In the ever – evolving landscape of my website, a new addition has emerged, like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. A few weeks ago, I introduced a section called TIL, which stands for “today I learned.” This seemingly simple addition has become a significant part of my digital world, serving as a unique repository for the interesting tidbits and useful tools I stumble upon.
My inspiration for the TIL section stemmed from my social media habits. On platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky, I love sharing “cool finds” with the world. Whether it’s an amazing SQLite REPL like litecli, the seamless experience of cross – compiling in Go, fascinating cryptographic insights, or an exceptional diff tool, these discoveries often spark my enthusiasm. However, most of the time, I don’t feel the need to elaborate on them in a full – fledged blog post. A simple “hey, this is useful!” is usually all that comes to mind.
The problem was that I had no dedicated space to store these valuable nuggets of information. There were instances when I wanted to revisit a tool, like diffdiff, only to find myself struggling to recall its name. It was like losing a precious key in a vast sea of memories. That’s when I realized I needed a solution, a digital home where these discoveries could be safely kept.
And so, the TIL section was born. I created a new folder named /til/, carefully crafted custom styling to give the posts a tweet – like appearance, developed a handy Rake task for quick post creation, and even set up a separate RSS feed. It’s a personal project, really. Now, when I forget the link to something like Cryptographic Right Answers, I have a place to turn to. Some might wonder why I don’t rely on bookmarks, but for me, sharing these things publicly has always been easier. It’s as if by putting them out there, I’m creating a more tangible connection with my digital self.
My TIL page draws inspiration from Simon Willison’s renowned TIL blog, although my posts tend to be much more concise. It’s a nod to a concept that I find both practical and appealing. But as I delved into this new venture, it also made me reflect on my relationship with social media and digital archiving.
I’ve often come across the advice to “POSSE” – “post on your own site, syndicate elsewhere.” While the idea makes sense in theory, I’ve always been drawn to the ephemeral nature of social media. The ability to post a poll, ask a question, share an observation, or crack a joke, and then watch as it fades into the background as new content emerges, has a certain charm. It’s a fleeting moment of connection, and I cherish that aspect.
However, I also recognize the value of having a more permanent record of specific types of content. That’s why I’ve clearly defined the categories of things I want to have on my own website: my blog posts, which allow me to explore topics in more depth; my comics, a creative outlet that showcases a different side of my interests; and now, my TILs, a curated collection of useful knowledge.
I’m a firm believer in the power of email lists. Both my blog posts and comics have dedicated email lists and RSS feeds, providing a way for interested readers to stay updated. I’m even considering adding a weekly summary of my TIL posts to my “blog posts from this week” mailing list, further integrating this new section into my digital ecosystem.
In essence, my TIL section is more than just a collection of posts. It’s a reflection of my digital journey, a way to capture and preserve the things that matter to me, while also embracing the transient beauty of social media. It’s a work in progress, but I’m excited to see how it evolves and grows over time.
