Exploring Effective Web Publishing Channels for Writers
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Chapter 1: Understanding Your Web Publishing Options
Choosing the right web publishing platform depends on your goals and identity as a creator. Personally, I've developed a rather geeky affection for Medium, which might not sound very cool but is genuinely enjoyable for me. With my background in computer science and experience as a full-stack web software engineer, I often find creative ways to manipulate various online platforms to align with my philosophical perspectives. However, I should clarify that aside from R, I no longer engage in coding. It feels more like a task for machines these days, and frankly, robots are generally better at it now.
Current developers need to be exceptionally talented to identify the flaws in ChatGPT's outputs and rectify them—something I struggle with. This necessity will soon evolve, and roles like 'Systems Programmer' or 'Software Developer' may transform into 'Instructing the AI and having a fire extinguisher handy for emergencies'—a job that, ironically, might be best suited for the janitor, who knows how to handle such situations.
Section 1.1: The Challenges of Internet Channels
I often find that internet platforms resist my ambitions for a rational, science-oriented worldview, and they tend to prevail. For instance, my application for Google AdSense linked to x-phi.blogspot.com was recently denied. I can only speculate that it was a misguided reaction to the progressive, predominantly liberal themes I intentionally feature on that site.
Subsection 1.1.1: Understanding Blogger's Role
It's worth noting that Blogger, owned by Google, is one of the clumsier content delivery systems available. Generally, if you have quality content, getting AdSense approval should be straightforward—unless, of course, you're in my situation.
Section 1.2: Coding and Content Creation
Did I mention that I avoid coding? While I have dabbled with Blogger's HTML template editor, I argue that HTML/CSS tinkering doesn't equate to real programming. In fact, hypertext markup language might be too cumbersome for large language models to navigate effectively.
Chapter 2: A High-Level Overview of Publishing Platforms
The first video, Introduction to Web Video, discusses the essentials of creating engaging video content for the web. It elaborates on the tools and techniques that can elevate your online presence.
The second video, What is The Difference Between Self Publishing a Book, and Traditional Publishing?, explores the nuances between these two publishing routes, helping writers decide which path suits them best.
Here's a brief overview of some of the web publishing platforms available today:
- Medium is strict regarding advertising and formatting, which can be beneficial if you establish a paying readership.
- Substack carries a nerdy reputation that may deter some users, and connecting a custom domain now costs $50. I haven't managed to attract any subscribers yet, leading me to question my compatibility with the platform.
- Blogger templates often appear unattractive out of the box, and the platform itself can be challenging to navigate if you want a polished look. It lacks the user-friendly design of alternatives like Wix, Foursquare, or Webflow.
- Webflow offers extensive customization but can be overwhelming for those who prefer a simpler approach. It doesn't require coding, but its layout controls can be intricate.
- Wix remains my top choice due to its appealing balance of customization and presentation, as well as its compatibility with AdSense—though the registration fees are a consideration.
Despite my challenges with various platforms, Medium is gradually winning me over. If you're interested in writing for @Naturalistic, feel free to reach out via email or Medium.