature control; heats and cools quickly
2. Durability
Teflon (PTFE)
- Downside: Coating wears out over time (1-5 years). Prone to scratches and damage, requiring frequent replacement
Stainless Steel
- Extremely durable; can last decades with minimal maintenance
Enameled Cast Iron
- Long-lasting but enamel can chip if mishandled
Copper
- Durable but requires maintenance to prevent discoloration
3. Maintenance
Teflon (PTFE)
- Easy to clean but requires gentle care (no abrasive sponges or metal utensils)
- Downside: Cannot withstand dishwashers or harsh cleaning, and coating damage renders it unsafe
Stainless Steel
- Harder to clean if food sticks, but resistant to scratches and stains. Often dishwasher safe
Enameled Cast Iron
- Simple to clean with non-abrasive tools; handwashing is preferred
Copper
- Requires frequent polishing to maintain its appearance; more effort than other materials
4. Health and Safety
Teflon (PTFE)
- Safe at low-to-medium heat but releases toxic fumes if overheated
- PFAS Concerns: While modern Teflon cookware is PFOA-free, PTFE belongs to the PFAS family of “forever chemicals” that persist in the environment and may pose health risks
- Downside: Flaking or damaged coatings can release microplastics into food, requiring replacement
Stainless Steel
- Completely safe and non-reactive (unless cooking highly acidic foods over long periods without a high-quality pan)
Enameled Cast Iron
- Non-reactive and free of harmful chemicals. Safe for acidic and alkaline foods
Copper
- Requires a stainless steel or tin lining to prevent reactions with acidic foods
5. Cooking Versatility
Teflon (PTFE)
- Excellent for low-fat cooking of delicate items (e.g., eggs, fish)
- Downside: Limited to low-to-medium heat; unsuitable for searing, broiling, or deglazing
Stainless Steel
- Best for high-heat cooking, searing, and browning. Versatile for all cooking methods
Enameled Cast Iron
- Great for slow cooking, braising, and baking. Handles stovetop-to-oven transitions seamlessly
Copper
- Excellent for precise temperature control, making it ideal for sauces and delicate tasks
6. Environmental Impact
Teflon (PTFE)
- Downside: PTFE belongs to the PFAS family of “forever chemicals,” which persist in the environment and contribute to pollution. Manufacturing processes historically used PFOA, which has been linked to health and ecological issues
- Non-biodegradable, adding to landfill waste
Stainless Steel
- Environmentally friendly; recyclable and long-lasting, reducing waste
Enameled Cast Iron
- Highly durable, minimizing the need for frequent replacement. Recycling is limited due to the enamel coating
Copper
- Recyclable but resource-intensive to mine and process
7. Cost
Teflon (PTFE)
- Affordable, making it an accessible choice for budget-conscious cooks
- Downside: Short lifespan means frequent replacements, potentially costing more over time
Stainless Steel
- Moderate to high upfront cost but lasts decades, offering excellent value
Enameled Cast Iron
- Higher cost, especially for premium brands (e.g., Le Creuset, Staub), but worth it for long-term use
Copper
- The most expensive option due to its superior heat conductivity and craftsmanship
Recommendations
DON’T BUY Teflon cookware - while it offers convenience and affordability, it comes with significant downsides, including durability, heat limitations, and PFAS-related environmental and health concerns. It is best for low-heat, delicate cooking but requires careful use and frequent replacement.
If you want a healthier, long-lasting alternative:
- Choose stainless steel for versatility and durability
- Opt for enameled cast iron for excellent heat retention and aesthetics
- Go with copper for precision cooking, though at a higher cost and maintenance level
-
Thoughts
Tuesday November 26, 2024Kindness is free and can change someone’s entire world. 💜
-
Thoughts
Sunday November 24, 2024🎥 👀 Just finished Arcane Season 2. Holy 💥💥💥!
Sublime. An absolute delight. 🌟 10/10. Best show in a long time. If you haven’t seen it, drop everything and WATCH IT. End of story. Even if you’re not a video game person, it’s that good. 🎮✨
Inspirational. A masterpiece. Go. Watch. Now. 💜
-
Thoughts
Wednesday November 20, 2024I doth proclaim the Mondayest of Wednesdays are always after you get back from vacations. 😅🚨😑
-
Thoughts
Tuesday November 19, 2024I’ll get back to the Logos you didn’t ask for this week. I promise. November has been a lot. Needed a vacation. Getting caught up. Doing my best. Good morning fellow brains.
-
Thoughts
Sunday November 17, 2024Who else needs to watch Arcane Season 1 recap more than once, not remembering all the crazy awesome things that happened. 😂😅🥹
-
Thursday November 14, 2024
Dude in the know Dude’n the No Dudin the No Dood No Dude, No
-
Wednesday November 13, 2024
The arcade tonight was awesome. $10 for unlimited play on all the games. Free Mini movie theater upstairs.
-
Tuesday November 12, 2024
“Mormons are the original preppers.”Conversation at dinner tonight. Went to the neighbors pizza place. Got a discount. Bought a bunch of stuff at the dollar store afterwards with the niece.
-
Monday November 11, 2024
Watching Zoolander. Then going to introduce them to Skibidi Toilet cause I bought a skibidi toilet blind bag at Walmart today. 😅😇
-
Friday November 8, 2024
Haven’t built legos in 30 years. I need to do this more often. We built a bench with a fountain.