The result
Performance didn't come from a single trick. It came from keeping the critical path small: Server Components by default, images with known dimensions, and visual effects outside the first paint.
What changed
- Editorial lists load only metadata on the server.
- MDX content compiles only on the article page.
- Videos and embeds use on-demand loading.
The editorial contract
| Field | Role |
|---|---|
title | Page title and card title |
description | Summary, SEO, RSS, and archive |
date | Chronological ordering |
tags | Controlled taxonomy |
const firstPaint = 'server';
const clientJavaScript = 'only when interaction exists';
Next measurement
The next step is to compare pages with real content, without turning the blog into a giant index in the browser.