Libreture
It's been a hell of a time here!
Server Migration
We've moved!
Our new web hosts, Mythic Beasts, are an independent UK company, who have done an extraordinary job in supporting the migration of the server from our old hosting. During this process, the fantastic developer I'm working with updated the entire system to the latest available software.
While Mythic Beasts are UK-based, I chose to locate Libreture in their Amsterdam centre. With possible changes coming to the UK's compliance with GDPR, and worrying noise about new laws impacting our online privacy, I want to ensure your personal details and private reading habits are safe. The Netherlands was a convenient choice, and keeps the data in the EU.
The server move is complete. But while we're working on some final bits and pieces, you may spot some problems. It would be a huge help if you let me know about through the Help page.
Staying indie
As you've probably guessed, I'm a big fan of independent digital bookshops. But my love of indies extends to all the businesses I work with.
Supporting independent businesses usually means more money stays, or returns to, the community where the business is based, rather than being extracted to other parts of the country. And sometimes to other countries altogether, including tax havens.
Large companies often make decisions based on increasing their shareholder's income, rather than what's best for the overall business, their customers and employees.
Our previous web hosts, the York-based independent company Bytemark, were bought by another company in 2018. There were early signs of impending issues, and ex-employees raised concerns. In 2019, the development company that helped me build Libreture halted all their client work. I put Libreture development and the planned mgration on hold until recently. A friend and fellow Uni alumni agreed to take a look and help with developing Libreture and migrate to new hosts.
What next?
All these changes are a fresh start for me and Libreture.
Something that spurred me to improve my own approach was a recent exchange with a Libreture reader. They weren't aware I was a solo-run effort. The language I used on the website made them think I was a big business...
But isn't that good thing? Unfortunately not. The slow progress on Libreture made it seem like this 'big business' wasn't doing much work. It just seemed confusing. The bad look wasn't helping me or Libreture readers. Being a big fan of Plausible Analytics (which I use on Libreture), and their business approach, I realised I wasn't "doing communication right".
Plausible don't pretend they're bigger than they are. They're open about their development and practices, they don't use "we". With the pause in Libreture's development, I found it difficult to really promote Libreture and my work on it. I suppose I was hiding.
Well, taking a leaf out of Plausible's book, I'm improving transparency, engaging more with... well, everyone, and finding new ways to listen! The July Dev Update explains some of the new features I'm working on, and gives a quick look at some new tools I'm using. And boy, do I have some lovely new tools to help!
Keep an eye open for ways to get involved with how Libreture works, and staying updated on how it's going.
Coming soon:
Happy reading,
Kevin
What I'm reading
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