The majority of all the really cool web developers I have met has either a really crappy web site or no site at all. Heard the expression “The shoemaker’s children are often shoeless” ? That’s us!
Awesome people, not so awesome web sites
I’ve met people who are awesome when it comes to creating stuff on the web. At the same time their own page includes nothing more than an email… if they have a site that is. I’m including myself here. I’m not at all completely happy about the state of my own web site at the moment. An update has been on my todo-list for way too long but stuff comes in between. Stuff equals client work in my case. And I think that is what happens to most of us.
Ok, people, I can hear you mumbling. Of course there are exceptions. There are those close to über-humans who manage to do it all. Having an updated awesome portfolio/blog/about me-site while at the same time being awesome at work. And you know what? It seems like they have the time to have an irl-life as well. Yes, really.
To have or not to have a site
I have been thinking a lot lately about whether it’s important for us web developers to have an updated and good web site. The conclusion I have come to is that it depends. For me who has my own company it’s, naturally, important. At least if I want to keep getting new clients. Which I do. For someone who have a steady job that they have had for ages it might not be that important. Or?
Keeping something with your own name on
Some weeks ago I read about this guy who lost weight by tweeting. Every day he told “the whole world” how much he had lost/gained. Apparently it was a good method cause he was too embarrassed to gain so he ended up losing quite a bit. I think web developers can use the same method to keep in shape. Uhm… don’t get me wrong. I’m not talking body weight here. What I mean is keeping your skills top notch. By having a web site/blog or something similar you are showing the world your skills. There is something out there with your name on it. Might be good if you keep it fresh. Might be real bad if you let it get outdated. Just like it might be a real bad idea for a personal gym coach to put on a lot of weight.
Keeping the web healthy and growing
To take it one step further. If we all kept working on our skills I think the web could continue to be as cool and exciting as I think it is right now. I think having something on the web with your name on is one way of doing that. To try hard every day to not be a child of the shomaker might be a way to stop the web from getting outdated, old and something that stops to develop. I mean really how many shoemakers are there in your city? Exactly.
This is just my random thoughts on the subject. I would really love the hear your view. So please feel free to comment on this.
Happy healthy web!
/Ida
