Searching for real things
In a world inundated with digital noise and superficial content, I find myself yearning for something more substantial. Perhaps it's a quest for meaning, a prolonged midlife crisis, or simply nostalgia for the things we once held dear. Whatever the reason, I can't help but feel that something valuable has been lost in the chaos of the modern internet.
Reflecting on the evolution of online content, I'm struck by how much has changed. The early days of the internet were simpler, with blogs written in pure HTML. Then came platforms like Blogger, Movable Type, TypePad, and WordPress, ushering in an era where blogs communicated through backlinks. It was a vibrant, interconnected community that has since faded away.
For me, a pivotal moment in this shift was the demise of Google Reader. Its closure wasn't just about blogs; it affected the entire ecosystem of RSS feeds, including news sites. While the need for monetization in news platforms is understandable, Google's decision to shutter Reader felt like a statement that content sharing and blogging were no longer relevant. The landscape continued to change with the rise and fall of platforms like LiveJournal and Vox. Microblogging emerged, seemingly declaring long-form content obsolete. But with time, I've come to see this trend as a misstep. As humans, communication is fundamental to our civilization. It's how we build worlds and share ideas.
Writing long-form content is my attempt to reclaim what was lost. It's not mere nostalgia for 'the good old days' – after all, you can't step into the same river twice. Rather, it's a recognition of the immense value that thoughtful, in-depth communication holds. It's crucial for personal development, knowledge exchange, and building a better society.
As I continue to learn and observe, I'm increasingly convinced of the importance of preserving and promoting long-form writing. In a world of fleeting tweets and disposable content, there's a growing need for substance and depth. Perhaps it's time we collectively reassess the value of thoughtful, extended discourse in our digital lives.