CSS-Tricks returns to independent ownership
Original: CSS-Tricks has a new owner
Why This Matters
CSS-Tricks is a long-running front-end reference; its independence signals a shift back toward community-led dev media.
Geoff Graham, a 12-year CSS-Tricks contributor, has purchased CSS-Tricks from DigitalOcean, which acquired the site from founder Chris Coyier in 2022. Graham plans a full-time focus on community, courses, and advertising revenue.
CSS-Tricks is independently owned again. Geoff Graham — who has worked on the site for 12 years — bought it from DigitalOcean, which had acquired it from founder Chris Coyier back in 2022. Graham announced the change on October 26, 2026, calling it both exciting and nerve-wracking. 'I'll admit I'm a little overwhelmed and nervous,' he wrote.
To keep the site financially viable, Graham plans to return to a pre-DigitalOcean ad model: display ads, sponsored posts, and newsletter sponsorships. Membership is also available now. A beginner HTML/CSS course is already in development, as Graham explicitly wants the site to serve people earlier in their learning journey — not just experienced developers.
Article publishing continues, though at a reduced pace of roughly one or two pieces per week while things ramp up. The guest writing submission form is reopened. The newsletter, dormant for an unspecified period, is also coming back. Graham said advertising alone won't cover costs and described several other monetization ideas as 'already spinning.'