A Love Letter to the personal Website
Sophie Koonin, a web engineering leader, gives a talk called “This Website Is under Construction, a Love Letter to the Personal Website.” In it, she reminds us why personal websites are still so important in a world dominated by social media and standardized design.
Your own Space on the Internet
Koonin’s main idea is simple: a website is more than just a digital resume or marketing tool, it’s your own space on the internet. A place that reflects your personality, where you can experiment freely with HTML and CSS, and share what you truly love. Unlike social media platforms, your personal website belongs entirely to you, and you remain in control of your content.
Where did the fun Web go?
The early web was full of creativity. People built websites for themselves, for small communities, and just for fun. Today, much of that uniqueness is gone. Most websites look similar: marketing driven layouts, identical icons, predictable CTAs. The modern web is focused on consumers rather than creators. Koonin calls this shift from creator centered to consumer centered the Web 2.0 era. Platforms made it easy to share content, but at the cost of ownership and individuality.
Why HTML and CSS matter
Koonin emphasizes that foundational knowledge of HTML and CSS is crucial. It allows you to:
- Experiment freely without relying on large frameworks
- Ensure accessibility and usability
- Take full control of your website and content
For her, building a personal website today is a radical act, a statement of independence in a web dominated by platforms that monetize users content.
The spirit of the personal Web
Owning your own content and space online empowers you. It brings back the joy of creating and sharing things you love. Koonin encourages us to start small, get creative, and not worry about perfection. Weird, experimental and fun websites are the best way to explore the possibilities of the web.
Helpful Resources
For anyone interested in reviving their personal web space, Koonin suggests checking out:
A Vision for the future
The goal is not to reject modern social media entirely. Koonin envisions a web where the old and new coexist: where personal expression and accessibility live alongside large platforms.
In short, a personal website is your chance to experiment, express and enjoy the web in a way that no social media platform can replicate. HTML and CSS are enough to start.
So why not build your space today? I already built mine, now it might be the right moment to rethink it.
