Opinions on site generators (carrd, hugo, etc.)

[sen.fish]

I'm not the biggest fan of carrd from an aesthetic perspective (though tbf I've never used it)—but if it gets one thing right that so many "indie" websites don't, it's mobile responsiveness. It is a massive pet peeve of mine when people say indie websites shouldn't or don't need to design for phones because "we [sic] need to get off our phones" or that "people can just look at the site on their computer" when the majority of internet users worldwide only have access to the internet through mobile devices...It's no different to me than constructing a public building without a wheelchair accessible entrance.

Carrds and other SSGs are, for the most part, lightweight, functional and accessible—both for the user and the creator, and I would never be critical of anyone just for using them. I agree a lot with how JINSBEK phrases it: the point should be whether it works for the end user, not whatever tools were used to get there.

[Skykristal]

My first "official" website was wix and I don't like WYSIWYG. Not only because the website builders are always laggy on my end but also due to the limited features and paywalls. Literally every single drag-and-drop service has at least one feature behind a paywall and its often these you would love to use. I currently have 2 sites that are drag and drop. A carrd that I use as my 'me- summary page' and a webador site, which functions as my art archive. Easy and fast to set up, update and does what It should do. I also have these for a couple other reasons such as easy access and simple layout when I link to something real quick on other websites to someone who doesn't know much. These simple services are just easier to process for most people and I don't run into issues with anything that is getting on my nerves. Social media people have no attention span.

Anyway,
I very much love and prefer code, that's exactly why I am on neocities. Not only because of the limitation but also because of the repetitive look and feel, like others here mentioned before. Sites like carrd all have an incredibly same-y look to them no matter who you click on. And I also dislike carrd due to the fact that plenty of people only use it to put their DNI list on there, how many disorders they have etc. which is kinda weird to me. You know, the oversharing culture on social media. Whenever there is a carrd link I know exactly what to except.. ofc people also use it to link their socials, make actual 'business cards', portfolios, link-tree-style, and so on. I for example also do a similar thing. Just a simple overview of 'myself and my work'. I do since dec. 2024 btw, my card was unused and rotting for 7+ years because I simply hate it. I like the outcome of my card though, but it still is the same-y, pretty limited service to me. However, you can do unique stuff with it, its just not super common.

[candycanearter07]

My first "official" website was wix and I don't like WYSIWYG. Not only because the website builders are always laggy on my end but also due to the limited features and paywalls. Literally every single drag-and-drop service has at least one feature behind a paywall and its often these you would love to use.

Anyway,
I very much love and prefer code, that's exactly why I am on neocities. Not only because of the limitation but also because of the repetitive look and feel, like others here mentioned before.

Agreed, drag and drop sites feel insanely corporate, from the flat colors everyone has to the little customization to having to get your credit card out to do half the things you want to. I am fine with other people using them, sure, but I couldn't go back to that,

[mightytuniek]

I feel like you should use whatever suits you best . Most people wont hate on you for using such, although i have seen some rings and communities whom don't allow generated sites 

[Oceansandy02]

I do nit really care if people use a site generator or not. Personally, I prefer coding by scratch, as I honestly find it easier than site generators. So, I think it is a matter of preference, and it is up to them to decide. I also feel like we should not gatekeep people for using site generators. Maybe coding is not their thing, and that is okay! And I think there is options for learning CSS and HTML with some site generators, so they could eventually switch over if they find it easier, or stick to the generator.