Why I Chose a Static Blog Over WordPress

Table of Contents

The Dream List (aka Requirements)

You know how it goes - before diving into any tech decision, you sit down with a cup of coffee and dream up your perfect scenario. Here was mine:

1. Write in Markdown (because who needs fancy WYSIWYG editors?)
2. Load faster than my morning coffee brew
3. Maintenance? Ain’t nobody got time for that
4. Clean design that lets the content breathe
5. Version control (because mistakes happen)
6. Deployment so simple I could do it half-asleep

The Good, The Bad, and The Static (For My Use Case)

The Good Stuff

1. Speed Demon Performance

   • Pages load faster than you can say “WordPress”
   • No database drama
   • Server requirements? More like server suggestions
   • Google’s going to love this SEO-friendly setup

2. Simplicity is Bliss

   • No database headaches
   • Security updates? What security updates?
   • Backups are as simple as copy-paste
   • Content structure clearer than a cloudless sky

3. Developer-Friendly

   • Git-based workflow
   • Markdown writing
   • Complete control over the codebase
   • Easy local development

4. Cost-Effective

   • Free or very low hosting costs
   • No database hosting needed
   • No premium plugins required

The Not-So-Good Stuff

1. Limited Dynamic Features

   • No real-time content updates
   • Comments require third-party services
   • No user authentication system

2. Technical Knowledge Required

   • Need to understand Git
   • Command line comfort required
   • Basic programming knowledge helpful
   • Manual deployment process

3. Content Management

   • No visual editor by default
   • Media management is manual
   • No built-in scheduling
   • More complex multi-author setup

Finding My Perfect Match

While exploring static site generators, I came across AstroPaper by Sat Naing. What caught my attention wasn’t just its clean design - it was how well it aligned with my needs. Each feature felt purposeful, nothing excessive, nothing missing.

The more I explored its codebase, the more I appreciated its thoughtful architecture. It’s like finding a tool that does exactly what you need, without the bloat of unnecessary features.

Why It’s My Cup of Tea

Let’s get real here - this setup works for me because of who I am and how I roll:

1. The Developer in Me

   • Code isn’t just text - it’s poetry
   • Git is my daily companion
   • Technical challenges? Bring ‘em on!

2. My Writing Style

   • Words over widgets any day
   • Quality over quantity
   • More focused on storytelling than fancy features

3. What Makes Me Tick

   • I’m that person who removes apps they don’t use
   • Control freak? Maybe a little
   • Speed junkie when it comes to web performance
   • Less is more, always

A Friendly Warning

Let’s be honest - this setup isn’t for everyone. You might want to look elsewhere if:

• Tech makes you break out in hives
• Your content calendar is busier than a coffee shop at 8 AM
• You need all the bells and whistles
• Your team prefers drag-and-drop to command line
• You live and die by visual page builders

The Bottom Line

Here’s the deal - choosing a static blog was my perfect match, like finding the right pair of headphones after trying dozens. It fits my workflow like a glove, plays nice with my tech skills, and lets me focus on what matters - the writing.

But hey, WordPress is like that popular kid in school - there’s usually a good reason they’re popular. For many folks, it’s still the best choice out there.

The real takeaway? Know yourself, trust your gut, and don’t let anyone (yep, that includes me) tell you what’s best for your unique situation.

Because at the end of the day, the best tool is the one that makes YOU want to create more.