Wow making a website really does throw me back to years yonder, when I just found out that I could have my own space on the web (at the time, those sites tended to be pretty free. It does feel weird to have to pay for this site but I guess that WordPress has way more options than many free web templates). Regardless, I found the process of starting up a WordPress website to be extremely straightforward and accessible. Within minutes I had chosen a basic template and installed a spam-filter, something I had never done when I was younger. To be honest, I have no idea what I am going to do with this site. My initial thoughts were to make it a professional site showcasing some statistical work and my resume, a more expansive LinkedIn if you will. However, now I may shift to writing snarky film reviews or just ramble about some film theory stuff. Regardless, having a website will allow me to showcase my constructed digital identity to the world despite the fact that it will probably never gain traction.
I think rolling up a website through a service like WordPress is definitely convinient and accessible to the general public. However, utilizing a WordPress or template-based site as a showcase for your resume or skills, especially when you are breaking into the tech industry, tends to show a lack of coding strength. While WordPress allows for CSS editing, many of my older colleagues and working peers have built more custom websites from scratch. This emphasis on self-coded sites tends to shine better when you are literally applying for coding or front-end jobs. Regardless, the benefits to WordPress are its vast and expansive collection of aesthetically pleasing (though at times kitschy) templates that are easy to implement, its library of readily available plugins (which would be a hassle to code up by yourself), and the intuitive interface, which facilitates quick and easy editing. Another more general con to WordPress is its widespread use; consider the fact that Akismet is one of the most popular plugins. While useful, its popularity implies an issue of vulnerability in WordPress’ structure. Due to its widespread use on the web, I’m certain many computer-savvy folks have found ways to exploit WordPress through bots, spam, or other malicious actions.
BTW, my url is andrewlin.info
One reply on “Throwback to Elementary School”
Your point about using a website from premade templates as opposed to coding your own – as well as the potential effect on an employer’s perception of you – is a fascinating point that I had not even considered! There is definitely an ease and convenience that it allows for the general workforce, who are putting in a certain level of effort to create a website at all. However, your post illuminated to me the fact that that effort looks different when viewed from various disciplines. Great post! (I also had childhood websites! The nostalgia is real.)