Building a Personal Platform: A Two-Year Journey Inspired by Simplicity and Authenticity
Embarking on the creation of a website can be both exhilarating and daunting, especially when aiming for authenticity over complexity. After dedicating two years to this project, I am thrilled to share my handcrafted digital space—built not with elaborate tech stacks, but with purpose and passion.
A Personal Endeavor Rooted in Self-Expression
This website isn’t just another online presence; it’s a reflection of my inner voice and creative spirit. Unlike past experiences working for companies that emphasized innovation in theory but faltered in execution, this project is for me—an honest, straightforward platform to be seen and heard.
Minimalist Yet Meaningful Technology Choices
The core of this site revolves around simplicity. I opted for a basic React.js setup coupled with markdown—no CSS frameworks, no intrusive analytics or tracking scripts, and no SEO shortcuts. I wanted to avoid the trap of over-engineering and instead focus on meaningful features.
Salient Features and Customizations
- Stylized Markdown Content: I crafted custom styles to enhance readability and visual appeal.
- Procedural Backgrounds: Generating backgrounds dynamically, currently CPU-bound, with plans to leverage WebGPU for smoother rendering.
- Theme Awareness: Implementing a theme switcher that adapts across browsers was a challenge, especially within WebKit environments. Open to suggestions for making it more intelligent.
- Integrated PDF Viewer: Using PDF.js to embed documents seamlessly. If you have tips on maintaining style consistency across platforms, I’d love to hear them.
- Easter Egg & Hidden Surprises: There’s a little surprise embedded—your curiosity may lead you down a rabbit hole. Feedback or playful roasts are welcome.
- Post Formatting as Commits: Writing posts as code commits adds a unique perspective, and I’m exploring a possible CMS integration for better content management.
- Motion and Accessibility: Acknowledging that there’s a bit too much motion at times, I’m considering a “low chaos” mode for users sensitive to movement.
Progress and Reflection
The site is still evolving—glitches happen, but the journey has been incredibly rewarding. It’s live, and I couldn’t be prouder of what I’ve built. I hope it resonates with you in some way; if it sparks any feelings or thoughts, I’d love to hear them.
**Explore the Backstory
