Write.as vs Gridsome

Gridsome and Write.as are both content management systems, but they cater to different needs. Gridsome is a static site generator that focuses on performance and flexibility, while Write.as is a minimalist blogging platform designed for simplicity and privacy.

General information

Write.as
Gridsome
Introduction :
Write.as is a minimalist and privacy-focused platform launched in 2015. It offers a distraction-free writing experience with a strong emphasis on anonymity and privacy. Write.as is open source, allowing users to self-host their content if desired. Popular for its simplicity and clean design, it appeals to writers looking for a no-frills platform to share their thoughts and ideas without the distractions of traditional blogging platforms.
Introduction :
Gridsome is a modern website development framework for creating fast, secure, and dynamic websites using Vue.js. Launched in 2017, Gridsome is open-source and gaining popularity for its simplicity, performance, and flexibility. It allows developers to build static websites with dynamic capabilities, making it a popular choice for those looking to create high-performing websites with modern technologies.
Advantages :
  • Clean and distraction-free writing environment
  • Privacy-focused with no ads or tracking
  • Easy to use with minimal learning curve
  • Supports Markdown for formatting
  • Ability to publish anonymously or under a pseudonym
Advantages :
  • Fast static site generation
  • GraphQL data layer for efficient data fetching
  • Extensive plugin ecosystem
  • SEO-friendly with built-in optimizations
  • Easy integration with headless CMS platforms
Disadvantages :
  • Limited customization options compared to other platforms
  • Lack of built-in e-commerce functionality
  • Steeper learning curve for beginners
  • Limited third-party integrations available
  • Less robust community support and resources
Disadvantages :
  • Limited plugin ecosystem
  • Steeper learning curve compared to WordPress
  • Less community support and resources
  • Limited built-in features compared to Shopify
  • Less flexibility for complex website designs
Website users : Thousands
Write.as is used by thousands of websites as a simple and privacy-focused platform for blogging and content creation.
Website users : Thousands
Gridsome is used by thousands of websites, making it a popular choice for developers looking for a modern and efficient static site generator.
๐ŸŸข Difficulty : Easy.
Getting started on Write.as is straightforward with its simple interface and minimal setup requirements, making it accessible for beginners and non-technical users.
๐ŸŸก Difficulty : Average.
Getting started with Gridsome may require some familiarity with Vue.js and GraphQL, but the documentation and community support can help navigate the learning curve.
Year launched : 2015
Launched in 2015, Write.as is a relatively newer platform compared to others in the content management space.
Year launched : 2017
Gridsome was launched in 2017, making it a relatively new player in the CMS market compared to more established platforms.
Official website : https://write.as/
Official website : https://gridsome.org/


Commercial details

Write.as
Gridsome
๐ŸŸก Open source : Partially.
Write.as is partially open source, with the code for the core platform being available on GitHub, but some features are proprietary.
๐ŸŸข Open source : Fully.
Gridsome is fully open source and written in JavaScript. The entire platform is available for modification and contribution by the community.
๐ŸŸข Free option : Yes.
Free option available with limited features. Hosted platform with basic functionality for personal blogging or simple websites.
๐ŸŸข Free option : Yes.
Gridsome offers a free option with basic features, making it a cost-effective choice for those on a budget or looking to test the platform.
๐ŸŸข Paid option : Yes.
Write.as offers a paid option with additional features such as custom domains, password protection, and priority support for users looking for more advanced capabilities.
๐ŸŸข Paid option : Yes.
Gridsome offers a paid option for users looking for additional features and support, providing a more comprehensive experience.


Platform details

Write.as
Gridsome
โšช Hosted : Unknown.
Hosted options may be available through third-party vendors, but specific details on official hosted options are unclear.
โšช Hosted : Unknown.
Gridsome does not offer a directly hosted option, but users may find third-party vendors providing hosting services for Gridsome sites.
๐ŸŸข Self host : Yes.
Self-hosting is possible with Write.as, allowing users to have full control over their platform and data privacy.
โšช Self host : Unknown.
Gridsome can be self-hosted, but details on self-hosting options are not clearly specified. Third-party vendors may offer hosting services.
๐ŸŸก Headless CMS : Supported via plugin.
Write.as does not natively support headless systems but can be integrated with headless features through its API using plugins.
๐ŸŸก Headless CMS : Supported via plugin.
Gridsome is not inherently headless but can be used as a headless system with plugins and API integrations for decoupled architecture.
๐ŸŸก Static content generation : Supported via plugin.
Static content generation is possible on Write.as perhaps via a popular plugin, offering flexibility for users who prefer this feature.
๐ŸŸข Static content generation : Support natively.
Gridsome natively supports static content generation, allowing for fast and efficient website performance without the need for additional plugins.


Key features

Write.as
Gridsome
๐ŸŸก Content management : Supported via plugin.
Write.as offers basic content management capabilities but may require plugins for more advanced features compared to other platforms.
๐ŸŸก Content management : Supported via plugin.
Gridsome offers content management capabilities through plugins, making it a good platform for managing content with additional customization options.
๐ŸŸข Blogging : Support natively.
Write.as is a good platform for blogging with its simple and distraction-free interface, making it easy to focus on writing and publishing content.
๐ŸŸก Blogging : Supported via plugin.
Gridsome can be enhanced for blogging with plugins like Gridsome Source Filesystem for markdown files, but it's not native to the platform.
๐Ÿ”ด E-commerce : Not supported.
Write.as is not specifically designed for e-commerce functionality, lacking native features or popular plugins for online selling compared to other platforms.
๐Ÿ”ด E-commerce : Not supported.
Gridsome is not specifically designed for e-commerce, lacking native e-commerce features. However, it can potentially be enhanced with third-party plugins/extensions.
๐ŸŸก Community forum : Supported via plugin.
Write.as can support a community/forum with third-party plugins, offering enhanced functionality for user interaction and engagement.
๐ŸŸก Community forum : Supported via plugin.
Gridsome does not have native support for community/forum features but can be enhanced with third-party plugins/extensions for this functionality.
๐ŸŸก Content subscription : Supported via plugin.
Supports content subscriptions and paywalls through third-party plugins, enhancing functionality for monetization options on the platform.
โšช Content subscription : Unknown.
Support for content subscriptions/paywalls is not a native feature of Gridsome and availability of third-party plugins/extensions is uncertain.


Other features

Write.as
Gridsome
๐ŸŸก Multi-site : Supported via plugin.
Multi-site functionality can be achieved through third-party plugins, offering flexibility and customization for managing multiple sites on Write.as.
๐ŸŸก Multi-site : Supported via plugin.
Gridsome does not support multi-site natively but can be achieved through the use of third-party plugins or extensions.
๐ŸŸก Multi-language : Supported via plugin.
Support for multiple languages can be achieved through plugins like Polyglot or Multi-language on Write.as, enhancing its capabilities.
๐ŸŸก Multi-language : Supported via plugin.
Gridsome does not have native multi-language support but can be enhanced with plugins like @gridsome/plugin-i18n for multi-language functionality.
๐ŸŸก XML Sitemaps : Supported via plugin.
Support for XML sitemaps can be added through a popular third-party plugin or extension, enhancing the platform's SEO capabilities.
๐ŸŸก XML Sitemaps : Supported via plugin.
Gridsome does not support XML sitemaps natively but can be enhanced with popular third-party plugins/extensions for this functionality.


When choosing between Gridsome and Write.as, consider your priorities. If you value speed and customization, Gridsome is the way to go. However, if you prefer a straightforward blogging experience with a focus on privacy, Write.as may be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your specific requirements and preferences.