I recently transferred this website’s domain and hosting from Wix to Namecheap. Wix was great and offered many functionalities and good layouts but there were several reasons for transferring. The two primary one were:
- Namecheap allows uploading your own frontend and backend files so I can add more customizations to my site whereas Wix is a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) whose functionalities are mainly built-in
- Namecheap hosting is cheaper. The annual plan is less than half of Wix’s
There was a learning curve towards using Namecheap’s interfaces but other than several hiccups during the transfer process, I’m satisfied. Comparing Wix with Namecheap I would say that Wix is simpler to use but contains less features to personalize a site, whereas Namecheap is more complicated to use but offers more customizations to make subtle changes to a site. Wix offers a prebuilt solution of quickly creating a website whereas Namecheap offers a DIY solution. The trade-off is simplicity vs. customizability.
Often times, we use prebuilt solutions to solve problems rather than create our own solutions because the prebuilt ones are “good enough” and are simpler to implement. We install new programs with installers instead of building from source because it’s easier. We purchase dumplings from the store rather than make our own because it’s more convenient. We buy services to renovate our homes than to renovate by ourselves because it’s simpler. We go to university, get a job, and slowly move up the corporate ladder because it’s safer than to be entrepreneurs and learn the skills to make a living from our hobbies.
Often times, we use prebuilt solutions to solve problems rather than create our own solutions because the prebuilt ones are “good enough” and are simpler to implement.
Solving problems with prebuilt solutions is easy. But I think it’s best to use prebuilt solutions only when there are no better alternative solutions or if the problem doesn’t affect our lives much. If it doesn’t matter whether we install a standard program or a customized one, then by all means, use the installer. It’s much faster and simpler to use. But if it does matter, then build it from source. If living a mediocre life is fine, then take the prebuilt solution of playing it safe, avoiding risks, keeping in line with everyone else, and making sure not to rock the boat. This route will get you the standard life. But if you want something more exciting and fulfilling, don’t use this prebuilt solution because it won’t get you to where you want to go. Create a more personalized lifestyle.
Prebuilt solutions are easier to use but they might not be what you’re looking for. Creating our own solutions is more challenging and have a steeper learning curve but can be more suitable for solving the problem.
In my case, the problem was I wanted a more customized website. The solution was to transfer from prebuilt websites offered by Wix and host my own with Namecheap.