developer-tools custom-software blogging-platforms content-management

But yak shaving is fun

parksb.github.io

June 16, 2026

8 min read

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62/100

Summary

The blog is built from scratch without using static site generators or frameworks. It utilizes a custom system for writing posts in JSON format and a service that converts Markdown files into HTML.

Key Takeaways

The author built a static site generator from scratch after finding existing frameworks too limiting for customization.
"Yak shaving" refers to the process of getting sidetracked by related tasks while pursuing a primary goal, often leading to losing sight of the original purpose.
The term "yak shaving" was coined by Carlin Vieri at the MIT AI Lab and became popularized through anecdotes about unrelated tasks spiraling out of control.
Engineers often make the mistake of building from scratch instead of using existing solutions, which can lead to unnecessary complications and project delays.

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Coverage & discussions

Hacker News · parksb.github.io

But yak shaving is fun ↗

Community discussions

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Analysis ready

Community Sentiment

Mixed

Positives

AI has significantly reduced the costs and tradeoffs associated with yak shaving, enabling deeper understanding and performance benefits in building custom tools.
The current environment is ideal for yak shaving, as AI tools allow for more creative and effective problem-solving without the usual constraints.

Concerns

The overreliance on AI papers can obscure underlying problems, leading to failures where users are unsure how to address issues.
Yak-shaving-shaming can stifle creativity and limit the breadth of engineers, especially in a landscape filled with complex frameworks and libraries.