Why bother having a website?

As I find is the case with most things in life, there is not one big reason for having a website, rather a few small ones that all add up to this being a good idea. Here are some:

• It's a place where I can express myself freely.
• No interruptions for the reader (as further described in my post about this websites design).
• A playground and hosting platform for my computer and internet related hobbies - programming and coding as examples.
• Building a brand and a presence on the internet, essentially I prefer being in full control of at least one of the platforms that talks about who I am.