Thoughts & Tactics

TheJournal

Deep dives, hot takes, and hard-won lessons from the trenches of building websites that actually work.

The Truth About "Custom" Websites

Templates, Rentals, and the Asset Alternative

Most business owners have no idea how their 'custom' website was actually made. This post breaks down what's really going on in the web development market.

Jan 2, 2026

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Local Website Pro vs. The World: An Honest 2026 Review

I spent a month auditing website solutions for contractors. The results revealed a clear winner.

Jan 10, 202614 min

AI Strategy

60% of Searches Now Trigger AI: Complete AEO Guide

Traditional SEO alone is no longer enough. Here's the data-driven guide to AI Engine Optimization.

Jan 9, 202618 min

OSINT

The 0.4-Second Standard: OSINT + Next.js

We ran reconnaissance on 50 KC contractor websites. What we found was a graveyard of vulnerabilities.

Jan 6, 202615 min

Strategy

Why KC Businesses Are Ditching WordPress

The hidden costs of WordPress templates are bleeding contractors dry.

Dec 28, 20258 min

AI Research

The Rise of Agentic AI: 2025 Statistics

Autonomous AI systems grew 340% in enterprise adoption. Here's what the statistics reveal.

Dec 15, 202514 min

Technical

0.4s Load Times: The Technical Deep Dive

Next.js 15, Edge Networks, and why SSR is non-negotiable for SEO.

Dec 20, 202512 min

Fuel the Chaos

"I'm not saying I need coffee, but I've named my IDE 'Starbucks'."

Hey, I'm just a solo dev and stay-at-home dad trying to build cool stuff while keeping tiny humans alive. If this content helped you out, consider buying me a coffee—or funding my kids' endless snack demands. No pressure, just gratitude.

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