I’m always been interested in different platforms for publishing my writing on the web.
But it can be hard to find a platform that lets you focus on your writing, without getting overwhelmed with features, configuration, etc.
Which is what first led me to create an account on Posterous in 2010, a simple blogging platform which shut down in 2013 (after Twitter bought it).
What I loved about Posterous was its quick setup (little configuration) and the many ways I could publish a post, including sending an email with text, photos, videos, etc.
In recent years, I took a look at Day One, one of the most popular platforms for private journals.
But I never considered it for myself, since Day One didn’t offer a web interface. It was only available as an app.
While many people are happy to write on a smartphone or tablet, I’m not one of them.
I find it easier to write with a keyboard.
With a large writing display in front of me, not a small smartphone display.
When Day One announced a beta version of their web app in February 2023, I was thrilled to take another look.
Features I Like
I created a free account on desktop Firefox. In less than two minutes, I was able to write my first entry.
(On Day One, an individual post is called an entry. The collection of entries is called a journal.)
With their focus on writing, the clean interface with minimal distractions made it quick for me to start writing.
No need to download the mobile app for configuration.
I learned browser support includes Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Formatting options are minimal:
- Bold or italicize text
- Move content up or down
- Creating H1, H2, or H3 headings
- Numbered or bulleted lists
- Add file
- Tag
I’m not expecting to do a lot of content formatting so those options work fine for me.
Critical Issues
For a journaling platform that caters to a wide audience, I expect basic features like formatting and publishing.
And accessibility features.
Day One offers standard formatting features that I’ll use.
But after less than five minutes on their web app, I’ve discovered Day One is not going to be my journaling option.
First Critical Issue
After adding an image to my entry, I found no option to add alternative text.
My searches turned up no help or support documentation about alternative text.
I’m not sure if it’s a missing feature on the Day One web app or a missing feature in Day One itself.
It’s possible I overlooked the alternative text feature, but after 10 minutes of searching their forums and the web, I found nothing.
If image alternative text is available in Day One, or other accessibility features, their design team needs to make it obvious in their web and app interface.
Second Critical Issue
From the Known Day One on the Web Client Bugs (Google Doc), I learned Day One on the Web has no keyboard or screen reader support.
Poor decision by their design team, creating a non-inclusive product.
From past experience with WordPress and other digital products, I’ve learned companies that don’t prioritize digital accessibility like keyboard and screen reader support in the first version of their product never add it.
Or take years (decades) of adding it after the release.
Third Critical Issue
The third and major reason I won’t be using Day One on the Web:
I couldn’t find an option to publish my entry.
There’s nothing in the client bugs Google Doc about publishing problems.
So off I went to ask their help chatbot.
Only to discover Day One on the Web doesn’t support publishing!
Huh?
Here’s the response from the chatbot:
At this time, Day One on the Web doesn’t include the option to publish individual entries. However, you can still share individual entries via email or direct messaging by copying the link to the entry and pasting it into the message body.
Seems like a basic feature is missing for Day One on the Web when you can’t publish individual entries.
From what I guess, I’d have to install the mobile app to access my draft entry in order to publish it.
And get an entry link I can share with other people.
But I don’t know that for sure, since I didn’t download the Day One app.
And I don’t plan to.
If your company creates a web version of a journaling app, you need to make sure that web version has a publishing feature.
I shouldn’t have to have two devices to publish on Day One, a platform that promotes how quick and easy it is to publish a journal entry.
My mind boggles.
Summary
I’ve been looking for alternative writing/journaling platforms ever since Posterous closed down in 2013.
A platform with a simple interface that allows you to write and publish your thoughts quickly.
And syncs and supports multiple platforms, including the web. With basic keyboard, screen reader, and multimedia accessibility features.
Sad to say, in my short experience with it this week, Day One is not the platform to consider.
I continue my quest.
