Why Everyone Needs a Website

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People started moving to social media around 2016. I’d noticed the decline of truly worthwhile blogs to read about ten years ago. But I believe that trend is about to reverse.

Social media gives you access to a large audience, and people often expect you to have at least a Twitter account if you’re a public figure. I get that. I use Twitter and YouTube myself — and maybe, in the future, I’ll increase efforts on Instagram too.

However, the way these platforms have evolved makes having your own website more important than ever. I was banned from Medium over a year ago without a single warning, I’m fairly sure YouTube shadow-bans my channel, and German Twitter is full with state censorship for those who don’t align with the mainstream narrative.

On my website, nobody can censor me. I can write what I want and speak my mind freely on here. Some will like it, others will hate it — but no one can deplatform me here. Sure, Google might bury content it doesn’t like in the search results, but once I’ve built a loyal readership and mailing list, Google’s influence over me fades.

For authors, maintaining a blog is especially valuable because it’s a simple (and free) way for readers to discover and get into your work. I often give away books for free, but blogging is another way for potential readers to get to know me without any commitment. If you enjoy my blog, you’ll enjoy my books — guaranteed.

But I believe a website is essential for any public figure. In the near future, hosting video content will likely become very affordable. At that point, anyone could host their own vlogs, video essays, podcasts, and livestreams directly on their own site. Add a payment processor that doesn’t discriminate by political beliefs, and the bubble of mainstream media control could finally burst — giving rise to a new golden age of citizen journalism. No add AI video making and anyone could make Hollywood quality movies and post (and sell) them on their own website.

Even if you’re not an author, social commentator, vlogger, or influencer, a website is still for you. At the very least, it serves as your personal business card — a place to showcase your projects and interests. Whether you study math, play college sports, work as a plumber, invest in crypto or dividends, or love to travel — create a website and write about it. You might not become a famous influencer or make big money from it, but it will open doors.

And I’m not just talking about professional opportunities — personal ones, too. Let’s say you love riding motorbikes. With a website, you’ll quickly connect with other enthusiasts in your area. If you love reading, authors might start sending you free books or you’ll get great book recommendations by other readers. If you’re passionate about a sports team and write about them for fun, you might gain better access to games in the future.

A website simply builds credibility — in every area. And it does that far better than social media can for the average person. Sure, having a million Twitter followers is great, but what about smaller accounts like mine, with only around a thousand? Nobody cares about these accounts as they’re a dime a dozen.

A website with just 1,000 monthly readers, on the other hand, is something real — a meaningful platform that connects you with potential friends, collaborators, and opportunities.

Wednesday Season 2 (Movie/Show Review #3)

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The first season of Wednesday was great in many ways — from the directing and set design to the acting and the story. It all worked. I especially hope whoever choreographed Wednesday’s dance scene got a massive raise, because that moment was pure perfection.

It seemed like everyone loved it, so it’s no surprise that Netflix ordered more. (I’ve heard at least three seasons are planned.)

I finally got around to watching the eight-episode second season last week, and I have to say — it’s still good. The production quality remains top-notch. The directing, sets, score, and characters are all on par with Hollywood-level filmmaking. You can clearly tell when Tim Burton was more involved in directing, though, as his episodes once again stand out as the highlights of the season.

However, the writing has taken a noticeable dip. There are simply too many characters, each with their own side plot. As a result, the main storyline feels diluted and reduced to a framework that merely ties all the other plots together.

Another major issue is the miscasting of Gomez and Morticia. This was already a weak point in the first season, though it wasn’t too distracting since both characters had limited screen time. Unfortunately, they get much more focus this season — and it hurts the show. Nothing against Luis Guzmán, but his portrayal of Gomez just isn’t my cup of tea. He turns the character into a comedic oddball, lacking the charm and sophistication of his predecessors. Catherine Zeta-Jones looks almost frozen in place — her expression so stiff that it conveys little to no emotion thanks to lots of botox sessions I’d assume. When the two share a scene, their lack of chemistry makes things even more awkward.

Overall, everything the first season did great, the second does worse. But as the first season was so well done, the second still turns out to be good. But is Season 2 a must-watch? Sadly, no.

How to Use Blogging to Become a More Interesting Man

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Would you say no to having a million readers? I wouldn’t.

Still, I primarily write this blog for myself — and a tiny audience. And I enjoy it. It helps me organize my thoughts, finish the projects I start, and stay motivated to learn new things.

Blogging, as it turns out, comes with a lot of benefits.

Don’t Write Just to Gain Traffic

Writing for money used to be one of my real-life jobs — I spent years in copywriting. But writing this blog has become something completely different.

Blogging to build an audience or making money isn’t wrong. Those are fine goals. But blogging can be so much more than just another income stream.

The more I get into the habit of sharing what I learn and think, the more I realize that my learning process itself becomes deeper. Writing about what I learn helps me actually understand it. That makes blogging not just a writer–reader experience, but an introspective one as well.

Write Case Studies About Your Life

I enjoy reading blogs that document progress — and that’s exactly why I like writing about my own progress.

You can read countless blogs about fitness or nutrition and gain knowledge, but the best ones are those where an overweight guy decides to change his lifestyle and documents the journey week by week. Maybe it’s the hero’s journey element that makes such content so relatable and inspiring.

Right now, I’m trying to become a better fiction writer — maybe even a real author someday. There’s a lot to learn, test, and try. So far, I haven’t been “successful,” but I’ve improved — not just as a writer, but as a salesman for my own work.

By writing about that process, I feel accountable to keep improving. The result? Better books, more readers, and maybe, someday, a real income as an author.

Write About Books, Movies, and Other Entertainment

Experiencing the world firsthand is always the most satisfying. But some experiences I’d rather not have — like going to prison. Still, I’m curious about what life inside is like. So I picked up a book about surviving in prison lately. It wasn’t great, so I won’t recommend it here — but the topic was fascinating.

Movies, TV shows, and YouTube videos give us similar secondhand experiences. You can write about a video that changed how you see the world, a movie that made you think, or a show that taught you something meaningful.

By writing about these secondhand experiences, we often get inspired to seek out more of our own.

I never want to end up in prison — but reading about it reminded me how much I value something as simple as walking out the door and feeling the sun on my face.

Write About What You Don’t Know

I’m currently in the process of starting another YouTube channel. It’s something I plan to grow gradually, content-wise. The truth is, I don’t know much about vlogging or creating cinematic video essays. But that’s the point — the channel will force me to learn. And by writing about the process here, in real time, I’ll learn even faster.

Build a Network

One of the best things about putting yourself out there is finding like-minded people. Sure, you’ll attract some trolls and negativity — but the interesting, positive people you’ll meet make it worth it.

A personal blog lays the foundation for a network of people who share your interests and values. Most friendships start with shared experiences, hobbies, and ideas — blogging is simply a modern way of doing that.

So blogging isn’t just a way to build a professional network; it’s also a way to build real friendships.

Write About Your Plans to Create Positive Pressure

This year, I wanted to improve my fiction-writing skills. Instead of keeping that goal to myself, I made it public — and instantly created accountability. Every time I think about skipping a day of writing, I remember that I’ve already made a public commitment. And I don’t want to be “that guy” who doesn’t follow through. So I sit down and write — even when I don’t feel like it.

If you want to lose weight, start a blog. It’ll give you the push you need to hit the gym. If you want to quit drinking or smoking — write about it. If you want to travel more, start a business, or make money online — make your goals public.

On the days when motivation fades, that public commitment will keep you going.

To Conclude

Blogging is about much more than making a quick buck. Honestly, for most people, it won’t even pay minimum wage. If your only goal is to get rich, you’d probably be better off working a few extra hours at your job.

But if you love writing, blogging can be one of the most fulfilling ways to enrich your life and become a more interesting person.

Getting Out of My Friend Group Made Me Stop Drinking Instantly

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I was never a heavy drinker. But there was a time when I got drunk almost every weekend. Altogether, that phase lasted about half a year during my late high school years — in Germany, that’s around the age of 18 or 19.

Once I finished high school and stopped seeing the group of friends I’d been hanging out with, I stopped drinking altogether. And I never got into it again.

In hindsight, calling them a friend group might be an exaggeration. Most of the guys I spent time with were people from school I used to play basketball, soccer, or video games with. As we got older and developed different interests, I realized how little we actually had in common.

Back in school, we always had something to talk about — classes, teachers, exams, and essays. We complained about teachers and joked about other classmates. But beyond school-related topics, the only thing that held us together was getting drunk on the weekends.

Once I recognized that, I realized I was only drinking because I was with them — as it was the only thing that connected us. Truth be told, I didn’t even like these people very much. And they probably didn’t like me that much either. We just kept hanging out out of habit, a routine that started back in seventh grade out of necessity.

When high school ended, I made a rule for myself: I would only spend time with people I could genuinely enjoy being around while sober.

Granted, my circle of friends has been quite small ever since — but, I like the few people in my life that I call friends and family. And, just like magic, I’ve never felt the urge to drink again.

If you want to cut back on your drinking, my advice would be: take a look at your friend group. Could you enjoy their company sober, or do you need alcohol to get along?

If it’s the latter, maybe it’s time to find a new circle or even life without a circle at all for a while. You’re only getting rid of people that you don’t really like anyway, and you probably get out of the habit of drinking. Two upsides, not a single downside.