Since writing it, many things have shifted across the web. And while social networks haven't necessarily gone in that direction, in 2026 there's a general apathy when it comes to exploring the web at all.

I still have hope that there's a place for internet wandering, but I think many of us that grew up online are more interested in wandering in the real world. In the essay, my idea of wandering was based on the feeling of wandering through a new city.

Being offline makes me feel alive.

This is nothing radical or new, but I do think it's a shift in how we think about the web and what it adds to our lives. It really does feel like we're living in a different world, and the use of websites feels more and more like a personal medium than ever before.

I guess the reason I continue to appreciate websites as a medium is that they let you explore yourself through writing. That continues to be important to me and probably never will go away.

My earlier feeling, that the web is meant to be explored, that it is a place to wander in, was a bit naive, or came out of a particular moment on the web. Maybe the web in 2026 is a more practical place: somewhere you can write just for yourself.

This and a conversation with a friend about their hopes of moving to publishing more on their website has me thinking about what it means to send email newsletters at this moment.

I've had a feeling for a while that most of us are at max capacity (newsletter maxing?). I think this is partly due to the popularity and ease of Substack mixed with an apathy towards social media. In the past I've even explored what it would look like to use email like an sns.

Strangely my inbox has been feeling a little like social media these days. Who knew the algorithm wasn't the only issue with the platforms!

I'm still excited when I see very considered email newsletters, where it feels like someone made it by hand and put real intention, time, and thought into the design and the content.

I do think there's still a special place for email newsletters but maybe the medium itself needs a little break.

Recent conversations with Kristoffer have me thinking: it's really special when people remember you and your website and go seek it out intentionally. Especially when they have the right energy to read what you have to say.

I'm walking through Rotterdam while I speak this into writing, and I will only be publishing it here, on my website. Curious people will have to seek it out.