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Reflections and Thoughts of Brian
Bitcoin 100k

Posted on: December 4, 2024, 9:47 pm

Bitcoin has finally reached a historic $100K per coin. It’ll be interesting to see where it goes next as it continues to build trust and momentum. While Bitcoin is not immune to market fluctuations, it is well-equipped to handle them. Here’s to hoping my next post about Bitcoin will be when it reaches $1 million.

Hive Control Panel

Posted on: November 28, 2024, 12:16 am

For a while now, I’ve been thinking about how hosting control panels have become such a pain point rather than a solution. If you’ve been in the hosting world for as long as I have, you’ve probably noticed how some of the mainstream control panels have not only gotten bloated but also ridiculously expensive. It’s frustrating for users who just want something that works and is affordable, a no-brainer.

I decided to start building something better, a hosting control panel I’m calling Hive. It’s designed to work on both Windows and Linux servers. My aim isn’t just to make it feature-rich but also to keep it affordable. I want to make sure anyone can manage their servers without feeling like they’re paying a premium for basic functionality. Right now you're dealing with steep subscription fees, upsells, and features you may never use. I'm thinking of something like a flat $5/month per server, no matter who you are or what you’re hosting and providing free licenses to DataPacket customers.

For now, I’m focusing on getting Hive running on Linux, starting with Debian 12, since it’s reliable and familiar territory for me. Eventually, I want Hive to support other distributions like Ubuntu, AlmaLinux, and Rocky Linux, along with Windows. I’ve already started building the core app, which can work as a standalone tool for managing a single server or as a central hub to control multiple servers remotely.

On the development side, I’m building Hive with .NET for its cross-platform capabilities, which makes it good for both Linux and Windows environments. For the database, I’m starting with SQLite because it’s lightweight, reliable, and easy to set up. It's ideal for a server control panel that should be simple to deploy. It’s all about keeping things efficient without overcomplicating the foundation.

There’s still a lot to do and I'm going to take it slow and enjoy the process. Right now, it’s about building the foundation and ensuring Hive becomes a tool I’d want to use myself.

Hive Control Panel

SEO is Dead

Posted on: November 27, 2024, 4:01 pm

SEO is a never-ending rabbit hole if you fall for the nonsense. Every week, there’s a new trend or hack that’s supposedly the “secret” to ranking higher. But here’s the thing, SEO is dead! Was it ever alive?

Search engines are not fooled by keyword stuffing, spammy links, or optimized content. What they care about is whether your site is clear and useful. It’s not about outsmarting algorithms, it’s about creating something that makes sense for real people.

If you’re sweating over keyword density or complex SEO strategies, stop. Just focus on the basics. A clear, descriptive title and simple HTML markup can do more for your site than any overpriced tool or elaborate backlink campaign. A page titled “How to Fix a Leaky Faucet” will always perform better than one stuffed with nonsense like “Leaky Faucet | Fix Plumbing | Water Repair Tips.”

The same goes for the structure of your site. Use proper HTML, like headings and alt tags for images. These aren’t just for search engines, they make your site easier to read and understand for everyone.

SEO doesn’t have to be a game of constant guesswork. Write content people care about, label it clearly, and ensure your site is fast and functional. That’s it, SIMPLE! Forget all the gimmicks. Simplifying your approach will save you time, money and give you better results.

SEO is dead. Just write good titles and use proper HTML markup.

20 million

Posted on: November 25, 2024, 3:44 pm

Fynd has surpassed 20 million pages indexed, a milestone I set when starting the project in April 2024. The search engine continues to impress me with its results, and I make improvements as I see a need for them.

Lessons from Alan Watts

Posted on: November 23, 2024, 7:49 pm

Allan Watts, a philosopher and spiritual teacher, conveyed lessons of consciousness about life, existence, and the human experience. Here are his messages:

1. Live in the Present Moment

Life happens now. Focusing too much on the past or future causes unnecessary stress. Embrace the present and savor each moment.

2. Let Go of Control

Trying to control everything leads to frustration. Trust the natural flow of life and let things unfold as they are meant to.

3. Accept the Paradox of Life

Life is full of contradictions. Joy comes with sorrow, and order exists alongside chaos. Embrace both sides to find balance.

4. You Are Not Separate from the Universe

You are part of the greater whole. The boundaries between "you" and the world are illusions. Understanding this unity brings peace.

5. Life Is Playful, Not Serious

See life as a dance or a game. Overthinking and taking things too seriously create unnecessary burdens.

6. Trust Your Intuition

Intellectual reasoning is useful, but it's not the only guide. Your inner instincts and feelings are just as important.

7. The Journey Matters More than the Destination

Chasing future goals is a never-ending cycle. The joy of life lies in the experience and process, not just the outcome.

8. Stop Chasing Happiness

Happiness isn't something to be pursued. It arises naturally when you stop clinging to desires and accept life as it is.

9. Explore Your Inner Self

True understanding comes from knowing yourself deeply. Meditation, reflection, and mindfulness help reveal your true nature.

10. Don't Fear Death

Death is a natural part of life, not something to fear. Accepting it makes life richer and more meaningful.

Allan Watts teaches us to embrace life, accept the temporary and uncertain nature of reality, find joy in simple things, and recognize our connection to everything.