ISSUE 25.02

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Hey Reader—

You've likely heard the headlines: "AI is coming for your job!" But if you're in web design and development like me, the reality has been quite different. Despite grand claims that AI would replace developers overnight, we're seeing that AI-generated code often falls short of professional standards.

In truth, I only use AI tools occasionally – mainly to troubleshoot particularly stubborn code issues or to help improve sections I'm refactoring. They're an occasional assistant rather than a core part of my workflow.

I've certainly heard the promises from AI companies and the concerning discussions about reducing technical staff. These conversations often miss the fundamental reality of web development. The code is just one part of the equation; web development is inherently a human endeavor that creates tools, applications, and sites to help other humans. To do that properly, you need the human touch – understanding nuanced needs, anticipating problems, and designing with empathy and purpose that AI simply cannot replicate.

The lesson is becoming clear: AI works best when it enhances human capabilities rather than attempts to replace them. Quality websites still require human discernment, creativity, and technical precision that AI simply can't match.

How have you been incorporating AI tools in your work, if at all? I'd love to hear your experiences.

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SHOWCASE ​M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust​ From WordPress to Wow: We helped the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust transform their digital presence through a strategic CMS migration that puts power back in their team's hands. Now they enjoy logically organized content and can create custom page layouts with barely any developer help – a true game-changer for their content administrators! ​Read more →​

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Websites Don't Deteriorate—So Why Do They Need Regular Updates?

"Why does a website require maintenance? It's not like it wears down, right?" I hear this question sometimes, and it's a fair one! Unlike physical objects, websites don't literally deteriorate over time. But here's the reality: a website doesn't exist in isolation—it lives in a digital ecosystem that's constantly evolving around it.

Your website's value doesn't come from simply existing; it comes from successfully connecting with your audience in the current digital landscape. That landscape never stops shifting. Browsers release updates, design trends evolve, user expectations change, and search engines modify their algorithms. Even if your website remains exactly the same, its relationship with everything around it transforms, potentially making yesterday's perfectly functional site today's outdated experience.

This is where regular maintenance comes in. Those security patches that seem like mere annoyances? They're protecting your site (and your visitors) from vulnerabilities that hackers are actively trying to exploit. That CMS update might seem unnecessary, but it's often adding compatibility with new technologies that keep your site accessible to everyone. Even refreshing content isn't just about having something new to say—it signals to search engines that your site is actively maintained and that you're an authority on the topic. That can significantly impact your visibility online.

Think of website maintenance less as fixing what's broken and more as nurturing an ongoing relationship between your digital presence and the world it exists in. A little regular attention keeps that relationship healthy and productive for everyone involved.

Need help keeping your website in sync with today's digital landscape? I've got some simple maintenance plans that can take this off your to-do list. Just hit reply if you're curious and let's chat!

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FROM THE BLOG

​When Your Bookkeeper Ghosts You: A Tale of Unanswered Contact Forms and Unexpected Shutdowns​

After my bookkeeping company suddenly shut down, I discovered that most companies couldn't be bothered to respond to contact form inquiries—ultimately highlighting why the one company that actually replied earned my business.

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​Apple Notes & NotesCmdr​

NotesCmdr is a simple app that brings Markdown and slash commands to Apple Notes, making it way more efficient for your daily note-taking. It's not "true" Markdown, but honestly? It's just enough to be awesome without complicating things. 🙌

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​Roadmapping Your Website For Greater Success​

A roadmapping process offers a cost-effective strategy for determining the future direction of your website or web application. When your site needs refreshing—whether due to outdated appearance or to accommodate strategic goals like improved content marketing and lead generation—roadmapping helps clarify your vision and establish a clear path forward.

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AROUND THE WEB

On Accessibility

​Kilian Valkhof​

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​Using Google reCAPTCHA? It might be time to move on​

Google's reCAPTCHA, a service with privacy and data mining concerns, is forcing sites to move their keys to Google Cloud. Sites looking for an alternative can use Cloudflare's Turnstile CAPTCHA service, which is more straightforward, private, and free. Need help switching? Get in touch!​

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​The Post-Developer Era​

Since the launch of AI on a mainstream level, people have been claiming that developers will be out of jobs. Josh Comeau wrote about that claim two years ago and recently followed that up with a fresh look at the landscape, asking "Are we currently living in the 'post-developer' era?"