On 8 February 2026 I launched Sidetrack.be. Inspired by Jon Worth‘s move from WordPress (the .org version) to Ghost via Magical Pages, I did the same. While Trip By Trip still very much exists and I’m still adding content, I had – and have – reasons to also start something else.
Hence Sidetrack, and in this case Sidetrack.blog. Because that was available on WordPress, the .com version. WordPress just offers more. But is also more expensive.
I’m afraid enshittification has come to the platform. This simple lay-out, HybridMag, is only included in the Business Plan.
At first I wanted to use ColorMag, which I used for Be Out, on WordPress.org, from 2019 to 2022. But customising ColorMag was a pain in the arse and accessing more features required paying the theme designers another fee. It added too much up for a side project, which, if Trip By Trip remains safe, will be me ore or less for nothing.
But I’m happy with this theme.
Why WordPress?
So, why WordPress? WP offers more possibilities, makes commenting easier and has pingbacks. And, more importantly, scheduling posts in the future is so much more clear.
There’s also the community aspect, with WordPress users following and supporting each other. I’m thinking of Paris 1972 – Versailles 2003, Monkey’s Tale, Ore de drum, Discovering Belgium, India Safaris, Shimayan Hong Kong Asia, Shrine Temple, Kampas Life, Eric Wayne, Jason Likes To Travel, 100 Country Trek, NPC Humor, Longevitimes, Yolanda and her creative scream, Airport and Hotels, Printer Test Page, Katherine Maruta, Travell Tours, and many more.
And WordPress has an app. I don’t think Ghost has.
Sidetracks
What will become of the two Sidetrack blogs? As I’m writing this, I haven’t defined it yet. The name allows to get sidetracked from initial ideas. I think I will focus on travel stories more at Trip By Trip, and bring other subjects here. I will probable also syndicate posts.
I guess time will tell.
