Hello 9rules Network!
I am proud to say that as of about 4:45pm yesterday evening I was admitted into the 9rules Network. I’ve been a long time reader and it is a privilege to now be a contributor. So, for all you first time readers, hello! And to the team over at 9rules, thank you for your consideration and acceptance – this is very exciting. It was a bit of a shock to come out of an extensive work meeting to see that my stats were jumping up.
So, I figure my first post should be a brief introduction. MarylandMedia.com is my space on the web where I focus on “business oriented design”: sharing opinions, experiences and references regarding web standards, interactive media, web accessibility, user experience, and “web 2.0″ design. I am a web designer, art/creative director and freelancer in Washington, D.C. I write about the things in our industry that spark conversation – the topics of debate, confusion, ignorance and intrigue. My topics are typically informative, controversial or simply no-brainers.
For those new to the blog and whose interest are slightly peeked (they must be if you’ve read this far) – I’ve put together a list of my top ten favorite posts of the year.
- Business Oriented Design – A Redefinition of the Web Designer
- Resumes Frozen In Time – How lack of self-exploration will decrease productivity and retention.
- Web Standards – an unnatural feeling!
- Designers – Stop, Drop and Roll! Take back your creativity
- Web 2.0 redefined with one word — responsibility
- A Case for Web Accessibility – it’s not just for the disabled anymore!
- Freelancers, how to determine our rates?
- Creative freedom and respect – if you can answer “yes” to three questions
- Web Designers, how much experience is enough experience?
- 800×600, should I really care?
So, you know a little bit about me and you’ve read through some of the highlights – what about the future? What is to come? Well first off, it has been a long time coming and I am moving off of the Blogger platform and finally installing WordPress – figure a fresh start in January is the best timing. I am happy to announce that I will be adding “interviews” as a special feature to this blog. I’ve gotten commitments from the CEO/Co-Founder of CrazyEgg.com, Brian Suda of “Using Microformats” and Alex Giron of CSSBeauty.com and dfckr.com to start out the line-up – I feel like it is a pretty impressive start to this little Blog. I suppose now that my reach has opened a bit and my readership is likely to increase, you can expect more frequent posts on my little niche of interest in this industry.
- December 15th, 2006
- 9comments
- I am a proud member of the 9rules network
Congratulations Martin and welcome to the family! I’ve already enjoyed the handful of posts I’ve just read on your site and look forward to more!
Thanks! I appreciate it and look forward to writing much more!
Martin,
Congrats on 9Rules addition! I just got added as well (juxtaviews.com)
I see you’re doing interviews for you blog soon… we could always use some more contributions over at Juxtaviews :)
Let me know if you’re interested and congrats again!
Martin, welcome to our group! As a fellow Web designer AND a Marylander, it’s especially nice to see you in the network!
Jeff, thanks! Glad to be in. You should come to a refresh dc meeting!
Martin - Nice to see another Maryland company in 9rules. I used to help the Motley Fool with their message boards system (years ago) when I worked at AOL. Nice work on their caps logo design!
Thanks! Keep checking out The Fool. I’ve been working with The Motley Fool for almost a year now and I can promise you — expect to see amazing things throughout 2007.
Nice work coming with 9rules, I’m glad you will be on their system!
One of the things you said here reminds me of a question I have often had. What is the difference between an art director and creative director?
Thanks, Tom.
Thanks Tom!
Great question by the way! One I am trying to wrap my head around also. Expect a post in the new year on the subject — but the short answer is “it depends!”. The difference really depends on the company and team environment. For example, I’ve been a Creative Director at my last two previous positions but am an Art Director here at The Motley Fool — yet there is no “Creative Director”.
There is a hell of a lot more than company politics — thanks for the push. You’ve got me going and I’ll write up a formal response and post it shortly.