Basic Guide To The Personal Web

Introduction

This tutorial is designed to guide you through the concept of the personal web, a movement that emphasizes individuality and privacy in online expression, as opposed to the constraints of social media platforms. We'll explore how to create personal websites, blogs, and utilize RSS feeds while avoiding common pitfalls and leveraging available tools and communities.

Chapter 1: Understanding Personal Websites

• Purpose of Personal Websites

  • Allows for greater freedom of expression compared to social media.
  • Authenticity and individuality without the noise of likes or followers.

• Types of Website Builders

  • One-Page Sites: Ideal for those who prefer minimal upkeep. Consider services like:

    • LinkStack
    • Omg.law
    • Card

  • Full Websites: If you want to create a more dynamic site:

    • Avoid website builders; instead, learn HTML and CSS, which can be mastered in about two weeks.
    • Recommended Platforms:
      • For static sites: NeoCities, GitHub Pages, GitLab Pages.
      • Consider self-hosting for more control.

• Domain Name

  • Purchase a domain name for your site (approximately $10/year on services like Porkbun).
  • Connect your domain to your hosting service.

• Backup Your Website

  • Regularly download and back up your entire site (every six months recommended).

Chapter 2: Creating a Blog

• Blogging Platforms

  • If you prefer not to build a full website, consider simple blogging services:
    • Bare Blogs
    • Write.as
    • WeBlog.law

• Benefits of Blogging

  • A therapeutic outlet for self-expression.
  • Helps manage emotions and encourages personal growth.

• Community Engagement

  • Join communities focused on blogging for added support and inspiration.

Chapter 3: Using RSS Feeds

• What is RSS?

  • RSS (Really Simple Syndication) allows you to follow updates from multiple blogs without algorithms or ads.

• Recommended RSS Readers

  • Fluent Reader
  • Reader 5

• Finding RSS Feeds

  • Look for the RSS icon (typically an orange button) on websites.
  • If the icon is not visible, try adding /feed or /rss at the end of the website URL.

• Creating Your Own RSS Feed

  • If you’re coding your site:

    • Create an XML file (typically named index.xml) in your main directory.
    • Use the following template:

    <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
    <rss version="2.0">
      <channel>
        <title>Your Website Title</title>
        <link>https://yourwebsite.com</link>
        <description>Your site description</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
        <lastBuildDate>Updated Date</lastBuildDate>
        
        <item>
          <title>Your Blog Post Title</title>
          <link>https://yourwebsite.com/post-url</link>
          <description><![CDATA[Your blog post content]]></description>
          <pubDate>Your Post Date</pubDate>
        </item>
      </channel>
    </rss>
    

  • Update the lastBuildDate and pubDate with timestamps from timestamp generator for accuracy.

Chapter 4: Tools and Communities

• Finding Personal Websites

  • Use alternative search engines to discover personal web content:
    • Marginalia
    • Wiby

• Communities to Join

  • 32bit Cafe Community: Focuses on improving the personal web.
  • Indie Web: Supports independent site owners with a dedicated Mastodon instance.

• Engagement Options

  • Consider using Internet Relay Chat (IRC) or XMPP for messaging and community interaction.

Conclusion

The personal web offers a refreshing alternative to traditional social media, emphasizing independence and authenticity. By creating your own website, blog, and utilizing RSS feeds, you can express yourself freely in a controlled environment. Remember to regularly update your site, engage with communities, and back up your content to ensure a lasting presence online. Start exploring these tools today and carve out your unique space on the internet!