Some updates and settling in

The first half of the year is almost over, and so far it’s been a busy one for me. It’s still a bit difficult to find the time and energy to post regularly, but I’m eager to keep trying. So I want to use the Pentecost break to look back and forward - reflect on where I want to go, and evaluate some changes I’d like to try, like new formats, platforms, or content.

Six months ago, I decided to create a single-user Friendica instance and join the Fediverse for good.¹ It’s not my first time there (I had an old account when Friendica was relatively new, back around 2012), but I never really used it. That changed with ActivityPub and the migration from Twitter to Mastodon. It felt like a good opportunity to go all in and start my own server. I still have to get into the habit of actually posting small things there in real time, but I’m slowly settling in. At least it’s really nice to follow some cool photographers and artists and get some local news.

In that regard, I also considered switching to an ActivityPub-based blog platform like WriteFreely,² which has some neat features in combination with a Friendica account. But I’d also have to give up some features I have here with my static site. After weighing the pros and cons, I’ve decided to stick with Hugo for now. The research wasn’t in vain, though - I found a way to update Hugo and my current theme to the latest versions, and I’m really happy about that.

Part of this update process is also removing my content from big tech firms like Google. I’m still in the process of moving my saved data and content to my own server, but the finish line is in sight. That’s a big step for me, and I’m glad to be almost done.

What else is in the pipeline? I’ve got some new cameras and film to test, I’m working on some bigger projects, and I want to follow up on some old projects I started long ago but never finished. So yes, there’s a lot going on, and I feel the need to wrap up some things, organize my thoughts, and try out something new. There will be some updates here - very soon, hopefully.