Looking back, it’s almost surreal to realize that I’ve been dipping my toes into the world of online content creation (at least blogging) for nearly three decades now, with plenty of starts, stops, and detours along the way. My earliest experiments were with phpBB forums – a clunky but fun way to build discussions around shared interests. It was all about community back then, fostering conversations in real-time. But then I stumbled upon WordPress version 1.2 (Geocities anyone?), and it was love at first install. Compared to the rigid structure of phpBB, WordPress felt like a breath of fresh air – flexible, intuitive, and endlessly customizable, even for back then. That discovery ignited a passion for web design, prompting me to dive headfirst into learning HTML, CSS, and PHP. I spent countless hours tweaking themes, experimenting with layouts, and turning my site into a personal canvas.
In those early days, my writing centered on tech gadgets, software reviews, and emerging products – topics that felt safe and familiar. But honestly, I never quite found my niche; it was more about exploration than expertise back then. Surprisingly, the shift from forums to blogging didn’t alienate my audience. I’d already cultivated a small but engaged community through phpBB, and many followed me over. Within that first year, my readership ballooned to over 7,000 loyal followers, which was thrilling for a newbie blogger. Buoyed by that momentum, I started branching out into broader territories: personal reflections on life, productivity hacks, travel anecdotes, and even philosophical musings. This eclectic approach has defined my blogging style ever since, but it hasn’t been without its challenges.
Life, as it often does, got in the way. Between the relentless grind of startup ventures, the demands of college coursework, and the everyday chaos of adulting, my blog became an afterthought. I’d disappear for months at a time, only to return sporadically with a burst of posts before fading away again. Readership dwindled, and the site morphed into a testing ground for half-baked ideas -new plugins, experimental features, or random side projects. It lost its spark, becoming more of a digital graveyard than a vibrant space. The same has been true this past year or two. Sporadic touches, however my wife has encouraged me to get back to writing. I am not good at it, but I need it. So, I’m ready to turn the page and embark on a new chapter with hermannk.com. If you’ve visited similar blogs, you know how quickly you can peg an author’s vibe – tech guru, lifestyle influencer, or niche expert. Me? I’m committing to my signature topic of mindset and some personal randomness. Expect posts on everything from my thoughts on everything revolving around mindset to cutting-edge tech innovations and honest product reviews to raw insights on work-life balance, personal growth, and the oddball thoughts that keep me up at night.
Writing has always been my outlet, a way to unpack complex ideas through long-form articles that let thoughts breathe and evolve. There’s something therapeutic about distilling chaos into coherent narratives, and I want to elevate that experience for my readers too. If you’ve been around this site over the years, you’ve likely witnessed the parade of redesigns – each one a reflection of my evolving tastes and technical curiosities. But this latest iteration? It’s built to last.
Prioritizing Mobile-First Accessibility
My previous redesign, about three years ago, nodded toward mobile-friendliness, but it fell short of true responsiveness. On my own phone, reading posts often required awkward pinch-to-zoom maneuvers, which frustrated me as much as it probably did you. In today’s world, where smartphones and tablets are our primary portals to information, that’s unacceptable. We’re consuming content on the go – during commutes, coffee breaks, or late-night scrolls – and I wanted hermannk.com to shine in those moments. So, I stripped things down to a minimalist aesthetic (simplicity is my now not only my life mantra, but also my design mantra) and optimized for seamless mobile experiences.
It’s wild to think about how mobile tech is reshaping connectivity. With LTE and emerging 5G networks (which I’m not really a fan of), our phones are poised to deliver faster internet speeds than many home broadband setups. Keeping that in mind, I’ve ensured this site loads quickly, scales effortlessly across screen sizes, and feels intuitive on touch interfaces. No more squinting or frustration – just smooth, enjoyable browsing wherever you are.
A Thoughtful Redesign for Focus and Flow
Counting my past redesigns would require more fingers than I have, I mean 20 – 30 years of playing around on the interwebs and actively playing with WordPress for nearly 2 decades is something – and then each one a lesson in what works (and what doesn’t). This time, though, I didn’t just slap on a new theme; I reimagined the entire structure from the ground up. The goal? Make content the undisputed star. I’ve opted for a clean, single-column layout that keeps distractions at bay. Sure, there might be subtle sidebar variations for navigation or related reads, but nothing that overwhelms or clutters the page. Photography plays a bigger role now too -integrating large, high-quality images directly into posts without compromising load times or breaking the flow.
Color choices are understated: soft neutrals that are easy on the eyes, paired with a crisp font for optimal readability. Everything is designed to draw you into the words and visuals, creating an immersive experience that encourages lingering rather than bouncing.
Embracing High-Resolution Perfection
The debate over retina displays – whether they’re essential or overkill – rages on, but I’m future-proofing anyway. Every element on hermannk.com, from icons and backgrounds to embedded images, is optimized for high-definition screens. This matters most on mobile devices.
This focus on visual fidelity ties directly into my renewed emphasis on photography. My wife and I have who were once inspired by my brother’s passion for the craft, and then us acquiring a Canon EOS 650D back in the day, made us realize the importance of crisp photos. Now my wife being a master at the craft, I’ll try to keep up. Quick snaps with my phone are fun, but they pale in comparison to the detail and quality a DSLR offers. Moving forward, expect more articles enriched with stunning photos – product close-ups in reviews, scenic shots from travels, or evocative images that complement personal stories. The site is engineered to handle these without slowdowns, ensuring crisp, vibrant displays that do justice to the effort behind each shot.
Wrapping It Up: Ambitions and Invitations
With this refreshed setup and a commitment to regular posting, I’m optimistic about rebuilding – and surpassing – my original readership numbers come 2026. hermannk.com will offer glimpses into my world: the highs and lows of startup life, ongoing projects, work reflections, and those unfiltered random thoughts that make blogging so rewarding. I’ll reuse and update the hundreds of posts I have now set to draft versions, publishing the one or the other as is if I find it relative. I’ll be fine-tuning elements over the coming weeks, but rest assured, no major overhauls are on the horizon. I’m swamped in business related initiatives. This is the stable home I’ve been building toward.
Thanks for joining me on this journey. If you’re a longtime follower, welcome back; if you’re new, stick around for the ride. I’d love to hear your feedback – what do you think of the new look?