We live in an age of infinite distraction. Notifications ping. Feeds scroll endlessly. The "attention economy" is mining your focus for profit.
For writers, this is a disaster.
Digital Minimalism, a philosophy popularized by Cal Newport, isn't about throwing away your phone. It's about using technology intentionally. And when it comes to blogging, less is absolutely more.
The Cluttered Web
Look at a typical modern website:
- Pop-ups asking for your email.
- "Allow Notifications" prompts.
- Sticky video players in the corner.
- 3MB of JavaScript tracking scripts.
- Ads, ads, ads.
It's hostile to the reader. And it's hostile to the writer, who has to manage all this complexity.
The Jottings Philosophy
We built Jottings to be a sanctuary of digital minimalism.
- No Distractions: The editor is a blank white page. No sidebars. No widgets. Just you and your words.
- Speed: A static site loads in milliseconds. There is no "loading spinner" to break your flow or your reader's attention.
- Focus on Text: We love beautiful typography. We believe that if the words look good, you don't need much else.
Why Minimalist Blogs Win
In a noisy world, silence is a superpower.
When a reader lands on a minimalist blog, they feel a sense of relief. "Finally," they think, "I can just read." This builds trust. It keeps them on the page longer.
Google notices this too. "Page Experience" is a ranking factor. Sites that don't annoy users rank higher.
How to Practice Digital Minimalism
- Curate your inputs: Unfollow accounts that make you angry or inadequate. Subscribe to RSS feeds (like this one!) that inspire you.
- Simplify your output: Don't try to be everywhere. Own one platform (your blog) and do it well.
- Write short: You don't need to write 2,000 words to be profound. A 50-word jot can change someone's day.
Reclaim your attention. Reclaim your writing.