A website to destroy all websites (henry.codes)

Article summary

The article discusses the current state of the internet, arguing that it has become a tool for wasting time and exploiting users, rather than a platform for learning, creativity, and community. The author suggests that the industrialization of the web has led to a loss of autonomy and freedom for users. The article proposes a solution in the form of personal websites, which can provide a space for users to express themselves and connect with others without the influence of large corporations. The author draws on the ideas of Ivan Illich, who argued that technology should serve people, not the other way around.

Main themes

• The decline of the internet
• Industrialization of the web
• Personal autonomy
• Convivial tools
• Web design and accessibility

What commenters say

• The article's design, which requires JavaScript to render, is seen as a design failure by some, while others argue that it is a deliberate choice by the author.
• Some commenters argue that the idea of personal websites is nostalgic and impractical, while others see it as a way to reclaim autonomy and creativity online.
• The ease of use and accessibility of modern website creation tools are debated, with some arguing that they are still too complicated for non-technical users, while others point to free and easy hosting solutions.
• There is disagreement about whether the open web can be preserved and secured, with some arguing that it is too vulnerable to malicious bots and exploitation, while others suggest that static sites and secure software can mitigate these risks.
• Some commenters see the proliferation of user-generated content as a problem, leading to a lot of low-quality content, while others argue that this is a natural consequence of democratizing publishing.
• The idea that everyone should have a personal website is seen as unrealistic by some, who argue that not everyone wants or needs one, while others see it as a valuable form of self-expression and community-building.