I Turned My Web Directory Into a Growing Collection of Tools, Sites, and Experiments

Description and use

base31.org evolved from a simple directory into a platform offering curated listings, subdomain tools, community publishing, and robust search, enhancing discoverability of niche web projects.

Problem

Users find it hard to discover useful small web projects and tools.

Outcome

base31.org evolved from a static directory into a dynamic platform offering curated content, subdomain tools, community publishing, and robust search, enhancing discoverability of niche web projects.

Workflow

• 1. Build main site with Next.js and TypeScript. 2. Store curated content in editable JSON files. 3. Implement search across names, URLs, descriptions, categories, tags. 4. Add tag‑style search and random‑pick option. 5. Host lightweight tools on subdomains (e.g., imagecompressor.base31.org). 6. Enable community uploads of static HTML/CSS/JS sites. 7. Provide voting, discussion, and notification features via Cloudflare Workers. 8. Apply dark/light themes, reduced‑motion, keyboard navigation, responsive layouts, structured data, and clear labeling for sponsored content.

Evidence

base31 is now a place to discover interesting websites, use small browser tools, explore public APIs and AI projects, and even upload a simple static site for other people to find.

Source

I keep the curated content in editable JSON files instead of burying every site entry in UI components.

Source

Visitors can upload a simple static site made with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The project can host it, list it for others to browse, and let visitors vote on it.

Source