Watch my video and see what a decentralized WordPress environment might look like.
Almost everything we rely on to operate online is a centralized platform. WordPress, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, you name it—they’re all gigantic, centralized platforms.
Ok, sure, but why does that matter?
It matters because the bigger centralized platforms get, the less freedom users have.
We see this lack of freedom in obvious ways—bans, suspensions, and outright censorship—and in more insidious ways like being forced to accept and adapt to functionality people may not want or need.
If freedom and control over your own stuff are important to you, then this idea of centralization vs. decentralization is critical to your future.
The big lie of centralization
Centralized digital platforms are appealing for a few key reasons:
- Popularity — Everybody uses them (oftentimes without even questioning this decision)
- Access — They’re the gatekeepers to a global audience
- Easy Onboarding — They make it quick, easy, and often free to get started
With social media giants, the promise is that you can “join in on the fun” and access the worldwide audience with purpose-built publishing tools.
With WordPress, the promise is that you can build a modern website and extend it in infinite ways to do whatever you need.
These promises are true…until they aren’t.
Time always reveals the truth
Relying on a centralized platform is a Faustian bargain:
Initially, you offload some effort and responsibility in exchange for immediate access and gratification.
But over time—and because you have absolutely zero say in how the centralized platform operates—you are forced to deal with whatever the platform throws your way:
- Accepting new features
- Changing the way you operate based on new guidelines (codes of conduct, etc)
- Possible censorship and/or restricted access to the global audience
Bottom line: As centralized platforms grow and gain power, you become smaller and lose power relative to them.
And given enough time, centralized platforms will reach a point where they only serve themselves at the expense of their users.
So the question you need to ask yourself is this:
Is it a good idea to give up all your power and control to centralized platforms, or should you be looking for a de-centralized solution that preserves your freedom?