The End of Eleventy
3 hours ago
- #monetization
- #static-site-generator
- #open-source
- Build Awesome is a rebrand of Eleventy, aiming to monetize the static site generator.
- The author expresses concern that monetization neglects existing users and repeats failed past attempts.
- Static site generators like Jekyll, Hugo, Gatsby, and Eleventy offer secure, fast alternatives to dynamic CMS.
- Eleventy, created by Zach Leatherman, is known for flexibility and avoiding rigid JavaScript frameworks.
- Monetization efforts like Gatsby Cloud and Stackbit failed, highlighting challenges in funding open-source tools.
- Leatherman joined Font Awesome seeking sustainable development, leading to the Build Awesome Kickstarter.
- Build Awesome features include visual editing and browser-based builds, targeting non-technical users.
- The indie web community may reject corporate commodification of static site generation.
- Other developers have mixed feelings about the rebrand, fearing centralization and loss of community.
- The article honors James Williamson, creator of Eleventy's possum mascot, as a selfless contributor.