I Built a Blog and Forgot to Write

I had once crafted a blogging platform that was both sleek and efficient. It was written in markdown and transformed into a static site using 11ty, complete with custom scripts for images and videos, unique CSS styles, and a personalized theme. Deployment was streamlined with a single npm command. However, despite its minimalist design and aesthetic appeal, I found myself unable to write anything.

The process of creating a new post was convoluted, requiring the creation of a new folder and .md file within the _content/ directory, followed by the addition of a front matter with a specific slug. The mere thought of changing a post title or handling media files was daunting. Eventually, I realized that the issue lay in the complexity of the platform itself.

If only I had more control over the static site generator, I could fine-tune it to my liking. Thus, I embarked on a journey to build my own static site generator, inspired by the UNIX philosophy. I envisioned a generator that could convert markdown files to HTML using pandoc, with bash scripts to iterate through the files, inject CSS, and render the site.

However, I soon discovered that creating an index page listing all article titles and dates, generating RSS/Atom feeds, and filtering out drafts were just a few of the additional complexities I had to tackle. It became evident that I had mixed up the goal of building an efficient blogging engine with the intention of writing posts.

This realization struck me when I reflected on my experiences with 3D printing and Linux. Both had started out as enjoyable journeys, but as I delved deeper into customization and control, the process became a source of frustration rather than satisfaction. I found myself asking intricate questions about printer settings and system configurations, losing sight of the ultimate goal.

Similarly, Linux, once a powerful and customizable operating system, became a source of frustration when I needed to focus on productive tasks. I learned that while enjoying the process of building and understanding technology is valuable, it is equally important to remember the desired outcomes. In my current pursuits, I am learning Linear Algebra with the intention of applying it to Statistical Learning.

Conversely, I am also delving into Real Analysis because I find the journey intellectually stimulating and rewarding. By distinguishing between the process and the results, I have found that I can approach new endeavors with a clearer mindset, ensuring that I remain focused on what truly matters. And so, here I am, writing once again.

This blog continues to embody my passion for technology and innovation, even as I strive to strike a balance between the journey and the results.