With the help of Caleb, I am moving towards more self-hosted services instead of using so many cloud services. This blog is hosted locally and run via a WordPress server. I am using a local Plex server to host my music, audiobooks, movies/videos, and photos. I am even looking at a built-in notes app that is hosted on my local NAS (network attached storage) unit to replace some web-based apps that I use.
There are several reasons for this. First is the realization that companies will continue to use the data you store on their servers to refine their profiles of you and better advertise to you, whether that be a product for you to purchase or a concept they want you to believe. Next is the fact that new products are being released all the time and there is a constant urge to move over to the new and shiny app because it has some new feature. The cost of switching isn’t a monetary one, it is a cost to efficiency because migrating data put into one app over to the new one isn’t always easily accomplished, leading to your notes or information being spread across different services (Apple Notes, Evernote, OneNote, Obsidian, etc.).
I followed the instructions and guidance from a YouTube video that allowed me to import my previous Blogger posts into WordPress. Google used to provide a link for easy export, but has removed that ability. The creator of this video walks a user through the process of installing a specific WordPress plugin, configuring it to properly import existing posts, and obtaining the feed from Blogger needed for the plugin to import the posts into WordPress.
To be clear, this isn’t a tinfoil hat effort. I am not concerned about surveillance or Big Brother, I am more interested in simplifying my digital presence and limiting myself as a revenue-generating product for others.
Wish me luck.