Today marks an exciting milestone. I have finally launched my personal website!

Built with vanilla HTML, CSS, and JavaScript on Cloudflare's infrastructure, this entire site costs less than $8 USD per year to own and host. A comparable WordPress site might cost $200 USD/year including domain and security certificates, plus additional fees for plugins and ongoing maintenance. This cost disparity reflects a pattern I have observed throughout my career as a software developer and data engineer: the significant gap between vendor pricing and actual implementation costs.

This technology affordability gap scales dramatically:

  • Small organizations often spend hundreds annually on basic websites with limited customization
  • Mid-tier businesses invest thousands in proprietary systems while using just a fraction of their features
  • Enterprises commit to huge contracts for capabilities that could be built for a fraction of the cost

One organization I worked with saved $2400 USD annually and improved data reliability by replacing their existing synchronization process with a custom solution accelerated by AI tools. This exemplifies how modern development approaches can make specialized solutions more accessible than ever.

My Mission: Democratizing Technology

My vision is to bridge this gap by challenging two common assumptions: that powerful technology requires enterprise-level budgets, and that implementing custom solutions requires specialized expertise. The evidence increasingly suggests neither is true.

I am creating practical resources that empower everyone, regardless of technical background or budget constraints, to implement robust technology systems by leveraging:

  • Affordable infrastructure with generous free tiers (like CloudflareCloudflare)
  • Open source solutions that rival commercial offerings
  • Clean, simple code patterns that are easier to maintain
  • Secure design principles that protect data without specialized knowledge
  • AI-assisted development tools that amplify basic technical skills

This approach creates better, more tailored solutions that precisely match your needs rather than forcing your processes to conform to off-the-shelf software limitations.

What to Expect

To put these principles into action, I'm developing a series of practical resources that progress from fundamental to advanced implementations. Here's what you can look forward to in the coming weeks and months:

  • Practical Applications of AI Tools for Non-Technical Users
  • Essential Cybersecurity Practices for Small and Medium Organizations
  • Custom Survey and Data Collection Systems
  • Lightweight CRM Solutions for Small Organizations
  • Integration Strategies for Existing Business Tools
  • Data Visualization Tools and Dashboards

These tutorials won't assume extensive coding experience—if you can follow instructions and have basic computer literacy, you can implement these solutions. I will emphasize how modern code patterns combined with AI tools can make development accessible to non-specialists while creating technology that truly serves everyone's needs.

While these resources will empower many readers to build their own solutions, I recognize that some situations call for more direct collaboration. That's why I am also offering several ways we can work together...

Working Together

Full-Service Development

We define your requirements together, then I handle all development and hosting. You get a complete, worry-free solution with ongoing support—ideal if you want to focus on your core mission without technical concerns.

Custom Development

We plan your project together, I develop it to your specifications, and then transfer it to your control. You host and maintain it as you prefer—perfect for organizations with technical staff who want a custom solution but plan to manage it long-term.

Collaborative Build

We plan and develop together as partners, creating a solution that your team understands from the ground up. This approach builds your internal capability while ensuring professional quality—great for organizations looking to grow their technical expertise.

AI Integration & Training

I can help you implement AI tools for your specific needs and teach you how to effectively use them, empowering you to continue innovating independently.

Research Technology Support

For academic and research teams, I offer custom data collection, analysis, and visualization tools tailored to your specific research questions and methodologies.

Each option involves different levels of my time and responsibility, with pricing structured accordingly. The more I'm involved in ongoing management and hosting, the more comprehensive the service and its associated cost. I'm transparent about pricing and always aim to provide exceptional value regardless of the approach we choose.

I understand that security and data privacy are critical concerns when working with an external developer. For all client work, I offer clearly defined confidentiality agreements to protect your sensitive information. My development approach prioritizes data security from the beginning, ensuring your users' information remains protected.

If there are specific topics you'd like me to cover or if you have any feedback on the website, please don't hesitate to reach out via my Bluesky or LinkedIn profile.

The tools to build powerful, accessible technology solutions already exist—they just need to be assembled with intention and clarity. I'm excited to guide you through this process, whether through the tutorials I'll be sharing or through direct collaboration. Ready to reimagine what's possible for your organization or project? Let's start the conversation today.

Thank you for reading!

— Matt