My first blog site was based on Hexo. I used a visually appealing theme, managed the code through GitHub, automated the compilation using GitHub Actions, and deployed it on Vercel.
The entire process went smoothly.
Later, I drifted to a xLog site through the Travellings.cn link and truly paid attention to the xLog platform.
There are two things that attract me the most about the xLog platform: simplicity of maintenance and style.
Simplicity of Maintenance#
xLog has an online editor that provides a WYSIWYG experience and supports saving drafts. Using Hexo for blogging requires managing markdown source files and installing a local editor, such as Typora.
Typora editor is very user-friendly and provides real-time rendering. However, sometimes latex formulas may display correctly in Typora but become invalid after being compiled by Hexo, leaving a mess of latex code in the text. I really dislike this.
xLog comes with a comment system and supports IPFS images and full-text search. There is no need to integrate Valine for the comment system, use PicGo for image hosting, or Algolia for search, and of course, no need for a server. The focus is on simplicity.
It's not that it can't be done, but it's not really necessary.
xLog supports Google Analytics and Umami Cloud Analytics for data statistics. It can automatically track website traffic.
xLog supports custom domains. It can be redirected to a personal website.
xLog is migration-friendly. It supports importing articles in markdown format and exporting articles in markdown format (which will be packaged into a compressed file). This is a feature that I personally really like.
xLog is compatible with the Crossbell blockchain. It allows exploring other applications of Crossbell, which may lead to unexpected discoveries.
xLog supports CSS customization. Based on the original style, it supports writing CSS code to customize the page theme. However, it requires a certain level of CSS knowledge.
High Style#
xLog is an on-chain blogging system that supports IPFS, keeps up with the latest technology trends, and ensures reliable data storage. xLog runs on the Crossbell blockchain Crossbell. Blockchain is transparent, decentralized, and has the property of immutability. Blockchain data is synchronized across the network in a very short time. Similarly, IPFS InterPlanetary File System as a distributed file system, also has similar properties.
Due to its decentralized nature, all data can be controlled by individuals. As mentioned by the expert @diygod in his blog:
Blockchain, all blog data, including website configuration, articles, followers, comments, likes, etc., are signed and stored on the blockchain, in the form of NFT, and can only be controlled by you, who hold the private key.
Of course, @diygod also mentioned the existing issues in his blog, such as:
- The need for an Ethereum (ETH) wallet. Blockchain technology comes with controversies, and registering a wallet is also a barrier.
- The undeniable nature of on-chain operations. Therefore, in reality, users cannot completely delete an article. All content can always be restored from the historical information.
Enjoy xLog#
There wasn't much content on the original blog anyway, so there wasn't much burden in migrating. I will continue to update on xLog. I hope everyone can find joy in blogging on xLog 😄