There are no free rides.
Wait … what the <i> do you mean I need to make a website?
I trawled the internet for a bit asking how to build a blog and was bombarded with videos and blogs divulging how to make a “successful” blog, about knowing your audience, finding your niche, researching competition, monetization and tracking. It became very apparent that the definition of “successful” for many bloggers was how much money you make. I am not opposed to making money, but that isn’t the primary focus of my choice to blog, how to make the actual bloggy thing.
I was asking the wrong question.
A blog is used to share knowledge, thoughts and feelings with others. That bit I get but how? Turns out, the dictionary definition of a blog is:
“A type of website that is regularly updated, usually written by one to a few people, in an informal style.”
It is a website.
Yep, you must make a website. The thing is, setting up a Blog really doesn’t have anything to do with the fluffy content. To make a Blog, you must do actual technical things, and they to be correctly set up for it all to work. You need somewhere to host your website, and you need to then distribute the contents of that website to the web.
While this sounds scarey, its really not so bad. So strap in and lets get on with it:
TLDR: Unless you are going to build, are interested in building or already are running a server, don’t self-host. I chose not to self-host, but not for the reasons you might think. If you want to just get on with the website and are not interested in the differences and between the two options and why I chose one over the other, feel free to jump straight to the next episode for more details.
To Self-Host or not to Self-Host… that is the <i> question!
Deciding whether to self-host your own services or rely on a third-party provider is a big question for IT professionals and enthusiasts. Both choices come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s worth taking a good look at what each option has to offer, especially if you’re someone with a moderate skill level in IT. Here’s a breakdown that should help make the decision a bit clearer.
What is Self-Hosting?
Self-hosting is when you run software, applications, or services on your own hardware rather than using a third-party provider. For instance, instead of using Google Drive, you could set up a personal cloud service on a server you own.
The Pros of Self-Hosting
- Control Over Data and Privacy
When you self-host, you’re the one in charge of your data, which means you don’t need to worry about a third party’s privacy policy. Your data remains your own, which can be a huge draw for those concerned about privacy. - Flexibility and Customisation
Self-hosting gives you full control over how things run. You can tweak, modify, and adjust the setup to suit your needs without being limited by a provider’s settings or restrictions. - Cost-Effectiveness (Sometimes)
Self-hosting can be cheaper over time, especially for those who need substantial storage or bandwidth. After the initial setup costs, the ongoing expenses can be lower than the monthly or yearly fees that cloud providers charge. - Skill Development
Running your own server and managing services is a fantastic way to build IT skills. You’ll get hands-on experience in areas like networking, system administration, and troubleshooting, which is valuable for anyone looking to grow their IT knowledge.
The Cons of Self-Hosting
- Initial Setup and Maintenance
Setting up a self-hosted environment isn’t always easy. It requires a bit of technical know-how to install, configure, and keep things running smoothly. Plus, you’re responsible for updates, security patches, and maintenance, which can be time-consuming. - Hardware Costs
Although self-hosting can be cost-effective, the initial investment for hardware and possibly software licenses can be steep. Plus, there’s always a risk of hardware failure, which can be pricey to fix or replace. - Security Risks
Self-hosting makes you responsible for securing your data. You’ll need to set up firewalls, manage updates, and stay on top of any vulnerabilities. This responsibility can be a big drawback if you’re not entirely comfortable with security management. - Downtime and Reliability
In self-hosting, if your internet goes down or there’s a power outage, your service is unavailable. Unlike big providers with multiple servers and backup systems, your setup may not be as reliable if something goes wrong.
What About Third-Party Hosting?
Third-party hosting is the alternative where you let a company like Google, Amazon, or Microsoft handle the heavy lifting. You sign up for a service, and they take care of the infrastructure, maintenance, and security.
The Pros of Third-Party Hosting
- Convenience
Third-party providers handle almost everything. You don’t need to worry about hardware or maintenance, and you can rely on their expertise to keep things running. - Reliability
These companies invest heavily in uptime and reliability. If you need a service that’s always accessible, it’s hard to beat their infrastructure. - Scalability
Most hosting providers offer flexible pricing and scaling options. As your needs grow, you can easily upgrade to a bigger plan without worrying about buying new hardware. - Built-In Security
Big providers offer robust security options, including encryption and compliance with privacy regulations. If security management isn’t your forte, third-party hosting might be safer.
The Cons of Third-Party Hosting
- Ongoing Costs
While third-party hosting can be convenient, it comes with monthly or annual costs that add up over time. For people with high storage or bandwidth needs, these fees can be hefty. - Less Control
You don’t get as much control over the server environment. Customising the setup is often limited by the provider’s settings and options, so you might feel restricted if you need specific configurations. - Privacy Concerns
Hosting providers may access your data and metadata, and you’re trusting them to handle it responsibly. Their policies could change, potentially affecting your data’s privacy.
So, Which One is Right for You?
If you’re interested in learning more about IT and don’t mind putting in the effort to maintain your own setup, self-hosting can be a great option. You’ll gain valuable skills and get more control over your data. However, if you want something simple, reliable, and easy to manage, a third-party hosting solution may be a better fit.
Whether you choose to self-host or go with a third party, both approaches have their place in the IT world. The best choice is the one that aligns with your needs, skills, and comfort level.
Final Thoughts: My Journey with Hosting Options
In the end, both choices have their advantages and challenges. Self-hosting is great if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get technical, while third-party hosting offers convenience at a cost.
In the end, I chose to use a hosting provider. I want a simple and easy.
Learning to self-host is a valuable skill and one I will pursue in the future, but for now, I want to concentrate on content creation and not the work involved in hosting. The time I spend managing my web platform is time I am not producing content, spending with my family doing assignments for my studies etc. This is why I choose to pay for hosting.
For those just starting out, don’t get swept away by fancy features or sales pitches—think carefully about your needs, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The goal is to create something that fits you, not just what looks good in an ad.
In the next episode, I look at a way to get a functioning website up and running for free using the Web Host Most free service. This is a fantastic opportunity to try out a simple website to learn the process and find areas to learn more about before spending any money. It gives you a peek behind the curtain, into the real world of Blogging.
Follow this link to find out more.
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