It’s time for the 2021 year in review for Diverse Tech Geek; a look back over what happened with the blog this year.
The top 10 posts for 2021
Below are the 10 most read blog posts for 2021. Data is taken from Google Analytics and Matomo (I switched user analytics partway through the year), as of December 21, 2021.
- The NHL moving to ESPN and ABC; ESPN to stream out-of-market local games
- Blocking autoplay videos on desktop and mobile browsers
- Cartoons that should’ve entered public domain in 2021 (but didn’t)
- How to block Twitter trolls
- 10 favorite webcomics and comic strips (2021 edition)
- What’s the future of DVDs and Blu-rays?
- Why NFT collectibles are a bad thing
- Cartoon Network launches Cartoonito, a preschool block
- RIP Locast; also, how to watch over-the-air TV without cable
- Sources of free stock photos featuring people of color
Observations
By far, this year’s most popular post was about the NHL’s TV rights moving to ESPN, ESPN+, and ABC. It’s also the most heavily commented post on the blog—a lot of hockey fans have strong feelings about this switch.
TV, streaming, and home video put in a strong showing: the fate of physical media (#6); Cartoon Network giving a preschool block, “Cartoonito,” another go (#8); and the networks (unfortunately) successfully suing Locast out of existence (#9).
My posts discussing how to block annoying online elements also did well, which says a lot about the state of the web. Specifically, a post on blocking autoplaying videos (#2), and a follow-up to a 2018 post on blocking Twitter trolls in bulk (#4).
Speaking of annoying things, I also gave my two cents on the downsides of NFT artwork and cryptocurrency (#7). In another decade, I expect to look back on NFTs and Bitcoin the way we look back on the Beanie Baby craze of the late 90s, or the fate of Enron.
The very first post of the year, the annual “cartoons that should’ve entered public domain this year” post, was also the third most popular post for 2021. Comic strips were also a popular topic; at #5 is my 10 favorite webcomics for 2021.
Finally, at #10, is a post on where to find free stock photos featuring people of color..
2021 blog highlights
Looking back at what’s happened with Diverse Tech Geek in 2021:
- In June, I finally decided to switch the blog back to running on WordPress, after almost a year on Ghost. While Ghost has its strong points, I ran into too many of its limitations; trying to get comments set up on Ghost alone was a nuisance. I’ve still got criticisms of WordPress’ direction (still not a Gutenberg fan), but the switch back has been OK so far. And of course, if things change again, there’s still the ClassicPress fork.
- In October, the blog switched to its current theme, Neve. A minor change versus the CMS platform switch, but still worth noting.
Once again, thank you for supporting the blog, in whatever form that takes (on social media, via Patreon/Ko-fi, etc.). I hope 2022 sees things continue to evolve and improve for the blog.
