This is a companion piece for The Struggle. It is aimed at people who wonder about setting up their own place on the web. And for tone and mood: I wrote, edited and read this piece accompanied by a song called Melancholaholic, performed by Horrorshow and Slug.
Having your own website is a bit like having your own garden — but instead of vegetables and fruit, we end up with the produce of our mind. This type of produce might prove vital during trying times, but has to be cultivated during the good ones. The required fertilizer is made out of hardships, beautiful moments, and everything else that life can throw at us.
That being said, take a moment before you consider building a place for yourself on the web. What are your priorities? And I mean your priorities. Take some time to figure out what you’re all about — without worrying about what other people think, want or desire. When it comes to yourself, you’ll know best. Sure, you’ll probably hit a dead end or two, a couple of road blocks…That’s all part of that struggle we inevitably face once we take a serious shot at enjoying life. Just keep going. Your mind is for you to explore and discover. Once you get a little more familiar with your cognitive realm, try to make it cozy for yourself. Then, at some point, consider inviting a guest or two. Who knows, maybe someone will show up.
Of course, being aware of an important nuance helps: the difference between writing, illustrating — or simply creating — and publishing. You can work on something for a long time before you consider it ready to be shared with others. That’s something I often think about. As a matter of fact, I’ve got multiple pieces in the pipeline. Big and small. Some might be published — others probably not. I’ll just wing it…starting by redefining the term to publish for myself: to share something when I’m ready to have a conversation about it. Put simply, this means that you can start writing, illustrating, or creating even without your place on the web. And that’s probably not a bad approach. First, you gotta get yourself to care about what you do. I mean…if you don’t, who else is supposed to? Dead in the water. Not your space on the web, though. The birthplace of the published word — turned into a sign of life of yours, send out to that one stranger who isn’t seeking but paying attention. Finally, just lean back…and observe.
The unpublished written word is a bit different. More important. It serves as the building block for your place on the web. The foundation. You can play with it in peace — and tear it to pieces. You can shape it, take some time to absorb it, and reshape it. And above all: you can hear yourself think. Frankly, it’s beautiful. I love it. I’m sure you would too. Put on some music. Your kind of music. And then get in tune with your thoughts — and let those words flow. The end result? Not important right now. Your inner editor will take a look at it later on.
Written language is a thinker’s instrument. You can play it to discover the sounds of your mind. And more often than not, these sounds turn out to be the pieces of a puzzle to solve. A game within a game. But first: practice! Every new piece of writing wants to be learned — especially the ones that we craft (for) ourselves. After all, when you start to write from the heart, you gotta give your head some time to catch up. You’d be surprised at the insights time can deliver. And the time spent with friends becomes livelier as well. Less about you — more about how you build your world. A couple of tips and tricks to share. To get inspired by. Let me try that. Thanks!
But then…these days, time is at a premium. We’re mostly thrown into a different kind of game. Performance matters. And thus visibility. It’s all about metrics…the facade. It doesn’t have to be, though. Not in your space — on the web. I’d like to check it out. Without those prying eyes. Those endless reminders to buy stuff. Those countless other people sharing their half-baked thoughts. No thanks, I’m good. Don’t need anything. But I’d like to read what you feel like having a conversation about. Without the distractions. And yes, there’s always a risk that I stay silent. There’s a lot to talk about, after all — but not everything is up our alley. Well, except for a thank you. That will come from the heart. And we’re not alone. Someone else might get inspired, instead. And you might be surprised.
So how about it? Your own place on the web. How does that sound? I wonder, though…are you intimidated by the required technology? Don’t be. Writing is way harder. I can’t help you with that. The richer your inner world, the easier the words flow. I guess you gotta live a little. But getting your website off the ground? I’m around. Just ask — if you need a suggestion or two. However, don’t expect me to do the work for you. That’s a no-go. It has to be your space. Besides, I already have mine. And let’s be frank: a little tough love doesn’t hurt. Especially at the beginning. Of course, other people are willing to help too. Some are still complaining about state of the web. But they have the skills to be of use. They just need someone like you to put them to use.
You see, the web can be a little boring these days. With everybody screaming into the digital abyss. So I guess you’re probably wondering…is there someone left who actually takes some time to read? To listen? Well, I’d like to get up in the morning, enjoy a nice cup of coffee or tea. And read your words. Couldn’t care less about the news. Same ol’ same ol’. That regurgitated content won’t be able to compete with those words — initiated by your heart; filtered through your brain. I’d love to read those. In peace. On your website. The one that belongs to you. The one you can carry on your USB flash drive — if you feel like it. The one you can move around on the web. Or host from home. Without me noticing it. Sure, the learning curve might be steep. At first. But once you got everything set up technically, there’s nothing left to do. It belongs to you. Congratulations, now you’re a publisher too. And independent at that! Sounds cool, no? An indie writer. Nah, don’t typecast yourself. Just make sure that you have some words or illustrations to play with. And remember: your unpublished creations can turn into those building blocks required by your place on the web. Without that foundation…no point in making major decisions about the technology.