Paradigm Shift on the Web ?

2013. I had just finished my graphic design studies. The mission ? Showcase my work to find a job.

The question of "hand-coded site" or "WordPress" quickly arose. At the time, a fierce debate was raging : could WordPress really be used professionally ? Many doubted it. But time has provided the answer.

But is this solution still viable ?

That’s the question I’ve been asking myself lately. It’s been a while since I last wrote an article on my blog or used my site proactively. It allowed me to take a step back and lift my head from the grind.

I love learning. I love experimenting. It has made me versatile. But it has also forced me to question many things—tools, methods… For better and for worse.

And the web was no exception.

New platforms like Webflow and Framer offer intuitive and efficient solutions. Sure, they may cost more than traditional hosting. But in return, no more worries about plugin updates, database maintenance…

Then there’s the question of data sovereignty. With SaaS, we always give up a bit of our independence to a company—often a foreign one—whose decisions can impact our access and control over our own content. Webstudio, an open-source alternative to Webflow, could be a solution. But I haven’t tested it yet.

On the other hand, the way we consume the web has also evolved.

Among these new publishing approaches, Substack allows creators to publish articles and newsletters while simplifying monetization. It also enables quick, tweet-like thoughts, similar to X or Bluesky, maintaining a direct link with one’s community. Less friction, more connection.

For those seeking a more autonomous alternative, Ghost offers a similar approach—without the social network component.

This story strangely reminds me of another time…

When WordPress first appeared, many saw it as a fragile alternative to hand-coded sites. Today, it powers more than 40% of the web.

I’m not saying WordPress is the ultimate solution. But it met a need. A need that, today, is evolving once again.

The web has become a playground where everyone picks their tools based on their needs. And with the rise of AI-powered tools, everything is accelerating.

I feel like I’m reliving 2013, with the same question—only with different parameters.

Should I stick with WordPress ? 
Or switch to a more agile duo like Webflow and Substack / Ghost and Substack / Webstudio and Substack ?

Are we in the midst of a paradigm shift ? Maybe. Maybe not.

One thing is certain : the web is evolving at a dizzying speed. It's vertiginous.

I haven’t yet found the ideal solution. Not all questions have been answered.

For now, I observe. With a touch of nostalgia, but above all, with great curiosity.