Launch Options

Choose the public face of michaelplaster.com

The strongest ASAP launch is an editorial public homepage with private operator tooling behind login. These three directions are all viable, but only one is truly optimized for speed and clarity.

Warm, credible, publication-first

Recommended

Editorial Desk

Launching the grappling newsroom fast with the clearest public value.

HeroOne lead story, two supporting modules, clear public navigation.

Core modulesLead story · Latest coverage grid · Upcoming calendar · About / why this exists

TradeoffLess personality-forward than a creator homepage, but much sharper for launch.

Sharper, more analytical, more niche

Signal Board

Positioning the site like a live intelligence desk for hardcore followers.

HeroToday's signal, what changed, and why it matters now.

Core modulesTop signal rail · Change log · Entity heat map · Calendar strip

TradeoffFeels distinct, but colder and less immediately accessible to new visitors.

Creator-led, broader brand site

Personal Front Door

Making michaelplaster.com about you first, then the newsroom.

HeroMichael Plaster intro, thesis, selected reporting, and projects.

Core modulesPersonal intro · Featured reporting · Current focus · Archive and calendar links

TradeoffBetter long-term for a broader personal brand, weaker for this immediate launch.

My recommendation

Pick Editorial Desk

It matches what the product already does well: lead with a story, give people context fast, and move them into the archive and calendar. It also keeps the private newsroom clearly separate, which is exactly what you asked for.

Public navFeed, About, Calendar, Archive

Primary CTARead story

Private areaHidden from nav, accessible only through newsroom login