A Writer's Perspective About Ghost

For almost two decades, my online home has been built on WordPress. It’s been an incredible platform for me, starting in 2006 when blogging was still finding its footing. Over the years, I’ve built a site that’s seen countless articles, updates, and experiments. It’s grown alongside me and evolved in ways I couldn’t have imagined. But now, it feels like it’s time for a change.

The truth is, my self-hosted WordPress site feels bloated. Not in terms of the content — I’m proud of the work I’ve published — but in terms of its infrastructure. WordPress is undeniably powerful, but with great power comes great complexity. The plugins, the themes, the ongoing maintenance, and the sheer volume of updates have become more of a distraction than a delight.

I’ve also been wrestling with broader concerns about copyright and ownership in the online space. Recent developments have left me feeling disheartened about the state of online publishing. I’ve realised that I need a simpler, more focused environment to do what I love most: write.

That’s why I’ve decided to give Ghost a try.

Ghost Pro offers a fresh approach to publishing. It’s lightweight, fast, and designed with writers in mind. From the moment I started exploring it, I felt a sense of clarity and purpose that I hadn’t experienced in a long time. With Ghost, I don’t have to worry about managing plugins or fiddling with endless customisation options. Instead, I can concentrate on crafting meaningful content.

One feature that really interests me is Ghost’s seamless support for newsletters. I’ve been thinking about starting one for a while now, and Ghost makes it incredibly straightforward. The ability to build a subscription-based community around my work aligns perfectly with my goals. It’s not just about simplifying my workflow; it’s about creating deeper connections with readers who value my content.

This move also represents a chance to consolidate. Over the years, I’ve started and maintained multiple WordPress sites, each with its own niche or purpose. The idea of bringing everything under one roof feels liberating. It’s a chance to redefine my online presence and start fresh with a platform that puts writing first.

For me, a shift to Ghost isn’t just a technical migration; it’s a philosophical one. It’s about stripping away the noise and focusing on what truly matters. If I do make the jump, I’m looking forward to rediscovering the joy of publishing without the baggage of managing a complex website. Ghost feels like the perfect partner for this new chapter.

This post is in a trial of Ghost I signed up for today. The site is transient – it will likely go away after the trial. But it's good enough to think out loud in and consider it's potential.

Here’s to simpler, smarter publishing and to finding joy in writing again.